I subscribe to a weekly email called Heroic Stories - mostly they are about
how (some) humans can be extremely kind toward complete strangers.  This
weeks message included a cat, so I thought I would pass it on to you folks:
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Reaching more than 40,000 subscribers in 118 countries, this is...

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HeroicStories #735: 12 December 2007               www.HeroicStories.com
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Tattooed Agent of Mercy                                    Story Editor:
by Dave Wethington                                      Joyce Schowalter
Hawaii, USA

Jim is a biker and he acts and looks the part. He rides a Harley and
proudly wears his leathers. He's big with long ponytail hair, big
mustache, and dozens of tattoos. Jim's not the kind of guy you'd want to
mess with.

One night Jim and his wife were home when their elderly cat took ill.
The cat had serious health problems. With no children, this cat was
their "child". In under a minute Jim, his wife, and the cat were in the
car heading to the veterinarian.

Over the cell phone, the vet agreed to meet them at the clinic. The vet
administered medication that soon returned their cat to normal. Just
then another emergency case came in.

Dad, mom and four kids, all in tears, carried in a small dog on a
litter. The dog had strayed into the street and had been hit. The dog
had survived, but with severe injuries.

The vet determined that with immediate surgery and prolonged recovery
the dog could be saved. However, due to the time-consuming and difficult
work, the cost would be almost a thousand dollars.

The vet told the dog's owners what was needed and the cost, then added
it would be much cheaper if he gave the dog an injection and put him
down.

The family was faced with a terrible, painful decision. The father was
especially distressed, explaining to the vet that he was a blue-collar
worker with a wife and four kids. Spending a thousand dollars on a dog
was simply not financially possible. Yet behind him were his four
children all in tears.

Jim and his wife witnessed this entire drama. Stroking their cat,
thinking of how much she meant to them, Jim saw concern and tears in his
wife's eyes. Without hesitation, Jim told the vet to do whatever he
could to save these people's dog, and put the expense on their bill.

The father said: "Sir, I really appreciate your gesture, but I don't
think I could ever pay you back."

Jim's replied: "I don't want you to pay me back, just take care of your
family. My wife and I don't have any kids, just our cat. Please let us
help."

The father gratefully accepted the offer and the rest of the family
gathered around, and thanked Jim and his wife profusely. The vet left to
operate.

When the father asked for Jim's name and address, Jim said: "You don't
need it. Just take care of your family. Pass it on in your own way to
someone else."

Today there is a dog somewhere enjoying his extended life with his
family because this man of leather and tattoos also has a golden heart.
I'm proud to call Jim my friend and my brother-in-law.

    ----------==========----------o----------==========----------
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We can't grab on to your mouse to make you look at our advertiser's
site, but we can URGE you to do so. Today's advertiser isn't a big fancy
chain with a glitzy web site. It is, however, from the person who's
purchased the most ads *ever* from HeroicStories. Please honor that by
taking a look, and if you see a book, movie or gift you like, grab it!

"Traveler's Aide" (#734) told a seemingly simply story of a man in
Chicago who saw a traveler struggling with her luggage -- and helped her
with it all the way to the bus islands. Bill in New Jersey replies: "In
major airports these days, it's a miracle if the person behind you
doesn't mow you down. With everyone thinking that they have to get where
they're going right now, this story is truly a more amazing event than
it might seem on the face of it."

Betty in Ohio (former HS author) adds: "As I read these wonderful weekly
stories, I am ALWAYS uplifted. It echoes my mother's daily admonishing
to 'be kind'. Keep it up, all of us HeroicStories readers, and yes, we
will change the world, one person at a time. In this season of rush and
too much, let's remember, its not *things* that matter, it is *people*."

We have more from our many responses to "A Symbol of Humanity" (#733).
In it, a clerk kindly helped a customer wearing a full burka, overcoming
the customer's fear of being negatively judged for being different. Tim
in Montana: "I loved this story, but just really hate that the poor lady
had been in this country for a month and only had this one act of
kindness!! Thank you for being there to be kind Debbie!"

Susan in California: "This HeroicStories got the tears flowing! As a
customer service professional, I'm so glad that the author was able to
see 'beyond the veil' and help this terrified, lonely woman. The
author's last sentence, 'Different cultures do not eliminate the
humanity in humans' should be engraved over the door of every church,
temple, and public building as a reminder to us all!"

Jean in Washington: "I'm friendly by nature. Many times I've smiled at
Middle Eastern women, in a gesture of welcome, friendliness, and
reassurance of no criticism of their nationality. I've received
tentative smiles in return, but more often they seem to be afraid to
make eye contact. It's sad they live in our country in fear. If they
have babies or small children, I smile at the children, they often smile
back, and that breaks through the barrier. We should treat everyone with
the same kindness and courtesy. The typical Middle Eastern native is not
so different than we are. Terrorists are radicals, and don't represent
the rest of their people."

Mike in Virginia: "I commend Debbie on her response to a terrifying
incident for a stranger. Having lived in other countries (both as
tourist and in the military), and been unable to speak (jaw wired shut)
in America, I'm very sensitive to issues involving being understood in
another language. Ideally, when you are the 'foreigner' it helps to
learn a few words, especially 'please' and 'thank you'. Many Americans
are incredibly insular about learning other languages, and treat poorly
those who speak other than English. It also amazes me how, in EVERY
country, if you don't understand, the speaker invariably raises their
voice, as if volume improves comprehension. Debbie apparently resisted
this urge, and used mime and body language to make herself understood.
Bravo!"

Reed, "a Co-conspirator in Oregon," sent another reply to issue #730
(still on our archives here: http://www.HeroicStories.com/archives.html
). Reed: "After reading the conclusion of 'I Want Performance' (#730) I
wanted to share an idea. Many of us had wonderful teachers throughout
our school years, changing our lives for the better. And how often do
their good works go unthanked? Using Internet searches or simply calling
the school, we can express our gratitude. Look them up and let them know
they made a difference in your life. It will truly warm their soul --
and yours."

Joyce Schowalter, Publisher
Co-Conspirator to Make the World a Better Place

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