Mike with Melinda's dog Max at Lowe's. (photo: Melinda T.)
The Lowe’s in our area allow well-behaved dogs in the store so today I was doing some shopping with my dog Max. Max was dressed as Santa Claus and enjoyed the extra attention.
He is a therapy dog through Therapy Dogs International and has put in many hours at Summit Academy in Xenia, Ohio. The students there take turns reading stories to him.
As we walked in the store, Max was greeted by many workers but was also greeted with a hug by a young boy whom attends Summit Academy and has read many stories to Max. Walking through the store we met a man that worked at Lowe’s named Mike. He went to Max and was petting him and I decided this is the man my $10 will go to today.
I explained to Mike the project I was working on and he was totally blown away. I love seeing the reactions of people when I tell them what I’m doing. Mike gave me the biggest hug and a kiss on the cheek and said, “God will surely bless you.” Mike wasn’t sure exactly where the money was going to go but spoke about how he buys one lottery ticket each week so he may use the money for that.
Max hard at work at Summit Academy. (photo: Melinda T.)
As I was walking away I heard Mike say to another man in the area, “that was totally unexpected.” It’s the unexpected reaction of people that makes this so rewarding.
-Melinda T. from Xenia, OH
Year of Giving 