Today, I have been thinking about all the positive things that social networking has impacted because of the people that are involved. This past week... I was alerted to a dog that was in peril. This was a Brittany Spaniel, named Dexter. Once rescued from a hoarder, that had 13 dogs stacked up in cargo crates in a car port open to the elements in Pennsylvania, now needed a life saving surgery. Again, the online community came to his rescue. In less than 24 hours, the $2500 was raised to pay for his surgery. The same organization filled 15 different transports for rescue dogs to be transport to fur-ever homes and to foster families out of kill shelters this weekend alone. Home for the holidays is whole new thing when you have been living in a cage on death row because someone that was suppose to love and cherish you didn't. (if you are interested in helping any of these dogs visit www.nbran.org or "LIKE" National Brittany Rescue on Facebook)
I have witnessed the power of social networking... but so has the recently deceased Elizabeth Edwards. Although, we don't agree on politics. I strongly admire how she lived, met life's challenges, and continued to see the good in people. She put family first. She never let the horrific actions of a loved one define her. When I saw this link to message from Lance Armstrong to her family and video's on her speech to a LIVESTRONG event. I had to watch them. After thanking Lance, she thanked Steve Case from AOL for the start of Online Communities. They were very helpful support to her. Peer to Peer support ... it matters. Reaching out to others for collaboration, support, information, and encouragement is human... now it is powered by technology.
Some days it is just good to remind yourself about the good in humanity and how Social Networking is part of making the world a smaller and better place to be. Get well soon little Dexter! God Speed, Elizabeth. The world will miss but not forget your message on living and dying with grace.
