4/13/14
“Ripples #829: ‘Life
is a gift, and it offers us the opportunity and responsibility to give
something back by becoming something more.’ –Tony Robbins”
Today Paul Wesselmann and his Ripples did it again! I’m
pretty sure Paul has some weird direct connection into my brain as 95% of the
time his Ripples seem to relate directly to my life! Thanks Paul. Keep ‘em
coming!
I officially start work at the shelter tomorrow. This first
week I will mostly be working with the financials and getting the books in
order and into a spreadsheet. This is something I have done for years
(personally and professionally) so I should have no problem getting everything
done fairly quickly. I am very excited to have found this time to be able to
give back. Volunteering (in any aspect) has always made me feel like a more
complete person.
my new office
My attitude towards Costa Rican dogs has changed so much
since my initial arrival. On my first trip to Costa Rica, I believed dogs were
indifferent. They seemed to roam around freely and answer to no one. They
appeared to do what they wanted and didn’t really seem to have owners.
On the reverse side, on one of my first days here I took a
video of myself talking about how said it was that I thought most of the dogs
were homeless because they were roaming around. I thought people ignoring them
was a sign of people’s disinterest in dogs and pets. I was (unfairly) judging
people for what I perceived as poor treatment of animals.
But I have come to learn that is far from the truth. My
first night out I met a 3 legged dog. He was sweet, but not overly friendly.
The next time I met him, he was with his owner. He almost seemed like a
different dog. His owner spoiled him with fresh meat and he followed him
everywhere. He was friendly, wagged his tail and rolled over onto my feet. I
was surprised to learn that dogs here mostly have owners. They are well fed.
Yes, most of them roam around town, but at the same time, most of them are
rarely more than a few feet from their owners. They are independent but attached.
It’s a very interesting dynamic to watch. These dogs clearly love their owners
and they gain strength and confidence from being around them. The owners
clearly love their dogs and take them pretty much everywhere.
I have even made a dog friend in town. I have no idea
who his owner is, but he has found me multiple times. The first two times he
showed up to two different bars on two different nights. He also found me twice
today. The first time I was walking, he came up to me to say hi and then went
on his way. Right now he is sitting on my feet while I type and eat my lunch.
I am excited to be working with the animals here in town. I
miss my puppy so much (it doesn’t help that she’s sick and I can’t do anything
about it). I’m hoping helping less fortunate animals get medical care and find
homes will help with my puppy-sickness. I look forward to the challenges that
volunteering will bring.
Until next time,
Love you!
-Al
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