Katie grapples with a condition that has a common name but we won’t mention it here because it’s not who she is. It’s simply part of her, like thick hair and long eyelashes and fingers that still remember playing the piano. She asked for dog food and treats for the dog she doesn’t have. What she asked for is not the typical way we do things. But sometimes, the typical way we do things can change. Like for Katie.
She has no money, just a little bit of disability income. Her family is mostly scattered, so she greets everyone as family. Her smile is big and broad and invites others in without hesitation. Some things may not function for her as they once did, but again, that smile, it’s pretty much the most perfect smile ever. Her mind is sharp, her wit even sharper.
One of her caregivers has a dog, an older dog. The dog struggles with some issues like Katie struggles with some issues. This caregiver is one of Katie’s favorites. Despite the hardships each of them face, their conversations always focus on the positive because Katie says why bother focusing on the stuff that sucks? This dog is a constant part of their conversation, something they both enjoy. Katie had dogs growing up, but she cannot have a dog now. So she lives her love of dogs through her caregiver’s dog.
Because of something she heard, she knew that things were extra tight and that this woman who was always there for her needed some extra help. But asking for help was not her way. So Katie made the call for her. She laughed her way through most of the call; she said she laughs more when she’s nervous. But her message came through loud and clear. How can she help this dog who she loves? And can Pongo help her do it?
Katie had an address for this woman she adores and asked if we could deliver the items to her as a surprise? And could we include a card? Something that felt like Christmas? And that maybe had a dog? And could we sign the card from Secret Santa?
Yes Katie, we can do that.
And we did.
And maybe, just maybe, Katie found out she had a Secret Santa too.
And this is why we Pongo.
Sit. Stay. Eat. Live. thepongofund.org
#thepongofund #love #portland #oregon #helping #dogs #katie