It was a ways out in east Portland, behind some big shrubs. It was just another place, but it was their place. There was a small tent and a few things; and you knew he was a Marine by how orderly everything was. He said he didn’t need a lot but he takes really good care of what he has. Because in his world you just don’t go to the store and buy something because you want it. He said you weigh the need and the dollars and then you decide. And pretty much always the dollars just aren’t there. So you focus on the true necessities and call it good. His happy and handsome dog Frank seemed to nod in agreement.

Battle scars both inside and out frame the stories, but that’s as far as those stories went. No need to relive the past. Frank continued to nod or at least he looked like he did. Frank doesn’t stray far because his mere presence keeps his Dad anchored. They’ve been together for 10 years, two older fellas living the life that others may scoff at but seems to work for them. It’s not perfect but it’s theirs. No complaints, just a quiet, thoughtful presence for both of them that makes clear they appreciate what they have.

The motel not too far away welcomed this pair for fast baths and laundry because things like that are not easily had. The desk clerk could have easily scoffed at our request because the idea of a messy tub filled with dog hair is not really what a quick-turn motel wants to find. But this guy, he’d been there too. He understood. The large tip we placed in his hand was pushed right back; he said to please use it for someone else. This one, he said, “this one’s on me.”

It turns out Frank and his Dad had neighbors a few trees away. They too had pulled back from a hectic and stressful life. We saw them. You scan fast and see what you can see. Battered boots, home-patched coats, lumpy but not plumpy sleeping bags jumped out as things badly needed. But for many of these proud folks, making do with what you have is good enough.

A few days later we returned with the gear they needed but never requested. Thanks to a couple of folks who said “The Pongo Fund helped us once and now we want to help too,” we delivered your sleeping bags and gift cards and tents and tarps and so much more. You said you bought those things in memory of a friend who fought one too many battles and didn’t make it, and you asked us to help others who were fighting their own battles too. So we did.

There were spiffy new dog coats for Frank too, one for warmth and one for rain. And a brush and some treats and a toothbrush and toothpaste because his Dad said Frank loves to have his teeth brushed but they had no toothbrush or toothpaste so we fixed that. And there was more.

But not too much more because giving too much ruins it; weighing them down with many of the very things they wanted to leave behind. So you pay attention to what you see and you make the list and you do what you can. And that’s what we did. And those of you who send us donations to help with these special cases, well, this is how we do it.

We left quietly just as we’d arrived a few days earlier. No long or loud goodbyes were needed. We came, we saw, we did what we could. In the end, we made a difference. And you made it possible.

It was a good day. We know that Frank nods in agreement.

And this is why we Pongo.

Sit. Stay. Eat. Live. thepongofund.org

(photo of shrubs is stock photo and not the actual shrubs in the story.)

***The Pongo Fund is Oregon’s Pet Food Bank. Because hungry people have hungry pets. Our award winning and volunteer driven group helps more animals than any other group in Oregon by providing high quality food and vital veterinary care for the family pets of anyone in honest need, keeping them safe, healthy and out of the shelters. 90,000 animals helped; 9,000,000 healthy meals provided. We would be honored if you SHARE this post so that others will also know of our good work***