dogs in cages.

I decided about a month or so ago to start doing what I had made a habit when I lived in Columbus. I am visiting the local animal shelter and dropping off items they may need--food, litter, fans (it's florida after all!), toys, etc. I love to donate items off a wish list rather than $$-- for some reason knowing where my money goes just makes me feel better. So I decided to include Noah in these trips. I thought it would be a great idea to teach him about giving back and to show him these animals that need homes. The first time he was really sweet. He carried food in and gave it to the desk and then we wandered around. Here in Florida, most animals are outside in covered areas. They are nice (for a shelter) but outside and really, really hot. It's so difficult for me to see (yes, I sometimes cry and want to take each one home... but little joe is sitting on my shoulder saying "no nicole.") Noah goes to each area and says hello to the dogs and cats and the coon cat that looks like Daisy he actually went up to and said "hi Daisy!" It was sweet. I explained to him why they were there and how they were looking for new mommies and daddies to take care of them. That it was so important to bring food for them because they don't have money there to buy lots of food. I think he understood... but who can be sure.

So the next time we went to go I asked him if he wanted to go to the place with all the doggies and kitties that didn't have homes that lived in cages-- we could go visit them again, keep them company and bring them food. From that moment on all he said was "I want go see dogs in cages." Oh goodness. Now, I know what that means, but maybe his teacher or someone else will be like what in the heck is going on at your house??!! It was still pretty cute though. So we went again-- this day was a little tougher. He was super energetic and ran through the place, not always listening. But he carried the toys and gave them to the woman and saw every animal. And yes, the coon cat was still there. And he went up to him and said without hesitation, "Hi Daisy."