MONDAY MOTIVATION #3

POWER OF THE HEART

The dictionary describes the word motivate as – desire to do; interest or drive.

One of the main reasons I write is motivated by the desire in my heart to help others. And I absolutely love meeting other folks with that same desire!

If you’ve read any of my Friday Fun posts, you already know I’m an avid animal lover. But what you may not know is that I also have a soft spot in my heart for the brave individuals that put their life on the line for the sake of helping and serving others. This includes police officers, both 2 legged and 4 legged.

While ballistic vests (bullet proof vests) are standard issue in police departments for their human officers, it is not standard issue for the K9 partners, leaving them at a higher risk of injury or death.

Though efforts are being made to change this, as it stands right now, most police departments simply do not have funds available to provide the expensive gear for the dogs.

In July of 2016, as I was looking for a way to honor my son Christian’s birthday, I read an article about the lack of this life-saving gear for the K9 units. Knowing Christian’s love for dogs, along with his considering a possible career in law enforcement, I walked into our local police department and made a donation in Christian’s name for their K9 unit.

While it made me feel good to give that gift, I knew that my small contribution by itself would not make a significant difference, perhaps a few bags of dog food would help. But I wanted to do more.

One + One + One etc. adds up in a big way…

While the Pay It Forward posts are usually done on Thursdays, this post is part motivation and part pay it forward, because the young man that I’m going to tell you about touched my heart with his story in more than one way.

Meet Brady Snakovsky from Strongsville, Ohio.

Young Brady is the founder of Brady’s K9 Fund, an organization that raises funds and provides ballistic vests specifically designed for protection, mobility, and comfort for the dogs.

Brady began his quest in 2017 when he learned of the need for more vests for the K9s. In his attempt to raise funds for just 1 vest, with the help of his family and community, he was able to donate 4 vests. With his continued efforts more funds were raised, and more vests donated.

In 2018, with the help of his mom, Leah Tornabene, Brady’s K9 Fund was established. To date the organization has provided 84 specialized vests manufactured by LOF Defense Systems for the canines, quite an accomplishment for such a young person.

While there is still a long waiting list for additional vests, Brady’s organization is making a difference already. And with continued efforts, the impact continues to grow larger.

Be that one…

What starts with one caring heart can grow into something much larger. Whether it is by means of a financial contribution to a specific cause, or a random act of kindness, or volunteering to do something, our efforts can bring about change.

One thing that stood out in my mind about Brady’s story was the fact that he was only 8 years old when he first started his mission to help.

He didn’t have a platform or special interest groups to back him. He didn’t have a large group of lobbyists to plead his cause. He isn’t old enough to vote, or even in high school yet.

Brady simply had a caring heart and wanted to do something to help. And so, he did, starting with one small step.

Because of the power in his heart, the motivation to take that first step, and to keep taking more steps, Brady is creating a positive impact while influencing other hearts by the demonstration of his own love. And that is why others are joining him in his efforts.

It all begins with one person caring enough to start. And every one of us can make a difference, whether in a small way, or on a massive scale. Remember, Brady originally set out to donate only 1 vest.

For more information about Brady’s cause, or to make a donation or request for service, please visit his site at: https://www.bradysk9fund.com/

Well, that’s it for now. So, until tomorrow…Get out and get motivated, and have a Happy Monday!  – Amber

P.S. An invitation…

If you are interested in being added to my weekly pay-it-forward list, or know someone you would like to see promoted, subscribe to my email list here, and receive the newsletter with the information on being added.