A heart of gold merits kindness from a stranger

So you have heard about this hero vet of ours several times this year. There's just simply no way we could do what we do without his tireless efforts, fantastic attitude, warming love for the animals and a very very patient demeanor! I can't count the times we've rushed to the practice with a cat in need with no time to call in advance. In spite of people in the waiting room and us trying to squeeze in in between furry patients, we have never have we met a disgruntled face but always kindness and an instant willingness to help the cat in need. When we've had an emergency like we did this summer with Snowy having a very serious asthmatic attack, he instantly left the practice and came to Snowy's rescue. As a matter of fact he's often come at the end of long working hours to tend to some of our kitties, involving a long drive too. But it's always been the same... just kindness and such love and compassion for the cats. Added to this we have always been treated to a very favorable price for these stray kitties... I don't know if people are this lucky any other place in Greece! We count ourselves very lucky - truly! As you can imagine the yearly vet bill would be off the charts with nearly 40 cats (plus treatment for the occasional dumpster cat). 

It's not easy knowing how to repay such to us invaluable kindness, but this Christmas I got to pass a  very sweet treat from a complete stranger. 

A little while back I saw this really cool t-shirt on Etsy that I just thought he would love. It was worn by Jackson Galaxy, the star of My Cat From Hell on Animal Planet (boy would I love for him to come around sometime!!). When I saw the opening statement of the shop owners profile, I instantly thought I was in the company of like-minded souls: 

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated" ~ Mahatma Gandhi 

- I actually used this very quote in an early blog post!

Reading a little more about the terrific people behind this shop I realized I was in the company of animal lovers and people who do good in this world. They donate towards animal shelters and nature disasters. With this is mind I dared write to them telling them about the cats I rescue and asked if they might be open to donate a t-shirt to a man who does so much good for animals. Anyone who's ever inquired about donations for any cause knows it can be a bit far and wide in between kind responses. So I was both amazed and over the moon when I received the sweetest reply, instantly asking for my address. I was frankly bolted over by their upfront and instant kindness. A very sweet correspondence started and lo and behold... a few weeks later this cool t-shirt was in my mailbox! 

This allowed for us to drop by just a few days ago to pass this special surprise to Manos, our vet. It was great for once being able to pass a kindness in return - and it even involving kindness from complete strangers. 

So here he is proudly wearing the t-shirt. Some friends of ours (also real cat lovers) met him later in the day in the practice showing off his new t-shirt... (I think he does love it!!).

At home with his own cats after a long working day... He travels to the surrounding islands with veterinary service and has pioneered so many good things and projects for the Greek cats and animals. He is their advocate and voice for sure. 

And to sweet Abby (cool t-shirt super model), Toni and Mark... THANK YOU!  I can't even begin to convey how heart warming and magic your kindness has been. 

To check out their cool goods head over to their Etsy shop RCTEES.

Merry Christmas all!!