Tuesday 5 August 2008

GPP Steet Team Crusade #22 Pay It Forward

In this month's crusade, Michelle asked everyone to think creatively. Michelle asked us to think about what we are grateful for - a kindness that has been directed our way, and to think about how we can honour that kindness by paying it forward to someone else.

Michelle recently lost her younger Sister Shannon. Michelle asked for readers of her blog to send her 65 pink socks which she would send to the nurses who cared for Shannon.

You may be asking why "65"- A little boy who could not pronounce his sibling's condition, Cystic Fibrosis, called it "65 Roses". Go and check out Michelle's website - at last count (13th August) there were 434 pair of socks from around the globe!


As some of you know, I'm involved in a marine mammal research and rescue group called ORRCA.



On Saturday I received a call asking me to investigate a fur seal that had hauled out on a beach on the South Coast. So, off down south for a lovely hours drive. Took me a while to find the little one who had apparently been chased up the beach by some dogs! He/she is presently in care.

Sometimes you may search for hours and never find the animal you have been sent to look for, so it is important to remember that if you ever find any wildlife to give as many details as to it's location as possible to the rescue organisation.

So you may be thinking what has this got to do with the Street Team, right? Well, I am constantly amazed by the wonderful people that I meet doing this volunteer work.

I couldn't tell you just how many people came back down to the beach during the day to check on the little seal and also to check whether I wanted anything such as food or drink.

I like to think that I am doing my bit for the animals and at the same time teaching people a little about our marine mammals too.

I've also sent off a little gift to a dear friend just because.... but cannot say too much as I don't want to spill the beans in case she reads this blog! lol

The weather on Saturday was fabulous and when there were no people or dogs around I managed to take some pics. (Some I had taken earlier prior to finding the seal pup .... when I was looking for him on the rocks he had been reported to be on.... well, a rock..... just my luck there were hundreds!)



Great crusade Michelle xoxo

15 comments:

michelle ward said...

janine - perfect time to share about your years of involvement with animals. it gives us a chance to learn more about you and reminds us about being in tune with our planet and the creatures we share it with. xo

Chris said...

I love what you've shared, and those pictures are so great, they take me right to one of my favorite places.

Kathryn Antyr said...

Janine, What an interesting life you have! Your photos are gorgeous. I'm touched by the outreach of the people who checked in on you and the little guy. It is great to see kindness expressed.

Anonymous said...

Interesting AND beautiful AND important. Well done! I enjoyed reading your story!

Ro Bruhn said...

What fabulous photos of a great part of the world, we really are the lucky country. The animals are really lucky too having people like you and my step daughter who lives in Queensland and devotes so much of her time to looking after orphaned animals. Well done.

Lost Aussie said...

What a great story and Im so glad you managed to find the Seal.
The beach photos are stunning! You are making me homesick Girlie xoooxo

Jen Crossley said...

Awesome Janine that you take the time to help these wonderful animals.Beautiful photos as well
Jen

inge said...

Janine,

someone who's kind to animals is good to people too...

greetings
Inge from Belgium

Anonymous said...

Hi Janine,
lovely story and beautiful pictures too! Hedwig

inge said...

Janine,
thanks for the nice comments on my blog ! If you want a badge and wear it with pride, just let me know your adress...

greetings
Inge

Kim Mailhot said...

What a beautiful example of the pay it forward crusade ! So glad you were there to save that lovely creature and that you got some extra kindness and help along the way.
Thanks for sharing your story !
Cheers,
Kim

Anonymous said...

Beautiful story and action - thank you! And love your images - amazing photos and nature! mmm!

Marylinn Kelly said...

Janine, Our "pay it forward" efforts relate, I believe, to all living things and your seal story is a fine example. Your photos are lovely and I would certainly have taken the heart-shaped rock as a sign. Thank you for your comments.

Rosie said...

Beautiful photos and I hope the little chap survives! I like everything I've seen on your blog - you have a great connection with Nature...

Anonymous said...

Janine,
I love your post. That is a great thing you are doing! Thanks for the comments on my blog!

Anne Hartman