"Love is patient, love is kind. It doesn’t envy, never boasts, nor is it proud." ~ 1 Corinthians 13:4
Among the country’s familiar debt
difficulties, Greece has an epidemic of abandoned dogs. The Greek Isles are home to over a million
strays (1 for every 11 residents). More
than 800,000 refugees from Syria and other Middle East nations have crossed into
Greece via the Aegean Sea. Most have
passed through the small island of Lesvos, due to its proximity to the Turkish
shore.
With refugees flooding the area, resources are stretched
thin. Yet compassion towards people as
well as animals has created a solidarity of kindness among Lesvos’ inhabitants.
A local resident was passing the Hott Spott Café in Ledvos’ capital, Mytilene, one night when he noticed something remarkable. Lit by the lights of a Christmas tree, 4 stray dogs were sleeping on the warm benches of the empty eatery.
As a waiter later explained, with
widespread unemployment in Greece, many people can’t afford to feed their pets.
We couldn’t bear to see them shivering during
cold nights alone at Christmas, so we let them in. Though the café bar closes to people at 3
a.m., homeless hounds are more than welcome after hours.
Not a night goes by anymore without canines on the couches.
Customers don't seem to mind, even offering some love and
attention to pups near closing. No doubt
a treat or two also finds its way into a hungry mouth.
It only took this one simple kind act to change the lives of
the sweet dogs who come to the Café at night, where they now matter to someone.
Such random acts of generosity
toward animals isn’t uncommon in Greece.
Despite being without a permanent home or family, animals are often
cared for by the community - an alternative to putting them into crowded
shelters. It’s like the entire country
of Greece is a no-kill shelter.
While it may not be possible to
open your home to every stray pet in need, an open heart can be just as
accommodating. The Quaker author, Parker
Palmer once wrote: “Committing acts of kindness shows us the power that we
have over ourselves and our choices; and whether this world is a cruel or
wondrous place to live.”
I’d add that they also bring us closer to God.
Our animals do have important roles in helping us to become
more human. And, one of the best ways to
teach children about empathy is by helping them learn about treating animals well.
Each kind act helps us too, become the
people we were meant to be.
Fill your day and your life with acts of kindness then. Let them flow from your soul. Let them warm your heart and lead you to
love.
