Dogs, money, and others.

I took Roxie to have her Micro-chipped today. In case she ever wanders off and gets lost - some kind soul may take her to a vet to find out if she was chipped... and then we'll get her back.

I love my dog. She's epitomizes unconditional love, she shows us how to live with "gusto" and she is always thrilled to see us! When we walk through the door at the end of the day, she acts like we are the highlight of her day!

So I got to wondering how much money we spend on this dog. I looked at our monthly expenses that are logged into a nifty budget spreadsheet, and was surprised with the amount of cash that goes towards her care. Between dogfood, vacinations, grooming and kenneling, we have spent $566 so far this year. And then the $50 today that I paid for her to be chipped. (GASP!!!)

I'm troubled by this.  In our culture, it's acceptable to drop lots of money towards the care of our animals. For some of us, they are a part of the family, and are treated with the best medical and preventative care we can afford. I'm the worst about it too. I love my doggie with all my heart, and would be quick to sacrifice alot, if needed, to keep her healthy.

Many people will spend their last dime to feed their pet before they will feed themselves. I learned recently about a facility in Henderson County, called the Silver Star Room, that assists with supplying necessities for victims of Elder Abuse.  When they are brought to the attention of Adult Protective Services, there are many physical needs. The Silver Star Room keeps items like blankets, socks, and toiletries readily available for help. Also...pet food is one of the items they keep in stock. Many of these elderly victims of abuse will have given their last bit of food to their beloved pet, choosing to give to their doggie or kitty instead of taking care of themselves.

Isn't that sad?

So here's what I'm thinking... Rick doesn't even know this yet. (Hi honey!) What if, for every dollar that we spent on our dog, we gave the same amount to help an elderly person in need?  From the numbers in my budget, we have spent about $2.00 a day on our dog. To put it into perspective, for only $1.00 per day, we can provide clean water, food, and education to a child across the world.  Think about that! We can secure their future for less than I spend on my pet.

Wow. I just re-read that. It's sobering.

There are so many needs around us. In our own neighborhood, across town, on the other side of the County, on the other side of the world. And it's easy to get overwhelmed, thinking that we can't do anything to help change the world. But what if each one of us did a little bit more than we already do? Just a little bit more. Collectively, we CAN make a difference. I know it, and you know it too.

I'm not sure what that looks like for me and my doggie. But I'm thinking about it... And change cannot occur without thought.

Think, talk, do. See the change.