As Appeared in the Albuquerque Journal Rio Rancho section 8/8/09
When one thinks of a typical 6-year-old girl's birthday party, one imagines lots of pink and purple. Usually a big jumpy is inflated in the backyard, probably a princess castle or 'Finding Nemo' theme. And of course presents, clothes, crafts and anything Hannah Montana nowadays.
But one little girl wanted to give instead of get last week at her sixth birthday party, and she did it in a very big way.
Taylor Remington is a 6-year-old from Rio Rancho with a heart of gold. She didn't want another typical birthday party. This year, Taylor didn't want her guests to bring presents for her. Instead, she asked the guests to bring dog food and cat food so that she could donate it to Watermelon Mountain Ranch.
According to Jim Putnam, IT manager at Watermelon, the ranch sees generous donations from young people every so often. A local Eagle Scout is about to begin his project to beautify the patio area of the cattery (Earl's Catnip Inn) by painting boards and rafters in rainbow colors.
"Several times, we have been the recipient of donation drives instigated by very young members of the community. Sometimes it has been for money, sometimes for goods, but this would be the youngest donor we have ever had," Putnam said of Taylor.
Christine Remington called me up last week and thought she had a great idea for my column. Her daughter was having a very unusual sixth birthday party, one unlike her first five, and she wanted to share her story. "We've been reading a lot about how so many animals are at the shelters right now," said Christine, Taylor's mom. And Taylor came up with an idea.
"Taylor did this on her own," said her dad, Sean. "In lieu of gifts, she thought to collect food for homeless pets, she had the idea on her own," said her proud dad.
The Remingtons drove out to Watermelon Mountain Ranch and delivered the goods on Wednesday. As I walked around the property, the need for donations became clear as an endless stream of animals made their presence known, with curious barking from the dog cottage and the high attitude diva stares coming from the cattery.
"Our trunk is full of donations, 350 pounds of toys, biscuits, food, kitty litter, you name it," Sean said as he unloaded the numerous 50-pound bags of pet food.
"She hasn't just helped our animals, she has helped the whole state," said Sophia DiClemente, founder of Watermelon Mountain Ranch. "Our Chuckwagon Food Bank project, based here in Rio Rancho, supplies pet food to over 15 shelters around the state, from Las Cruces to Springer," DiClemente said.
When asked how it feels to give to the cats and dogs that need it so much, Taylor replied: "It makes me feel happy."
Taylor's goodness is contagious. One random act of kindness can spread like wildfire. As our young citizens learn to reach out and help others, they acquire a habit that will last a lifetime. This feeling will spread from child to child and truly help make this a better world.
Way to go, Taylor. Who's next?
Quote of the week: "While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about." — Angela Schwindt
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