Photo: Maria Sanchez

“Give yourself entirely to those around you. Be generous with your blessings. A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.”  ― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

This story begins in a quieter section of San Bernadino, California. Dave Thomas, pictured above, was on his way out and into a brand new day—when he was pulled over by the local police department.

The issue? Just a few minor traffic violations that he couldn’t afford to make ‘go away.’ So, he was promptly jailed for this minor offense—while his beloved companion, Buzz Lightyear (also pictured above) was carted away.

It would seem in the best interests of dear Buzz, that it would be necessary to “impound” him at a local animal shelter—just until his owner could sort out this mess.

When Dave was released, he was ecstatic, and raced off to retrieve his dearest friend. But sadly, realized just as soon as he arrived, that there would be no way he could pay the $400.00 ‘storage’ fee.

Devastated, Dave did the only thing he could do—he sat outside the cage, holding the paw of his pet, and simply wept. He stayed there each day and each night, making sure that the water bowl was filled, and that Buzz got a few little treats during his day. But mostly, just to let him know he hadn’t been forgotten—and that, no matter what, he would ‘find a way.’

A young woman by the name of Maria Sanchez watched one day as Dave sat and poured water into his pup’s cage. And when she pressed as to why she didn’t take him home, he said simply, that he just didn’t have the means.

And, with just a flash of the quickest of thoughts, this young Samaritan found that way.

With just a few snaps of a camera shutter, and a click to her Facebook page—Ms. Sanchez reached out to all her friends, and asked for just a little help.

And that’s where this story really begins.

For, in just a few short moments, and a few simple clicks—those pictures went viral and the money started pouring in.

But, in yet another tragic sort of amazing-story twist—no one could find Mr. Johnson to share with him this great news, as he had left the wrong information at the animal shelter.

Refusing to ever give up on that ‘good story’ end, and perhaps taking her cue from that man sitting outside a cage, Ms. Sanchez posted fliers on every lamppost throughout town—offering a $2,000 reward for anyone who could help her find Dave.

(this is where the story gets good)

Just this past Monday, Ms. Sanchez was finally able to locate Dave and share with him this amazing surprise—that in just a few short moments, he would finally be reunited with his friend.

Take a moment to watch this most wonderfully inspiring video—and then take a moment to think over the many ways you might help someone in your day.

Facebook can be a most powerful tool, when it is that it can be used finally for something good.

And, no offense to the silly status updates and countless pictures of ‘fishy lips’ and fabulous food.

Photo: Maria Sanchez

Watch this heartwarming (and quite the tearjerker) video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlQWuv2LIRg

 

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Ed: Kate Bartolotta