Trust Tour - Raising the Bar on Trust

I think it is great that you are making this offer to take people on your helicopter. Although, I am sad to learn that you are planning on selling it. As we both know, some people have a fear of flying just like you did at one time. This a great opportunity for individuals to experience flight.

Since, I am a veteran flyer and have flown with you numerous times, there is no reason for Trusttour members to be scared! Todd does know what he is doing! I hope you get a huge response to your offer.

I also hope you publish every persons pay it forward story. I will begin working on my story today. Save a spot for me!

Uncle Todd put me down for a helicopter ride. Zach

I would like to go on a ride with you. Hunter

Hey, Todd, once again I get sucked into reading more of your blog than I have time for! I also had to view Adam’s goal again. Now, Pay It Forward: I have a talented young writer friend who has finished her first book and needs help finding a publisher or finding readers for sections of her book smehow. Hers is a valuable story about meeting many daunting challenges, but she does not have money to pay anyone to coach or edit or shepherd her work as she struggles to get it placed. Because I believe her story has value to potential readers and she needs encouragement, I am helping her at no cost. Paying it forward feels good!

While I’ve never ridden in a helicopter and have no fear of it, I’d like to bestow “my” ride on my son as a high school graduation gift. He once aspired to be a pilot.

My Pay It Forward story comes from the perspective of a dog. I recently adopted one from a shelter OR should I say she adopted me! Dee Dee is a wonderful dog; very loving & thankful to be where she is today….as for the copter ride, I would love for my family to take part in this great opportunity!

I Rescued A Human Today

Author:Janine Allen CPDT

I rescued a human today.

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn’t be afraid.

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn’t want her to know that I hadn’t been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn’t want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn’t feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone’s life. She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her.

Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven’t walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

Written by Janine Allen CPDT, Rescue Me Dog’s professional dog trainer. Janine’s passion is working with people and their dogs. She provides demonstrations for those who have adopted shelter dogs, lends email support to adopted dog owners that need information beyond our Training Support Pages, and aids shelter staff and volunteers in understanding dog behavior to increase their adoptability. Copyright 2009 Rescue Me Dog; http://www.rescuemedog.org

Kim,
Thanks for sharing this, are you going flying with us?

Dad, Hunter and Zach, lets do it !

OK thanks for the vote of confidence! Looking forward to flying with you.

Beth,
Good for you, helping that that young writer. Is there something I can do for her – interview her on the Trust Tour? Send your son over for a flight, he will love it!

Todd,

Thanks for offering the helicopter ride. I am very much looking forward to it and have a pay it forward story to share.

One morning as I was leaving for work, I spotted a dog crossing the street just in front of me a block from my house. I stopped the car and it came over to the door fully trusting that I would help him out. I thought it was the neighbor’s dog on the corner and despite my busy day ahead of me, realized that moment of my time was worth it to help bring the dog back to the safety of its owner rather than trusting it would make it home after I drove away. I herded the dog to the house, knocked on the door and her dogs came barking furiously so now I realized that this was not her dog. I also noticed out of the corner of my eye two other similar dogs heading down our side street towards the main street. The neighbor confirmed that it was not her dog so I investigated and found a number on the dog’s collar. Just as I was about the make a call, a car came up and stopped behind mine which was blocking the street at the stop sign. She was relived to see ONE of her dogs was safe. “Where are the others?” she panicked. I mentioned they were heading towards the next main street and her face was washed with fear. “The one is deaf. We have to get them.” I raced to my car as she scooped up her dog and raced towards the intersection.

As I drew towards the very busy street, I noticed that the dogs had no idea of the flow of traffic and worse yet, the cars wouldn’t see them coming because the the bushes, trees, and other low obstructions that would hide their presence. I accelerated to the corner and started honking my horn wondering if the oncoming traffic would see and hear my erratic driving and slow down. An approaching truck slowed as it saw my car. I finally halted halfway into the lane of traffic just as the truck was drawing to a rapid stop and was able to hop out and grab the dogs before any accidents occurred with traffic from the opposite direction. The lady followed up behind me and was so appreciative of my efforts.

It only took a few minutes of my hectic day, but the impact for her was immeasurable. It left me with a such a great feeling also had me wondering what the world would be like if we all took a moment to really observe the world around us. It may make a huge impact to someone we’ve never met.

Matt,
Thank for your story, lets go flying! I will put your down for a flight on the 22nd. I am looking forward to it.

I also want tot thank you for your participation with the Charter Partners Institute yesterday. I thought we had great energy from these high school student. The new iphone controlled bed won my vote.

Todd

When I first came to Easton to attend college, I was an eighteen-year-old student who knew no one in the community. In September 2007, I created a One Word – One City project to try and meet my neighbors. I received 350 responses to the question, “What one word would you use to describe Easton?”. Some One Word comments are below.

“Home. Because Home is where the heart is. Im currently in San Antonio in the US Army and I’m truly missing home right now. I miss my family, my godson, everything. That is where my heart lies now… and I’m not there. Take care of my town for me while I’m gone. ; ) Keep it lookin good.”

“My word is “home.” I was born, raised, and lived most of my life into adulthood in upstate New York. I’ve since lived in Lancaster, Wilmington, and Suffern; but Easton is the first place I’ve lived that I feel a part of the community. I feel like I’m somebody here, like what I do is valuable to the citizens.”

After my project was completed, I began interacting with various community groups including the Easton Main Street Initiative, the College Hill Neighborhood Association, the Arts Community of Easton, Easton’s Weed and Seed, the No Name Community, the Easton Area Senior Center, among others. In my four years, I tried to introduce people who had lived in Easton their entire lives to the Easton that I loved and called my home. Some of my favorite comments from my friends in Easton include:

Her: “Where is there a Portuguese restaurant opening? What in the world?
Me: “It’s going to be in the corner of Northampton Street and 3rd Street next to the Carmel Corn Shop.”
Her: “Since when is there a caramel corn shop???????????”

The Portuguese restaurant, Valenca, opened a couple years ago. The Carmel Corn Shop opened in 1931.

No matter your age, you can make a difference. I have tried to pay it forward by showcasing Easton to those who didn’t see Easton’s potential. I have tried to pay it forward by bringing students Downtown to events they had not known about. As one women told me: “You live up to the saying “Give it the old college try.”

Do not let anyone ever tell you that something is impossible. If you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything. Find your own way to pay it forward, and show your community or a new community that anyone can make a difference if they try.

Great story Alan, we are putting you one the schedule. I love Easton too!

All four of us will be there promptly at 9am and cannot wait! See you Saturday!

Todd…I happened upon your blog while looking up the hours for the Carmelcorn Shop. I remember how excited Alex was when you got the the aircraft since one of his ratings was ‘helicopter’.
He had such happy times with you guys!
Best regards to the family.
Linda Falcinelli