Humane Society

The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart. - Helen Keller

Yesterday Greg and I took the boys shopping for supplies to donate to the Humane Society. Jacob was very involved in picking out the items he wanted to donate. He even chose the perfect treats and collar! When we arrived at the Humane Society, the dog room just wasn't the place for him. He didn't like the smell or the noise. I can't say that I blamed him. It was very loud. Greg took Andrew to look at the dogs and Jacob and I went to the cat area.

In the cat area, Jacob had me read him the descriptions of each individual cat. He wanted to know its name, age and whether or not it was nice. He stuck his hands through the cages to pet each one. He told them, "Merry Christmas. I hope you find a home for Christmas." He talked to me about what he thought each of them really wanted, and how he wished that they didn't have to spend the holidays locked inside metal cages. I agreed with him, and reassured him that some of them would find homes. One of them had a sticker that said it had an adoption pending. I also told him that his petting was a comfort to them, even if it was just for a little while.

This is the second year that we have gone to the Humane Society as part of our Christmas experience. I think that it's a good tradition for Jacob - not too heavy, something he can relate to, having pets at my mother's house. I hope that it is age appropriate way of establishing some roots of gratitude, generosity and kindness, not just for other people, but also for animals. It's something we hope to continue, and pass on to Andrew as he gets older too. I'm sure the Humane Society will always be in need.