All photos by Mitch Teemley, except Tulip the bulldog (by Elliot Teemley)
She Was Completely Dependent Upon…
The kindness of strangers. A few weeks ago, our firstborn Elliot was walking near their apartment, when they* spotted a rotund little bulldog nestled in the weeds. They’d have walked on, but the minute they said a friendly word, the creature rose with great difficulty and waddled over to them. “Tulip” (Elliot’s temporary name for her) had no identification, but was clearly well-fed and as docile as a rabbit. She accepted Elliot’s ear-rubs with bliss.
What Now?
Elliot couldn’t keep her, because our granddog Thea was already too much pet for their compact apartment. So they drove her to a local animal shelter. The veterinarian there pronounced Tulip very old and very arthritic. But, he said, there were shelter-regulars who might be willing to provide a final home for “this sweet little couch potato.”
Only one problem: the shelter wouldn’t have an opening until the next day. Could Elliot take her for the night? “Yes,” our firstborn said without hesitation, because kindness is woven into Elliot’s very being. And so they took off work for the day, and asked their significant other to watch Thea. Then Elliot and Tulip moved into their old studio space in our basement for the night. Tulip was a handful. Literally. She had to be carried up and down stairs, and was incontinent. But her endearingly ugly face had “God’s property” written all over it. (Tragically, not everyone understands this. My wife Trudy’s friend saw a woman run over a Canadian goose and its mate the other day, rather than wait for them to finish crossing the road.)
That Night at Bedtime…
…while Elliot read to Miss Tulip in the basement, I headed outside to say goodnight to my Creator. But as I opened the front door, a bird flew past me into the house! Trudy and I found the discombobulated little finch huddled in our den. She finally flew outside when we turned off every light except the one on the porch.
The next day, we learned why she’d been on the front door when I opened it. She’d built a nest on top of Trudy’s spring door-wreath! When we took it down, we found four little finch eggs inside.
What now?
We re-mounted it on the front door, and then carefully avoided using the door for the next three weeks. Although, when Mama Finch was away, I would slip out to snap shots of her babies. Because, bird droppings notwithstanding, that little nest also had “God’s property” written all over it.
Finally, Two Days Ago…
…we found the nest fallen and abandoned at the edge of our door mat. And a short time later, we observed flight training in progress as our little grand-finches flapped furiously to stay aloft. End of story?
Not quite. Word must haven’t gotten out. Because we also found a cardinal’s nest in the honeysuckle bush just three feet away from the front door. So, naturally, I took pictures, first of spotted eggs, then downy hatchlings, and finally hungry featherlings whose mouths popped open every time I made a peep.
Interestingly, when I peeped for Trudy’s bird-sound app, it identified me as a “Northern Cardinal.” So, how can we not practice kindness…
When we’re all part of the same family?
*Elliot prefers the pronoun “they.”
These are wonderful stories. I hope Tulip finds a final forever home.
Me too, Belinda.
Awww, how sweet. You’re my kind of people.
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Bless the beasts and the children. I love it that you took such care with God’s property. And also, good for you for honoring Elliot’s pronoun choice. Well done.
Thanks, Steve. I just wish our culture would settle on a singular non-gender word. “They” is such an awkward stand-in.
My grandchild is non-binary, and as an editor, I struggle with “they.” But, love finds a way! 😊
All God’s creatures …. although I’m not so sure about the driver who ran over those poor geese! What happened with Tulip?
I’m afraid I don’t know, Nancy.
I’m hoping for a forever home and a happy ending!
Me too, Nancy!
Does Tulip have a forever home now?
I’m afraid I don’t know, Liz.
Thanks, Mitch.
How heartwarming, Mitch! I see “God’s property” written over every face too. I’m like Elliot, that couch potato would’ve gone home with me. How sad someone ran over the animals. Thank you for sharing these heartwarming stories! The cardinals is my favorite~ now I’ll think of you when I hear them! 🤭♥️🙏
;>) ❣
Elliot is entitled to a pronoun. So are you and Trudy. Such kindness to show Tulip and then the birds. “God’s Property,” yes. You got that right for them and all the God-made creatures (which, you know, is quite a few). Occasionally, doves would tuck into one side of my window air-conditioner and nest there. Maybe they thought the noise protected them, I don’t know. Anyway, God’s favor to you all for serving Earth’s vulnerable.
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😊 How lovely! Tulip looks a proper character, bless her!
I can’t imagine a world without critters…and I’m grateful for the kindness of strangers, hope it is contagious.
When I am older and and more decrepid, i will come and lay my head down in a hedge near to your house, What did you say your address was?
;>)
Well, for starters, it’s in North America, Geoff.
No hurry still going strong at the moment!
Wonderful stories (except the geese murderer). How sweet to have all those new guests for spring.
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Oh Mitch! I LOVE this!!! You did the right thing and saved those little finches! You’re a good man and thank you for sharing this beautiful story!
Aw, my pleasure, and thank you, Jill.
Beautiful! Amazing the things we discover if we are willing to slow down and see them.
Indeed, Pete.
I love, love, love this…but I can’t let go of the scene of someone purposefully running over precious creatures. It sickens my soul. I accidentally hit a confused squirrel many years ago and I still can’t forget it.
I know what you mean, Sandy. When I stunned to hear of that driver’s heartlessness.
Reminded me of when my parents and I, at different times, found injured birds and tried nurturing them–feeding them pieces of dog food with tooth picks. I don’t believe either flew again. Experts eventually came and took them, but at least one died.
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Kindness doesn’t have to be taught, it comes natural, as does a lack of concern in some.
I love a dog, they can be kind and affectionate, not like cats. Some people are like the kind dogs, some people are like those smelly cats 😼
Love the stories
I’ve had the joy of being loved by a number of scent-free cats, Pete.
Nice Mitch. How is Tulip doing?
I’m afraid I don’t know, Norm.
Thank you Mitch for taking the time daily to transmit love with seemingly endless energy, creativity and eloquence.
How kind of you to say that, Xavier.
Kindness is much underrated these days Mitch but it’s a fruit of God. Keep on sharing those apples of kindness 🍎
Will do, Nicola. 🧡
Really nice, Mitch!
Thank you, Jennie!
You’re welcome, Mitch.
Love your adopted family stories. But perhaps most, I love that you honor “THEY.” I have a “THEY” grandchild. At 88 my memory leaks, so it’s taken a while to get it right all the time. But “THEY ” understands.
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Thank you for sharing such lovely, heartwarming stories, Mitch. (I hope Tulip found a loving forever home.) 💜🪶
My pleasure, Carol.
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I see the apple didn’t fall far from the tree! Lovely, uplifting story. 🙂
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Love this! My husband loved the word discombobulated. I’ve never seen it in writing till tonight. Thank y’all for the kindness to God’s beautiful birds and dog! I’m sure you got another star on your crowns!
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Awww, this is emotional. I hope Tulip finds a loving home and those little birds fly high.
Showing this to my daughter as she’s growing to understand we all belong to God and taking care of everything on earth is our responsibility.
I couldn’t agree more, Iba. 🧡
Wow. Excellent true stories of lovingkindness to our ‘brethren’.
Thanks, Ed. 🧡
The acorn did not fall far from the tree. The creatures were lucky to have found all of you
So kind of you to say that.