Animals have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a little girl, I rode all over the countryside with my grandfather in his Ford F-150. He’d pull over and rescue frogs, turtles, dogs, cats and even snakes from harm. Those who had been injured were promptly taken to the local vet for loving care.
I could bore you with the long list of pets I’ve loved throughout my life, but I’ll sum it up to say that I’ve loved a flock of birds, a kennel of dogs, a pride of cats, countless schools of fish, one lone iguana, a baby anole who hatched and accidentally found his way into my house for two days (I cried when I took him outside because he was so precious), and even my mom’s famous bullfrogs. These experiences have taught me countless lessons about life. But this video captured my attention and heart last week. And I think it will capture yours, too:
I can just watch that story over and over again. It’s so beautiful and so full of hope for all of us. Here are just some of the lessons:
1. There are people you don’t know who care about your happiness and success.
2. Strangers will pull together to make good things happen, yes, even for you.
3. No matter how bleak your past has been, there is always hope for a better tomorrow.
4. Even something as seemingly harmless as walking on luscious green grass can be scary if you’ve never done it before.
5. Every little bit helps, no matter how small. Those small things, whether they’re donations or positive thoughts or smiles, can all add up to do the seemingly impossible: bring happiness and hope.
6. Life isn’t meant to be only for one purpose, and even if your previous purpose wasn’t that great, you deserve fun and happiness- play time even!
7. One person’s vision to make the world a better place can make a difference, no matter what steps or obstacles have to be conquered.
8. The first step is always the hardest. But it gets easier after that.
9. Do things when you feel safe and secure- even if it’s not on someone else’s time table.
10. You can lead and inspire others to be brave, too, even when you’re not sure what you’re doing (like taking that first step).
11. Just because someone else has hurt you, doesn’t mean everyone will
12. Love doesn’t abuse or intentionally hurt. It encourages. It accepts. It understands you.
13. Celebrate every step and every success!
The Beagle Freedom Project began in December 2010 when one person, Shannon Keith, learned that beagles used in research lab experiments were eligible to have a second chance at life. Watching them take their first steps, literally, is best described by watching it. To find out more, visit www.beaglefreedomproject.org.