2 weeks Ago
I believe there is a little kindness and compassion in all of us. This past Sunday, I witnessed a stranger be kind to another. At a stoplight next to me, a woman with her dog rolled her car window down and gave a gentleman, on a median with his dog, a can of dog food.
Appreciative, the man opened the can. The light turned green, and his dog was enjoying a can of turkey in gravy. It was a small act of kindness that put a smile on my face.
Last week, there were many comments on social media about a dancing man. Usually, he can be seen dancing on the sidewalk in front of Smith’s on St. Michael’s Drive and Pacheco Street.
His German shepherd, Heidi, sits near him. He is Ray Reyes, and I wrote about him last year. Excerpts from the column: After being homeless for 25 years, Reyes finally has a place with a warm bed to call home again.
With help from the community and local resources, Reyes and Heidi are living in a one-bedroom apartment. Reyes, who grew up in Orange County, Calif., came to New Mexico for its drier weather and beauty of the desert after both of his parents died.
After arriving in Las Vegas, N.M., Reyes decided he wanted a dog.
Reyes found a man who would soon have puppies for sale. Reyes offered to buy one, but the seller refused to take Reyes’ money when he learned Reyes was a homeless veteran. Reyes has also been sober from drugs and alcohol for 25 years.
He received Heidi when she was 4 months old. Traveling on the Blue Bus from Las Vegas to Taos, Reyes and Heidi spent four winters living in a tent with propane heat before coming to Santa Fe. Choosing guard duty at night over the warm tent, Reyes would take a down sleeping bag and cover her to keep her warm.
It is clear, seeing her lying next to Reyes, that Heidi is a content, happy dog. “Heidi belongs to God,” said Reyes. “I am honored to be her caretaker.
” Although Reyes has received many offers for a bed for Heidi for her new home, Reyes has refused. “My room is like a palace. She sleeps on top of the bed with me,” Reyes said with a smile.
Reyes is not homeless nor a drug addict. He works as a part-time handyman, and when he has time, he dances on the sidewalk near his apartment, and Heidi goes with him. He doesn’t ask for money because he enjoys making people smile and seeing them happy.
As for Heidi, Reyes treats her with kindness and respect. And for that, Reyes deserves a little kindness and compassion from anyone passing by him. The Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society: Peter is a Chihuahua with a lot of personality.
He’s touch-sensitive, so people have to respect his boundaries, but once he warms up to a person, he is a quirky little guy. Peter is the perfect mix of independence and affection. His new owner needs to be patient, understanding and up for a dog with character.
Tripp, a pitbull mix is equal parts playful adventurer and couch companion. He’s always ready to run, play and take on a trail. For anyone who has the energy for hikes and the heart for snuggles, Tripp is a perfect match.
The shelter’s adoption hours are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.
m. daily. Call 505-983-4309, ext.
1610, or visit SFHumaneSociety.org . Española Humane: Gus is a shy, handsome cat who wants nothing more than a gentle hand on his head, a lap for cuddles and a patient person.
Gus is neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and comes with six months of free heartworm prevention. Daphne is an 11-pound dog who is spayed, vaccinated and microchipped, and her adoption fee is waived. The shelter is open from 11 a.
m. to 5 p.m.
Monday through Saturday. Call 505-753-8662 or visit espanolahumane.org .
Felines & Friends: Skipper is a 5-month-old black-and-gray tabby who loves to play and climb on a cat tower at Petco. She also loves wand toys and carrying “prey” toys around. Skipper should be adopted with a sibling or her slightly younger kitten friend Kateri.
Black, white and calico kitty Kateri was born on a pueblo and raised in foster care and her litter was socialized. All found homes — except little Kateri. She’s a playful petite girl who gets on well with her roomie, Skipper.
It would be wonderful if they were adopted together. More than 170 cats are awaiting adoption. Apply at FandFnm.
org . Dew Paws Rescue: Monti is a male, 6- to 7-week-old mixed-breed puppy who was rescued from a box of puppies at a fruit stand. He has his first vaccination and is ready to go to a foster home Anyone interested in adopting or fostering Monti may call 505-412-9096 or email infodewpaws@gmail.
com . The Horse Shelter: Fiji is a 10-year-old brown gelding with a wonderful personality. Just over 14 hands high, he packs a punch, but is a gentleman.
He is gentle, willing, strong, loving and dependable. Anyone interested in adopting Fiji may review his riding video at thehorseshelter.org or call 505-577-2193 for more information.
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