With the continuing reports of tornadoes and the damage they have done in the US recently, this story comes to mind. I have permission from the one who originally told me her story to share it here. (Picture of Okie to follow.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Following a devastating twister, a woman went out to Oklahoma to help them recover what they could. After several days there, she spied something on the side of the road on her drive to the airport.
It was a little puppy, somehow separated from his mother before he should have been. Not wanting to leave this defenseless pup to fend for himself, she adopted him on the spot and took him to the airport with her. He was named "Okie" after Oklahoma.
Southwest Airlines had a carrier for the pup so he could go in checked luggage, and they promised to keep an eye on him. At the layover, however, a flight attendant told her that Okie wasn't doing so well. The pup was very frightened and had been anxious and crying non-stop. They admitted that if Okie were to ride in checked luggage the second leg of the flight, he would not survive the trip.
They gave the pup some water and took him for a walk around the tarmac under the docked plane. Then the captain himself brought the pup to her and, against regulations, they allowed her to carry him to her seat and hold him in her arms the second leg back to New England.
Being held helped calm the pup and he did survive the ordeals of storm, separation and flight. Okie lived a full and happy life - just a month shy of 14 years.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sometimes we never know who we will help, nor how far our efforts will go when we reach out with kindness. Because people cared enough to help and respond with compassion, a life continued and a family has been the richer with the love and memories Okie brought over the years.
When there is a need
Listen to your heart
Indeed.
- ESA
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Following a devastating twister, a woman went out to Oklahoma to help them recover what they could. After several days there, she spied something on the side of the road on her drive to the airport.
It was a little puppy, somehow separated from his mother before he should have been. Not wanting to leave this defenseless pup to fend for himself, she adopted him on the spot and took him to the airport with her. He was named "Okie" after Oklahoma.
Southwest Airlines had a carrier for the pup so he could go in checked luggage, and they promised to keep an eye on him. At the layover, however, a flight attendant told her that Okie wasn't doing so well. The pup was very frightened and had been anxious and crying non-stop. They admitted that if Okie were to ride in checked luggage the second leg of the flight, he would not survive the trip.
They gave the pup some water and took him for a walk around the tarmac under the docked plane. Then the captain himself brought the pup to her and, against regulations, they allowed her to carry him to her seat and hold him in her arms the second leg back to New England.
Being held helped calm the pup and he did survive the ordeals of storm, separation and flight. Okie lived a full and happy life - just a month shy of 14 years.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sometimes we never know who we will help, nor how far our efforts will go when we reach out with kindness. Because people cared enough to help and respond with compassion, a life continued and a family has been the richer with the love and memories Okie brought over the years.
When there is a need
Listen to your heart
Indeed.
- ESA
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment