I was napping this morning and was awakened by the doorbell, and then of course, Alfie’s barking, to let me know (as if I didn’t already) that someone was at the door. It was a special delivery from Edible Arrangements, and as soon as I saw the plush pup’s beseeching eyes, I knew immediately who had just brightened my day. Only Marti Brown (and hubby Joe & Golden Carly) could surprise me this way. One of our foundation’s board members, she spoils me rotten with kindness, thoughtful cards to lighten my day, special presents, and continual donations to the cause.

Alfie was not too thrilled about why he needed to lie near this lovely basket, but you should have seen him eying the goodies as soon as the cellophane came off. He adores any and all fruit, as do I, so we were both in heaven as we took just a few pieces to sample. I’m trying to be strong and keep it intact in the fridge until hubby Gary returns home tonight from work, as I’d like him to see how beautiful it is (in person rather than by my just showing him these photos lol).

I also received a wonderful donation from Patty Kennedy, another board member, her card bringing tears to my eyes. And, special notes from board members, Allen Schoen, Marty Becker, and Art Vanderbilt, each revealed such lovely sentiments.

I have never been good at being the recipient of gifts, not even allowing Gary to ever buy me birthday or holiday gifts. My greatest joy coming from what I can provide to others, and I have found that the best gifts that I can give are those that come from the heart. Taking the time to bring laughter someone’s way, coming up with creative ways to show you care, sharing quality time with others, expressing genuine feelings, and letting people know they matter are among the most potent of gifts.

Although being on disability and unable to do nearly as much as I’d like, I created the Land of PureGold Foundation in 2005. I am so thrilled that we are now providing Cancer Treatment Grants for all breeds of working dogs. While only a small organization run totally on a few volunteers’ efforts, this calendar year we have provided over $10,000 in support of cancer treatment for working dogs and $15,000 in support of research in comparative oncology through Dr. Gregory Ogilvie, Special Care Foundation for Companion Animals. Dr. Ogilvie is actually one of the first board-certified veterinary oncologists in the nation.

I am looking forward to much more, hopefully having a 2008 debut of our Gotta Dance documentary. Yet, my biggest wish is to see our beloved dogs helping to bring reality to the National Cancer Institute Director’s challenge to cancer researchers, that of eliminating “the suffering and death caused by cancer by 2015.”

I am still crying for my Goldens Ollie and Darcy, and a mother and baby brother taken by cancer as well. And, sadly I seem to receive news weekly of another soul succumbing to this disease. All we can do is to push on and stay as proactive and informed as we can. And, we can work toward holding onto the thought that wherever a beautiful soul has been, there remains a trail of beautiful memories.