“Hope is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul…” Emily Dickinson
Recently, my daughter posted a sign that she had recently seen. It was in the dressing room of a department store. The sign shows a picture of a very sad, very pathetic dog, and the caption reads: “Shoplifters will be forced to watch 24 hours of Sarah McLachlan’s ASPCA commercials”. Christine’s response: “I’d rather go to jail.” And I agreed. These commercials send me running for the remote. I cannot bear the thought of animals suffering.
So, it was with much trepidation that I attended today’s "Women’s Roundtable" at the St. Paul Jewish Community Center. I usually attend these weekly forums with my 90-year-old friend, Gloria. But for some reason, she was completely uninterested. Said she’d rather stay home in her pajamas for an extra hour than learn about shelter animals.
So, I was left to face it alone. And because my heart gets ripped to shreds at the thought of an animal living in abusive conditions, I thought I too would stay home in my pajamas (or even my jeans).
But I remembered this week’s advent theme. HOPE. I decided I would put my trust in HOPE. That maybe if I went to this talk, this person would give me reason to hope.
The speaker, Laurie Sweep, of the Animal Humane Society, did indeed give me hope!
Did you know that the Animal Humane Society placed 95.2% of the animals in their care? They spay and neuter animals! They have a free Pet Helpline (952-HELP-PET)! They have community programs, partner with Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, and on and on.
It was enough to give a person, namely, me, HOPE. I learned that there are others out there that care about animals, and are devoted to giving them the love they deserve.
So, thank you Advent. I would not have gone to this program without the promise of HOPE.
And HOPE is just what I received.