Any Stranger Will Help

Not long ago, I read one of those lost dog stories that ends happily. As a plot, the narrative wasn’t remarkable except that it was true. What gave the account its cachet was that it happened in New York, a city famous as the home of the lonely crowd. I don’t agree with that label, by the way. My experience in New York was one of meeting many helpful people. Still, the myth persists and so the saga about the women and her dog lost in the wilds of the metropolis was deemed worthy of print.

 

(courtesy: freepetwallpapers.com)

The gist of the tale was that the puppy, as yet without a license or identifying tags, became frightened and broke from its leash while it was being walked.  Numerous people immediately stepped forward to help. One man chased the dog for several blocks before he lost sight of it. Countless doormen promised to keep an eye out for the pet. One lady stopped long enough to say she’d pray for the animal’s return. Others took down the woman’s phone number and said they’d call if they heard or saw anything. In a matter of minutes a network of helping strangers had formed. As a consequence, the miniature pincer was found  that afternoon and reunited with its owner. Reflecting on her experience the woman said:

“…if you are in trouble, any stranger will help you. We’re never alone. I made dozens of new friends that day—faceless strangers I’ll pass on the street and won’t even know. ( “Lost and Found” by Lauren Lipton, “Ladies Home Journal”5/2012)

The moral of the story? Despite political and financial scandals in our country, or the cruelties in Syria or the violence of countless wars, man’s basic instinct is to help. Each of us is capable of enormous generosity. And one day, when we find ourselves most in need, a stranger will come to our assistance. Count on it.