"A Cat Socializer"

hi everyone!
i thought i'd share this lovely moment i had today with my virtual world of helpers! i decided that i wanted to create a space in my life for the human-animal bond. it is a relationship that i never directly experienced in my life but considering the fragmented and often emotionally disconnected ways in which we live our lives, i think there is therapeutic value that can be generated from the bond between human beings and our companions in nature which could perhaps help to heal these man-made divisions. in fact, i've never been a pet owner, but for the past year, i had started to fall for the idea of having my own cat---but i couldn't explain why. initially i thought it would be low maintenance to have a cat rather than a dog, since cats are more independent and cleaner and i could go on vacation without them feeling too sad. lol. however, before i could become a cat owner, i realized that i need to know how to be responsible for one. i felt it was important for me to learn about them first---not just play with them and cuddle them, but also learn how to feed and clean them, and slowly begin to understand their world. on top of that, i feel that it could be another opportunity for me to cultivate more compassion in my life, so that while i can give my affection to the kitty, i could build gratitude into the experience by seeing the ways that the kitty could be giving to me. so i stopped into petsmart today, but the 'adopt a cat fair' was over and i couldn't pet the cats unless i was seriously considering adopting one!! instead, the lady told me about 'the humane society of silicon valley' in santa clara and said they need people who want to do exactly what i was looking to do---" be a cat socializer!" lol!
so, there i went---off to the animal shelter and discovered a cute little world of creatures i had never known much about. i talked to a woman, breanne, who said, all i had to do was sign up, attend an orientation, and come whenever i was available. after following the 'paw tour' throughout the shelter, catching a glimpse of kitties, rabbits, some grown-up doggies, and having a pleasant conversation with a nice lady (with a cool european accent) who worked there as a 'dog socializer,' and meeting a friendly asian couple who told me about the two cats they adopted and the rabbit they also had, i was so excited to jump into this new role!! i tucked a smile card and two 1 dollar bills into the donation box and picked up the volunteer sign-up sheet and drove off with a smile!!!
just thought i'd share the little joys of today with you all! :)

"Smiling Subway Sandwiches"

it's lunchtime!! it was going to be a quick one today, so with great determination, i stepped into 'subway' with the intention to secure my sweet onion teriyaki sandwich order with the deli ladies and make my swift exit. as i neared the cashier, i instead, turned to the portly asian man standing beside me, and asked him, "can i do something for you?" as he gave me a peculiar look which included a slight frown, i then said, "i'm part of this group which spreads kindness in the world, so can i buy you your sandwich?" his face softened, his teeth began to show again and he was reading the smilecard that was now in his hands which were also lightly gripping the plastic bag which showcased his lunch! the cashier looked at me a bit puzzled as well when i told her i was buying his sandwich for him---but then, i got a smile from her too! lol! the man, while perhaps still processing the experience, added, "hey thanks," and i scurried off and ran back to my smile-mobile as i made my escape from subway sandwiches! :)