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The animals listen attentively as children read to them, lay a head on the shoulder of the infirm and ease the tension in a room full of anxious family.

Source: Therapy dogs: With soft eyes and furry ears, these volunteers at Overlake and other area hospitals reassure patients, families | The Seattle Times

Some years ago I would regularly take one of our dogs along to visit my father in his nursing home. I can attest to the bright moments doing so brought, not only to my dad, but to the various residents we encountered while we were there. Some facilities require that pets be certified, but we were fortunate in that as “family” — and being well behaved — we could bring ours without question.

When California State University, Los Angeles’s Class of 2017 graduated, 70-year-old Berenice Onofre Vásquez was one of its most accomplished members.

Source: This 70-Year-Old Peruvian PhD Grad Proved It’s Never Too Late to Make Your Dreams Come True

Yet another in what appears to be turning into an ongoing series: “Age is nothing but a number”. 🙂

The man donated money he earned from a government settlement to the shelter so his friends could “stay safe”.

Source: Homeless shelter receives $10K donation from former resident – BBC News

It’s actually not at all that uncommon for folks who’ve been helped by shelters and similar organizations to give back when they’re in a position to do so. Very cool, that.

“Books transformed me, so I think books are a symbol of hope for those places,” Gutierrez said. “They are a symbol of peace.”

Colombian garbage man builds library from discarded books – MSN

Turning trash into treasure … for everyone, especially those that otherwise wouldn’t have access.

Jeffrey Eggleston of Boulder, Colorado, won the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in 2 hours, 21 minutes, 18 seconds on Sunday, and 94-year-old Harriette Thompson of Charlotte, North Carolina, became the oldest woman to run a half-marathon.

Source: 94-year-old Harriette Thompson oldest woman to run half-marathon

In short: You go girl!

‘The real spirit of Manchester’.

Source: Police officer dances hand-in-hand with kids at One Love Manchester | Metro News

There are a number of good stories coming out in the aftermath of Manchester, and the benefit concert just held. This one just tickled me the most. Cops should dance more often. 🙂

I think young people are really tired of the way we talk about aging. They want to believe that they can keep becoming and reinventing throughout their entire life.

Source: This 60-something professor never planned to be a fashion icon. Then the world discovered her. – The Washington Post

Inspirational on many levels. Read the linked article and you’ll see she’s particularly appealing to the younger crowd, which is a bit of a surprise for some reason. I know I plan to keep on becoming and reinventing .. and “doing” … for as long as I can….

…relaxed drug laws, a focus on rehabilitation over punishment, and an electronic ankle monitoring system that allows people to re-enter the workforce.

Source: Dutch prisons are closing because the country is so safe | The Independent

It just makes so much sense. I was there last year, and I have to say I was as comfortable as could be. 🙂

In Texas, high school football is a way of life. The Friday night lights, big…Read More »

Source: Star Quarterback Named Homecoming King, Shocks Crowd When He Kneels To Present Crown To Deserving Classmate. – InspireMore

I’m not a big sports or football fan, but this is inspiring. Great to see this from a high school leader.

Islamic groups have raised nearly half-a-million dollars for the families of the men killed in Portland, Oregon while trying to defend Muslim women from a racist attack.

Source: Muslim groups raise $500,000 for the victims of the Portland attacks | The Independent

I’ve said it before, I’ll probably say it again: the worst in people consistently brings out the best in people. Sad that it would be necessary, but so encouraging to see.