IT’S A DOG’S WORLD…
…we just live in it.
The more I live, the more I experience.
The more I experience, the more I grow.
The more I grow, the more I learn.
The more I learn, the more I understand myself.
The more I understand myself, the easier it is to conclude what I want and need.
Photo: sirenbrian on Flickr
I still want to win the lottery, but not so that I can be wealthy. Though, that’s not entirely true, because my dream has expanded, and to accomplish what I would wish to do would require money…and probably a lot of it.
I love dogs (let’s all say “duh” in unison here). In fact, I am beginning to enjoy the company and spirit of dogs almost more than that of people. It isn’t to say I don’t love people, of course, but there’s just something about canines that is so unconditional.
I love walking dogs and playing with dogs and taking pictures of dogs and feeding dogs and spoiling dogs. The joy and satisfaction is, I could say, even greater than that I experienced while teaching preschool some years ago.
Being in the middle of a growth spurt of the internal kind, some conclusions I have been drawing have struck me as somewhat surprising. I have always dreamt of the married life with 2.5 kids and a minivan. And now? Not so much. Perhaps that will change, but today, it’s definitely not where I am at.
I want to be the old lady who lived with her dogs.
Photo: mosilager on Flickr
So here is where my expanded dream comes in: were I to rake in the big one, I know precisely what I’d do. I’d buy a spacious chunk of property, somewhere in the range of 20 acres, nestled somewhere between Parksville and Coombs. After building a comfortable home for myself (and pepper a few little patio homes across the property for family and friends), I’d build a kennel. But not just one or two little concrete and chain-link kennels. I’d build 30 or 40 kennels, built of warm cedar with soft blankets and countless toys.
And while I wouldn’t want 30 or 40 dogs of my own, I’d hire a round-the-clock veterinarian and create a sanctuary for abused, abandonded or lost dogs. The veterinarian could take care of the physical health aspect; while giving the dogs ample fields in which to play, run, rest and socialize would help rehabilitate them on the inside.
To say it would be my “dream” would be highly understating the truth.
If you were bestowed unlimited funds to build your philanthropic dream, what would you do?
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8 Comments
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Ok, good post, I love your idea and would happily come and spare some of my time helping with the dogs!
I would like to be able to help out with the orphanages in Africa. After seeing various programs on the Aids epidemic out there, I would love to be able to help give the children a chance of making changes to their lives. Get an education and learn how to help themselves and their Country overcome this massive problem, that has got hold of their parents generation.
Also, on a more personal note, I would find a way to fulfill my Nan’s dream of going back to Nanaimo for a visit to see the family. She is physically disabled and wouldn’t cope well with the flight. But can’t afford the insurance or flights in first class. That would be my first big spend.
First thing that comes to mind is a bit on the selfish side…small new home on an acre, slightly secluded, lovely gardens, deck/sun room and most of all…an art/photography studio. My dreams of my family would be taken care of and my retirement would be spent volunteering any place that needs me, especially working with children or the elderly….and the alarm clock would be a thing of the past!
I have two dogs myself. One was given to my daughter as a gift from my sister and the other one my husband and I rescued - she was abandoned at a farm near where we live and the farmer was going to bring her to the humane society. We stepped in and gave her a home. I have two cats as well I used to have three, one passed on, all three were rescues as well. I am fortunate enough to life on a large enough piece of land that they can play. there is something beautiful about dogs, they always love you no matter how angry you get with them because they’re barking at 2am!
If I had unlimited funds the first thing I would do is get more land for them to play on - then I would pay off my parents debts because they gave me life. I think I may owe them
Friends of ours have done something similar. They moved to Playa del Carmen, Mexico to buy a restaurant, which unfortunately failed. They plight of the local strays hit them hard, and they started the first no-kill shelter; which is run out of their home. The only difference is they did not win the lottery, in fact they have no money and both live and run the shelter totally off of donations (they are now a legal, registered charity). We already have our own dreams to move there, and would definitely do so if we won the lottery; but now our plans if we had the unlimited funds would be to support them in their cause.
A school for children in Bolivia on enough land to house them if they are homeless, and their mothers if they were abandoned or abused by their fathers. A completely all inclusive facility with warehouse for foodstuffs, a large bakery and kitchen, and a huge playground. It would have kids from kindergarden thru high school and links to higher education both in Bolivia and abroad.
My ultimate goal would be like minded Bolivians to run the show while I remained completely anonymous to all but a very small circle.
Once I pulled that off and the school was functioning, I’d build another.
Mine… I would buy acreage on Saltspring. I would build a beautiful log home with a master bedroom and ten other bedrooms to house foster kids, they’d come stay with us for at least 8 months and the goal would be for them to rediscover their childhood. We’d take them into nature and do the “outward bound” type program… surfing in Tofino, rockclimbing Aerosmith, snowboarding and snowcamping, rafting in Washington etc… I’d have a HUGE firepit and I picture amazing nights spent around that fire of healing and laughter… We’d have a massive garden and cook amazing meals… there would be yoga on the lawn at dawn… I’d hire drug counselors and life coaches. I’d encouage them to DREAM big and live with laughter.
That’s my dream.
Great dream Chels.
Great post.
I can very much relate to your connection with dogs. I have 2 dogs of my own, and they are pretty much my whole life. At first it was not by choice, but now I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I hope you win the lottery!