Dogs, Cats and Snakes Out Shopping

I was in a department store the other day and a woman came in with her little dog and started to put it in a store shopping cart. A clerk went up to her and told her the dog could not go in the cart. She was rather indignant, but said she would hold the dog. What nerve! I have a dog and I love her. She is a well-behaved 100 lb. Greater Swiss Mountain dog. I do not take her shopping with me (with the exception of once in a while to Home Depot or Petco, where she is welcome.) I wonder how these same people with these little dogs would feel if I strolled into a store with my big girl and started scanning the racks? It has become a fad and commonplace for small dog owners to schlep their dogs everywhere they go. They think if they put the dog in a purse or dress them up in a sweater, that the "No Dog" rules do not apply to them. They have an inflated sense of entitlement. Dogs are not our children. They are our pets. Yes, we love them, they mean a lot to us, but they are animals. Can I bring my cat into a store? How about my parrot or my pet snake? At the end of the day I don't want a dog sitting in a cart where I might put my child or where I will put personal items such as my purse or a jacket. I do not want a dog sitting in a cart where I will place clothing I am going to buy. I do not want a dog in the dressing room where I am trying on clothes. If people want to take their dogs on a shopping trip, leave them in the car with the window down, better yet, leave them at home where they belong.

The Death of Philanthropic Organizations

After 86 years of serving the people of the Hayward California community, the Hayward Lions Club has turned in its charter. Dwindling membership, ageing members and a lack of community interest led to the demise of this club. Through the years, many friendships were made, much fun was had working on a variety of projects, and a lot of money and assistance was donated to local, national and international organizations in need. The members have hosted foreign students in their homes and made friends all over the world. They have assisted hundreds of children in obtaining eye glasses, and other eye care through the University of California and the Lion Eye Foundations. Members have traveled throughout Mexico at their own expense bringing eyesight to hundreds of folks who otherwise would never have had that resource. As for remaining members, some will join neighboring Lions Clubs, some will move on to other organizations, but no matter where they go, but no matter where they go they will take with them the memories of camaraderie and good fellowship they have all experienced. The bottom line is when we lose philanthropic, humanitarian organizations like the Lions Clubs it is a loss for us all. Without organizations like the Lions Clubs, the Kiwanis, the Rotary, the Eagles, the Elks, etc. etc. etc. our humanity is in danger. We all have excuses for not joining a philanthropic organization or a non-profit club. We are too busy with work, kids, family, home, yoga classes, and more, but can you spare 2 hours a week to help someone else? Instead of writing a check, give your time. Do it as a family. Get off the couch, pull the kids away from the television and the computer. Ring bells for the Salvation Army at Christmas, feed the poor at a homeless shelter, join a philanthropic organization. As human beings, we have an obligation to help our fellow man. Try it and at the end of the day you will find that people helping people makes for a better world, a better country, a better community.