He walked with two stiff legs, a limp in each one. Reminders of his Army days. He laughed, describing an injury that never quite healed. The winter-time arthritis made it worse but he had no complaints. His erect posture and head sitting straight atop his neck showed the proud soldier still.

He said to call him Sarge.

He lives behind some trees in one of the places that people without homes call home. I found him by accident, along with two others. Veterans all, choosing this life because it’s where they felt most comfortable.

Each one said they were fine, they took care of themselves and each other. But when I said dog food their eyes lit up. Sarge said they weren’t out but their bottle and can recycling was down due to the weather and they could use more food but only if I was sure no one else needed it more.

I hear that so much. People in need want to be sure that others in need get their help first. How is it that those with the least still have the most giving spirit?

I told him I had plenty.

And then Sarge talked about the dogs. Just gushing about them. They were right there, tails wagging the whole time. Each one happy and clean and neutered.

These dogs romped with abandon, having a great time. But when Sarge walked a little ways to show me something, they walked with him. Because of his limping, Sarge walked slowly.

But here was the best part. Because when he walked slowly, so did the dogs.

And when Sarge stopped and sat down, the dogs would run and play at a normal pace. But when they walked with him, they really walked with him.

It’s one of the oddest things I’d ever seen. And yet another reminder of how smart our animal friends are. He was part of their pack so they all walked together.

It reminded me of when my own Dad was sick and walked slowly, barely able to walk at all. But we walked together, my steps slowing to match his. Sometimes he made a joke about it and just for a second he’d pick up the pace and leave me a step behind.

But I felt comforted when I slowed down to keep pace with my Dad, just as I know he slowed to walk with me when I was little. I imagine those dogs felt the same way.

These soft-spoken Army Veterans had such a tidy campsite. And plenty of inside jokes. The nicknames. The prodding. The dares. The sarcasm. These guys laughed together more than anything else. Despite the challenges, they had joy. I could see it and I could feel it.

I asked if I could stop by and check on them again and they said sure, but not too often. They really did like their privacy.

It’s November now. The holiday season. The giving season. And Veteran’s Day is just three days away. Honoring men like this that gave their all.

The Pongo Fund helps a lot of veterans. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine and more. And a lot of them have animals. They struggle silently, often too proud to ask for help.

And that’s why we do our best to help them. Because they’ve already done their best to help us.

Which is why this is such GREAT NEWS. We have a proud United States Veteran stepping forward right now to match every single donation. And The Pongo Fund just began our 4th year in the Willamette Week Give Guide holiday giving campaign.

Meaning if you click this SECURE donation link your donation WILL BE DOUBLED so we can continue to help these Veterans and hundreds more like them: http://bit.ly/1MQ3Hn5 .

Once you enter your donation amount simply scroll down and provide your payment information. It’s that easy, about a minute or two is all it takes. And just like that it will be doubled!

“Compassion counts above all else — more than intelligence, wealth, power or prominence. Those who have it, and extend it to all living beings, fully understand its potential to single-handedly change the world.” ~ Brennan Browne

Sit. Stay. Eat. Live. Helping Others. thepongofund.org

#army #navy #airforce #marine #military #veteran #pongo #dog #foodbank #rescue #giveguide #willametteweek #veteransday

(Photo is stock photo and not the actual place where these men lived)