Four years ago, we published Nan's article "Cans for Cats. Bottles for Dogs" about her neighbors and friends donating a ton of recyclables. Nan then donates the deposit fees to animal welfare groups.
Her life illustrates what one person can do for others. One tin can isn't worth much, but this "garbage" has created $137,000 in 12 years – amazing for this kind-hearted woman in her eighties!
Nan's latest, "one person can change the world" adventure involves a senior dog.
"I am an old woman and that's why I adopted an old dog, Jimmy," said Nan. "I always adopt according to my age and energy. A senior dog walks my speed and needs my companionship as much as I do his.
Adopting Jimmy was like buying a new car without any accessories. His previous life is under investigation as ‘a cruelty case' from a breeder who imprisoned him in a crate. He has a lot of changes to adjust to at 11 years of age. One is that he did not know how ‘to go outside'. My other senior dog, Molly, gets all the credit for toilet training Jimmy in a week. He's also learned how to go up stairs and down again.
His life-long isolation may explain why he is petrified of car rides. He is learning to become excited for them, though. When we drive for my coffee, he gets pats and treats. Even with his crate-induced contracted muscles and stiff-arthritic legs, he now jumps out of the car but is unable to jump up into the car.
This special, gentle and good-natured dog has made great progress. When he first arrived, on three occasions, he charged my cat, Frankie. However, he soon realized that Frankie was family. This afternoon while Jimmy and I were napping, Frankie jumped up and lay down beside Jimmy and they both fell asleep! That's progress!
Each morning, he greets me with his soft kisses, then grabs his favorite stuffy and runs around the house. Then at 6:30 a.m., we go for a walk where Jimmy sits outside the coffee shop on the chair next to me where other customers give him a ‘Hello' pat. He also enjoys meeting their dogs who come for their morning treats.
I thought I was adopting an older dog; but much to my surprise, he's turned into a ‘puppy'! He is a happy little guy and a quick learner, proving that ‘You CAN teach an old dog new tricks'!
Whatever torture his previous life was, he is now loving life! I can't believe anyone would neglect such a special-hearted animal! He is affectionate, loves to cuddle, and sleep on my bed with me, Molly, Frankie – and his stuffed toy. He looks so cute (not sure Frankie thinks so).
His happy gestures feel like he's thanking me for adopting him. He has brought so much joy to my life, that if I had a tail, I would be happily wagging it like he does his!"
