Welcome to this week’s kindness post. If you stick around to the end, there’s a little surprise….
Adam Silverman sent me this. The story first appeared in the Washington Post – the link here – I found most of it in other places, in case you don’t have a subscription. I’m careful about posting their entire articles in a thread. Here’s KIRO’s story on this act of kindness. All the photos are from Holly’s Facebook page:
Eagles’ Anthony Harris takes Texas girl whose father died to daddy-daughter dance
February 10, 2022 at 6:00 pm PSTBy Bob D’Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
ROUND ROCK, Texas — Anthony Harris is a defensive back by trade. The Philadelphia Eagles’ safety delivered in the clutch for an 11-year-old Texas girl last month, stepping in for her late father at a daddy-daughter dance.
Audrey Soape lost her father, Ryan Soape, in March. Her grandfather, who would have been her stand-in date for the dance at The Fellowship Church in Round Rock, died five weeks later, according to The Washington Post.
“We had such a horrible year, and she had been through so much,” Audrey’s mother, Holly Soape, told the newspaper.
Enter Harris. The 30-year-old was Audrey’s favorite player when he played for the Minnesota Vikings and stayed loyal even after he went to the Eagles in 2021.
“I’ve been a fan of him for a long time,” Audrey told KTBC-TV. “And he moved to the Eagles. Of course, I miss him on the Vikings, but I rooted for the Eagles this year since he was playing on the Eagles.”
Several days before Christmas 2021, Holly Soape reached out to Harris on Instagram and asked if he would be willing to attend the church dance with her daughter, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. The two had been corresponding periodically on the social media platform since March 2020, according to the Post. Holly Soape is originally from Minnesota, and her family had followed Harris’ career.
“Hey, this is kind of a crazy big ask, and please feel free to say no, but there’s this dance at the end of January,” Soape wrote to Harris. “Is there any way you would consider doing this?”
Harris was receptive to the idea, but his attendance hinged on the Eagles’ playoff performance.
“I told (Holly) that if we didn’t make the playoffs or if we didn’t go far in the playoffs, that I would be open to doing it,” Harris told the Inquirer.
After the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Eagles in a wild-card game in January, Harris had a free weekend.
“I was kind of trying to think of how I could make it as normal as possible and make it a smooth and special evening … not knowing each other deeply,” Harris told the newspaper.
Harris partnered with his charitable foundation to buy a dress for Audrey, and also footed the bill for the girl’s makeup, hair and transportation to the dance, the Inquirer reported.
Harris then flew to Texas to take Audrey to the dance, KTBC reported.
“I felt super special, and it just kind of felt like special treatment for me,” Audrey told the television station. “And it was kind of enjoyable to just sit back and let all this stuff happen.”
For Holly Soape, the best part was seeing someone show up for her daughter.
“From start to finish he made this night unforgettable for her,” she wrote on Facebook. “From helping get her the dress of her dreams, setting her up with hair and makeup, getting a car service to escort her to and from, and even coming to the house to pick her up and take photos.
“This was truly a night to remember, and I don’t think I’ll ever fully wrap my mind around it.”
“I’m just thankful for the opportunity I have to play football and have an impact on people’s lives and that was ultimately what I was trying to do, to be there for (Audrey),” Harris told the Inquirer.
©2022 Cox Media Group
From Holly Soape’s Facebook page (you don’t need an account to read her entire post):
Next up, a dog tracker who spends her time helping owners find their lost pets with her non-profit A Way Home for Dogs
Jackie sent this one to me:
JAMUL, Calif. — Seven years ago, Babs Fry was devastated when a pregnant terrier mix dog she was fostering at her Jamul ranch disappeared without a trace.
Then she got an email from a professional pet tracker offering some unusual dog recovery tips that blew Fry’s mind.
“I lost a dog and was very fearful and didn’t think anyone would be able to catch her. Then I got a call from this woman and I thought she was crazy. But sure enough, 10 days later that dog was in a trap in my driveway.”
That was the beginning of a major life shift for Fry, a longtime Realtor who now dedicates all of her energies to her new nonprofit A Way Home for Dogs. The organization provides free tracking and recovery advice and services to find lost family dogs, as well as strays.
Since she started training as a tracker and trapper seven years ago, Fry estimates she has helped in the recovery of hundreds, if not thousands, of dogs throughout Southern California and beyond. Read more here.
And finally, from Anne Laurie:
Worrying about whether we are being “scammed” by people in need is probably the single most prevalent way we keep our hearts small and cold and our souls weak and miserly pic.twitter.com/EXLcQ1qht3
— Maladroithe (@Maladroithe) December 27, 2021
If you can read the Twitter thread, there are a bunch of sweet stories of kindness in the thread.
Now for my news….
It was inevitable. Meet Willow, Willodene Jolene to be specific …. who chose me at the shelter, so I was forced to break my “no kittens” and only “older/longest at the shelter” cat adoption rules. There are many photos and a video of her and Trixie playing hide and seek here.
She is 6-7 months old, we are guessing some, if not all, Maine Coon and has completely taken over the house. And everyone is happier for it. She adores her dogs and follows Zander around like the annoying little sister she is. She and Sully are still working out their relationship. And the ducks completely fascinate her – the three of them spend a great deal of time staring at each other through the patio door.
I feel like we will have some great adventures ahead.
And I know some of you may not understand how I can adopt so soon after losing a pet I’ve loved for so long. I guess I’ve been rescuing for so long, I’ve learned to grieve and love at that same time. It’s a delicate balancing act – but one I’m willing to risk. Especially when these critters bring so much love with them.
That’s all for this week’s kindness. Keep sending me Acts of Kindness – each one makes me smile – and we can keep this going.
raven
We rescued Artie in August after Bohdi died in June and Lil Bit in October. Once in a while I feel a little guilty because this sweet little girl has helped ease the pain so much. Most of the time we are both thankful to have her (as are the dozen kids who pet her on their way to school in the morning.) She loves to lie in the sun in her little spot.
Joy in FL
I love all the stories. Thank you for posting them.
I’m happy for Willow and her new family. She is magnificent.
TaMara
@raven: She’s beautiful and I love her little jacket.
It was bad when Bixby died, the house felt empty, so I was very surprised by the void little Emma’s death left. It was gaping. I still look for her on her pillow several times a day.
O. Felix Culpa
Pretty Willow, who is
too close toin the house!zhena gogolia
Great post, kvelling all over the place.
The Moar You Know
We owe those creatures that we have lost. Because what we have given them pales in comparison to what they have given us. And the only way to pay back what we owe them is to incur more of that heartdebt and do it again.
I am a better man because of the animals I have had in my life. Every last one of them. I owe them all. And having said that, my dog has just climbed up on the couch to let me know he loves me, and it’s time for bed, and so I gotta go. Have a good night, all.
Auntie Anne
@TaMara: I lost one of my bonded pair of kitty boys a year ago. Tweedledum was miserable, I was miserable, and my sister was miserable. A week later, Anna chose my sister at a shelter adoption event, and we’re all happier for it.
debbie
I still remember my father daughter dance. ?
raven
@TaMara: Yea, we have a doggie cemetery in the garden so we we see them every day.
Omnes Omnibus
I like “Do good recklessly.”
CarolPW
Good! Willow is a great name, and she looks a a great deal like our Buford who was the absolutely sweetest cat.
Honus
Harris is a UVA alum and a Richmond native. We Wahoos are very proud of him.
topclimber
Thanks for the tear and the smiles these tales bring. They do a body good.
brendancalling
Of course he’s an Eagle. The Eagles players are class acts. People hate on Philly fans—juatifiably— but our players walk their talk. That’s because Philly has HEART.
E-A-G-L-E-S IGGLES!
Omnes Omnibus
@brendancalling: Settle down, Beavis.
Mike G
Shut up, I’m not crying, you’re crying.
eclare
Welcome Willow! She is so pretty, with a magnificent tail. The video of hide and seek is adorable.
Elizabelle
Great stories, and am now an Anthony Harris fan.
Welcome, Willow. Enjoyed seeing raven’s Artie sporting her warm jacket, too.
Incredible windstorm shaking the house and windows for about 2 hours now.
brendancalling
@Omnes Omnibus: i will not settle down. You’re not the boss of me.
https://youtu.be/FUOgZVl8SdY
eclare
@Elizabelle: We had incredible wind here in Memphis today, seems to have died down. If tomorrow’s forecast is accurate we’ll have a 45 degree drop tomorrow.
Ruckus
Damn that was a very, very nice thing for Harris to do.
I share time and pets with my neighbors dogs. A fair number have Chihuahuas, one has a German Shepard support dog who is one of the greatest dogs I’ve ever met. I understand the concept of getting another dog, but my Cocker Spaniel, Bud was an amazing pet. Ornery as hell but a buddy beyond belief. I still don’t feel I could have another, and it’s been 10 yrs. There is always that one dog that makes such an impression that it seems no one could take his/her place. I might be getting close to getting ready but I have no idea how to replace him. I’d guess just doing it might work….
Omnes Omnibus
@brendancalling: You might want to reread your contract.
Steeplejack
@raven:
Artie and you guys are a good fit both ways.
Stevie
When I hit rock bottom (sick, mental illness, unemployed and homeless) people that had never met me and never would meet me cared enough to spend the money to feed and house me until I got on disability. For me, that is now the standard with my own giving. Care enough about my fellow humans to not care if they deserve it or not.
moonbat
We adopted our dog Larry about four months after we lost a most beloved mini Schnauzer/Border Terrier Jake suddenly. The only way I can explain it is we still had so much love to give Jake that we couldn’t keep wasting it. I’ve never regretted it. Larry’s been a godsend.
No One of Consequence
I am, having been Paying Attention for a few decades now, thoroughly convinced that Dogs domesticated Humans, and vast majority of those aren’t worth the powder it would take to blow them up.
I am also with Will Rogers, and his deduction that Wherever Dogs Go When They Die… when I die, I want to go there.
But reading some things like these posts, and stories to bolster the weary, make me believe that there is hope yet. And many of you shouldn’t be blown up.
(this post does not advocate the blowing up of anyone, deserving or otherwise, for Clarification and the Fairness in Snark Act 1970)
Peace,
– NOoC
Mary G
Willodene Jolene is a lovely name. She sounds like a handful, but a good one. She looks a whole lot like my Sophie, the best girl ever. She died aged 21 and I was at the shelter exactly one week later getting my current two. I felt bad, too soon, etc. My friend Susan told me that.every house needs more than one heartbeat and she was right.
Chacal Charles Caltrop
I felt bad after my cat Puffy died & when a sick cat in a cardboard box was dumped on my neighbors’ doorstep & she called me to say how about this animal for your next cat, I thought it was way too soon. However, the dumped cat needed to go to the vet, and I had more room on my credit card than the neighbor so I paid for the vet.
One emergency operation, two nights in an animal hospital, and $1875 in unanticipated credit card debt later, she was my cat. Best unexpected credit card expense ever – she was a truly wonderful cat and I never regretted it.
Its not too soon.
Lyrebird
@TaMara: So glad that kitty found you!
And as much as I like to think my opinions are worth airing,
I certainly do not think I have any place to judge your own time of being ready for another kitty! Or to judge @Ruckus: for his taking his own time either!
Thanks for keeping some good news flowing.
eclare
@Stevie: That is a wonderful standard. When I give money I don’t care what they do with it, if that makes me an easy target, so be it.
Mike in Oly
We’ve always adopted soon after a loss. It has nothing to do with trying to replace our dear kitty who passed, all of whom we adored and deeply miss. There’s just this open space and why should a kitty sit in a shelter for any longer when we have room in our home and hearts for them? I would rescue them all if I could. But, as with people, there’s a balance between quality of life and existence, so we keep limits and practice restraint. I am thrilled for your new girl and all the adventures and fun she has ahead in her life with you. She’s going to have the whole house trained in no time!
persistentillusion
@Mary G: Susan’s was a lovely comment, and so true. I had dogs all my life until I couldn’t (living situation) for two years. Wandered down shortly after my situation changed and got Phoebe, my Red Heeler. If not the best thing I’ve ever done, certainly in the top five.
HumboldtBlue
Lovely story about another class act from a Philly sports team. No surprises there.
Also, Joe Burrow seems like a pretty cool dude. (and the Bengals were absolutely robbed by that bullshit holding call that gave the Kroenke wanderers a chance at a TD).
Dan B
Anthony Harris is so handsome especially dancing with that lucky girl. Doing good ramps up the inner glow and they both look like spotlights.
Pretty kitty is an understatement! There be great chaos ahead!!
Tamara: sent you some silly kitty pics via DM / Message. And a semi-stray handsome Tom pic.
Elizabelle
@eclare: Definitely some fronts moving in.
randy khan
My wife and I thought we’d never have a kitten – all of our cats were rescues, often feral – and then one fell into our laps in the summer of 2020. She’s a joy, and she’s even become best buddies with the cat who seemed to hate other cats. (I think he was amused at how fearless she was – she would attack him again and again, even as he flicked her away.)
I think everyone needs to have a kitten at some point.
Kattails
Holly Soape’s facebook page: “God showed up big and brought people into our lives who lifted us up and walked along side us” is really so nice to read. A white woman seeing a black man with braids, taking her blond, white daughter to a dance, as a gift from God instead of…other scenarios people might paint. I want to acknowledge her openness of heart, maybe it impacted me because of my age. It would have been sweet under any circumstances.
TaMara, Congrats on new fur baby, may you have many years of delight together.
mrmoshpotato
Peekaboo!
mrmoshpotato
@O. Felix Culpa:
LMAO! Nicely done!
Ann Marie
Tamara, I am so happy for you and for Willow! What a great addition to your household.
It’s never too early (or too late) to bring a pet into your home. When I lost my beloved cat Tye, I was devastated. I knew I would get another cat, but I planned to give my surviving cat, Mac, some time being an only cat. But then a friend needed to find new homes for several cats because of a divorce and Louie came into my life very soon after Tye’s death. Louie was about 5 at the time. I just lost him last year after fourteen years with me (and him surviving our mutual loss of Mac and another cat, Hugh).
With the pandemic it is taking me longer than expected to get another cat. On the other hand, I finding more and more facets of my little Harley’s personality. He’s a goof, but very sweet too. So I am not worrying about the extra time in finding him a buddy.
J.
Congratulations on the new addition! Loved the Willow post on your blog. Though I don’t know how you manage to get any work done with all of those distractions! (I just got back my latest manuscript from my proofreader, who spotted a “typo” inserted by our kittens. Cats!)
OzarkHillbilly
Late to a dead thread but just want to add on the off chance somebody might read it, I always give money to panhandlers. When I was much younger I never did. But life is hard and there are hard lessons to be learned along the way. While I have never begged for money, I have been in desperate situations where I needed the kindness of a stranger to just get thru the day.
I never ask any questions, I just give them some money from the wad of $5s and $1s I keep in my pocket. I figure whatever they do is between them and their god, what I do is between me and mine.
SteveinPHX
I had sort of seen that story about Anthony Harris taking the young lady to the dance, but this time I Really paid attention. What a great human being!
Thank you for posting all. We have a house full of cats, two from the shelter, two from the street. They bring us a lot of happy experiences.
HinTN
@OzarkHillbilly: I’m going to start carrying cash, which I never do, for precisely this reason.
PS: No thread is ever dead. ?
SkyBluePink
What a wonderful quirky name for an obviously wonderful quirky kitty!
Never too soon for another pet love. No replacement, just another addition to the heart.
With you, OzarkHillbilly, doing good in this world is never a wrong move.
Sis
Willow is beautiful!!! Congratulations!!!
TaMara
@OzarkHillbilly: Agreed. What they do with it is not my concern. Giving away is just that – I’m giving it to you and letting it go out of my hands/concerns/jugdements
@HinTN: I carry $20 in ones in my car to hand out as needed.
For me, having seen some truly highs and lows in life, this is my way to honor the high right now. You just never know when you might be on the other side.
TaMara
Thanks again to everyone for participating in this little weekly break. You probably won’t be surprised that since I started it, I’m running into more and more kindness articles. Really eases the doom scrolling.
TaMara
@J.: LOLOLOL – the new kitten is just out of control on interrupting the computer (although Sully has a 9pm rule and he will push the computer off my lap and take it over for scritches).
And as unusual as it sounds, I work better in a busy environment. I think going to high school and college with toddlers in the house (my much younger brothers) I learned to tune out the noise and focus. My house has to be neat as a pin and there needs to be a bustling of activity for me to actually write. ?♀️
dkinPa
TaMara, thank you for these posts & congrats on your new addition! She’s a beauty! And, I love do good recklessly!
eachother
Beautiful article TaMara.
J R in WV
I was overwhelmed by the dance photos, the young girl and the big football player were both glowing and so happy. What a nice guy !!