#87: People Traffic
Sometimes, when I get really hyper-focused on "my" problem at hand, I forget to look up. I have my head down so deep into analyzing and "trying to figure it out" on my own, that I forget what's going on around me. I love this reminder to reach out. To ask for help. To look up and around. To turn to community. Even when you have absolutely no idea where the support could possibly come from....especially then...remember that the world is full of friends, community, and strangers waiting to surprise you with their kindness. We're so much more connected than we realize at any given moment. Thanks for the reminder, Amanda!
- Jaime
Amanda Posa amandaposaj@gmail.com
People Traffic
This past Monday started as a typical one — backpack heavy and coffee hot. I left for class right on time, descended the flight of steps from my apartment, and stepped into the parking lot. To my joyful surprise, there was this little dog there. So of course, my immediate reaction was to call to the scraggly little pooch. And immediately he trotted over to me and let me pet him. His wiry hair felt really coarse and he honestly smelt like he had just been in the dumpster across the street. And if you were curious to know what he looked like, he’d probably come up under Google search images if you typed in “stray dog.” He was very cute though - some type of terrier mix. And if I had to guess, his name was probably Scruffy and Scruffy had most likely been out on the street for awhile. His tiny shoulder blades rubbed up against my palm.
My joy turned into discomfort rather quickly as I looked up and didn't see an owner anywhere in sight. He had a collar with a phone number though. But when I called, I discovered it was the Alachua County Animal Services which was closed on Mondays. I called my roommate as I was pressed for time and unsure of what to do in the moment. We figured I should just leave the poor little fellow food and water for now. So I walked back up to my apartment. And he followed at my heels. And my roommate came over and held our own dog away from getting to lil Scruffy and having him for a second breakfast. So I was able to prepare him some food and water. But he didn’t go for it. Instead, as I turned away to continue on my way to class, he followed.
He crossed every road with me. He remained at my heels the ENTIRE time.
Soon, a huge sense of fear and terrible thoughts emerged. He was going to follow me all the way to my class. And there’s a really busy road near it. So he was going to get hit by a car. Because of me, I was going to lead this dog into his own demise. With tears slowly filling my eyes by this notion and the sound of his jingling collar behind me, I called my best friend. When she didn't answer, I called my boyfriend Chad. Obviously, he was unable to give me a concrete solution. So, nearing a mile later, Scruffy and I arrived outside my class. And at that point, I was just hoping my professor was a fan of Show and Tell.
But now at this spot on campus, there were so many people and students and even another dog that Scruffy got distracted by. And with one minute to class time, I was able to scoot in as he got lost in the commotion of strangers.
I sat down in my seat feeling really upset and uneasy and stressed. What was going to happen to him now? But Chad texted me saying, “If he’s still around after class, we'll figure out a plan for him.” Then I got a call back from my best friend, Alana. I told her the situation too, and she said she was heading to campus and would keep an eye out for him.
Don’t let my 50,000 person university fool you because sure enough, Alana spots him where I last saw him. She tells me not to worry and that he is with three girls who are sitting with him, one who looks like she’s calling to get in touch with someone/somewhere who could help.
Safe to say, I was immediately relieved. I felt such a sense of hope, not only for him, but for humanity. I thought about the unusual and worrisome sequence of events. I thought about my helpful roommate, my boyfriend, my best friend, all the strangers who I noticed showing interest in him as he trailed behind me walking to class. And the amazing strangers who found time to stop, sit down, and really figure out a solution for the dog. And I thought about how it actually worked out in some way for Scruffy ... because people worked together. And they cared about making a big difference for a little (but endearing) creature.
Reflecting back, I think I actually felt the greatest sense of community than I ever have in the last three years on this enormous campus of bustling college kids.
I can’t be 100% sure, but something tells me that that dog was able to get to a safe space where he would receive some more love and attention, and hopefully a bath.
I am so glad to have led Scruffy into traffic... people traffic. Because the compassion of human beings is what rescued him.
Amanda's first-person bio:
I am currently in my third year at the University of Florida. I am studying Education and Sustainability Studies as I have a deep passion for both teaching children and for caring for the environment. I seek work, people, and environments that align with my core values of empathy, compassion, and conscientiousness. My biggest joy is when I can be of sincere help to someone or something that needs me. Whether that means putting in great efforts to go green, supporting the earth and its resources, or opening my ears to listen and arms to hug someone who needs support, I always find my motivation when I see betterment due in part by my actions.