The good guys thread

[kuhio98]

The Animal Rescue League of Berks County in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania has had dozens of kids in attendance each week to read to adoptable cats. It's a great way for the kids to improve their reading skills while providing comfort to cats awaiting a loving home.

The Reading Buddies Program has been a big success for both the kids and cats. The children find the cats non-threatening and a supportive audience, while the cats enjoy human interaction and the rhythmic, soothing sound of a child's voice.

The program has strengthened the bond the shelter has with the community and introduced new families to the shelter. This has lead to many more adoptions.

Not only do the kids love it, but it gives the cats socialization and play time they love, and increases their chances for adoption.

Well done ARL of Berks County - and all the kids in the Reading Buddies Program!

[phesina]

What a great idea, and what a great program! That's wonderful.

Well done, Animal Rescue League of Berks County!

[kuhio98]

What a great idea, and what a great program! That's wonderful.

Well done, Animal Rescue League of Berks County!

I saw an article a few years ago where a grade-school teacher was bringing her dog to class. The kids that were struggling with their reading, would sit in the corner and read to the dog. She noticed that the kids improved rapidly because they didn't feel inhibited because no one else was listening and correcting them. They were nervous reading in front of people but didn't feel judged or "wrong" reading to the dog.

[kuhio98]

Video: 84-Year-Old Woman Who Waves to Students Every Day Gets Sweet Surprise



Tinney Davidson has a simple morning routine: smile and wave.

For the past seven years, the 84-year-old has sat beside the window of her home in Comox, British Columbia, to enthusiastically greet the Highland Secondary School students who walk by, reports Comox Valley Record. Davidson's pleasant hellos have become a daily highlight for many of these high schoolers, so the students decided it was time to give back.

On Valentine's Day, the school welcomed Davidson to a surprise assembly celebrating her kind spirit. The guest of honor was brought into a gym packed with smiling students, who gave Davidson handmade cards and plenty of hugs as a thank-you for the smiles she has spread over the years.

The students also recognized Davidson's charitable work. After her granddaughter was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago, Davidson began knitting hats and selling them to people who passed by her home. All the profits from her handiwork go to St. Joseph's General Hospital, the same hospital that helped Davidson's granddaughter beat her battle with cancer.

Davidson, who sees her waving tradition as a treat in itself, was moved to tears by Highland's act of gratitude, telling the Comox Valley Record: "I’m overwhelmed, happy and grateful. My happiness is having children wave at me."

[Karen]

I saw an article a few years ago where a grade-school teacher was bringing her dog to class. The kids that were struggling with their reading, would sit in the corner and read to the dog. She noticed that the kids improved rapidly because they didn't feel inhibited because no one else was listening and correcting them. They were nervous reading in front of people but didn't feel judged or "wrong" reading to the dog.

Three little dachshunds at my church, one who has her own wheels because of a back injury - are reading assistance dogs at local libraries here. They are all very sweet, and love laps!

[kuhio98]

Charitable Waitress Surprised on April Fools' Day with 'Best Shift Ever'



Chelsea Roff raised her little sister on her own, struggled to overcome an eating disorder that led to a stroke and an 18-month hospitalization, but later went on to fund a non-profit yoga program, Eat, Breathe, Thrive, to help others deal with similar afflictions.

And on April Fools' Day, Roff, a Venice, Calif., waitress, received the ultimate feel-good prank to honor her good work and positive spirit, described by one admirer as "rising from a pit to the top," ABC News reports.

With hidden video recording an unusual day on the job slinging ribs at Los Angeles's Spring Street Smokehouse, an incredulous Roff, 23, had the "best shift ever." She received a $1,000 tip, a Hawaiian vacation, a new car and a dream job teaching therapeutic yoga at a treatment center.

The gifts were all handed out one by one from customers as Roff listened in amazement.

She was nominated for the "prank it forward" day by her boss, restaurant owner Chris Patterson, through the viral feel-good campaign from the website break.com. He noticed Roth's work ethic and dedication to get ahead and help others.

"Believe me, Chelsea deserves a vacation," Patterson said on the video, where he and others at the restaurant along with Roff's friends are all in on the special day. They noted that she had earned it.

"The work she is doing now is actually impacting and saving lives. How would I not want to be a part of that?" said longtime friend Diana Roehl, who had helped Roff through her eating disorder and who emerged from the new Nissan car as Roth screamed and cried.

"No one has ever just given me things that I don't have to work for," Roff said. "I was just so shocked. In life, you work for things, that's how you get things."

Roff says she wants to continue her charitable work to help people recovering from eating disorders. "I love working at the restaurant and waitressing and being around people, but I want to teach yoga full-time through my foundation," Roff told Good Morning America. "That's my goal."

[kuhio98]

Dillie the Deer: Love on Tiny Hooves

[kuhio98]

Gardeners to the Rescue
Out of gas in a remote setting, she wondered who she could turn to for help.

By Mary Gojkovich, Westport, Connecticut

Time was always tight in the morning when I got my fourth grader, Katie, ready for school. Today she had to be there early, so our schedule was even tighter. We had to leave at 6:00 a.m. if we wanted to get from New Canaan, Connecticut, to Katie’s school in Greenwich on time.

“I just hope we don’t hit traffic,” I told Katie as we left the house.

I looked at my watch as we approached the highway. We were cutting it close. “Better take the back roads,” I said, driving past the entrance. I glanced at the gas gauge: It was low, but I was certain I had enough to get us to school and I certainly didn’t have time to stop at a gas station.

I’d been driving for about 25 minutes when the car slowed down–and then stopped. “What’s happening?” asked Katie.

“We ran out of gas. Wait here.” I opened my door and got out. There wasn’t a car in sight. So much for being early, I thought. And then a truck came along.

“Hop in and I’ll take you to a gas station,” the driver offered. He seemed nice enough, but I couldn’t get in a car with a stranger. Especially not with Katie. Ten more minutes passed. Lord, I’m in a real jam!

Another truck came along, full of landscaping equipment. This one had two men in it. “How can we help?” the driver asked. I explained our situation. “We’ll get gas for you at the station up the road and come right back,” he said. When they returned they filled my tank.

“What do I owe you?” I asked.

“Nothing,” said the driver. “It’s our pleasure.” It was then that I noticed the company logo on his shirt: Gardening Angels. Katie got to school early–thanks to some gardeners who arrived right on time.