One person can indeed make a difference. Here’s how | Opinion

The end of the year is near, and for me it is always a time of reflection.

This column, which I have continued for the last 17 years in honor of my late mother, has brought me great joy. I hope it has helped readers become aware of all the good being done in our community.

I especially like writing about passionate volunteers and the groups that make a difference in the lives of humans and animals every day.

One of my favorite stories was writing about Tanzie, a shelter cat at the Humane Society of Greater Miami, who had been waiting for a forever home for six years.

After my story was published, Tanzie was adopted by a caring couple who bought her a kitty stroller so they could walk her outside.

“The adopters noticed that she loved to look out the window and wanted to give her an opportunity to bask in nature in a safe way,” said Melanie Ochoa at the Humane Society. “We cannot thank you enough for making this dream come true for our special girl. We could not be happier to know she is with a family who is patient, accepting and loving.”

It might seem like a small difference to have made, but it is a big difference in the lives of some, especially Tanzie.

We can all make differences for good, be they small or big.

This year, I have been trying to follow a path described in a quote by the American writer Edward Everett Hale who is also known for his motto to “lend a hand.”

Among his more than 150 works, Hale wrote the classic short story, “The Man Without a Country,” and it is said he was the first to describe an artificial satellite in his fiction. He died in 1909.

Hale’s abbreviated message that I’ve taken to heart is this: “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something.”

I hope you all find joy and love in this most festive season. And may you find your “somethings” to do in the new year that make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Project helps bully breed dogs

When an unspayed female bully breed dog has a litter of numerous puppies, sometimes 10 or more, it contributes to pet overpopulation and strains pet households.

During December, Friends of Miami Animals Foundation, Miami-Dade County Animal Services, Slomba Shelter Solutions, and Wings of Rescue are holding the second annual Operation Pit Stop spay and neuter project to help.

“The vast majority of homeless dogs surrendered to our County shelter are bully breed dogs,” said Yolanda Berkowitz, founder & President of Friends of Miami Animals Foundation. “This population is at the highest-risk due to several factors, and so we are using the Operation Pit Stop platform created in conjunction with our good friends at Wings of Rescue to encourage bully-breed owners especially to do their part and sterilize their dogs.”

Services, by appointment, will be provided at the Miami-Dade County Animal Services clinic in Doral and at the Animal Services Cutler Bay Clinic. The procedure includes the free sterilization surgery, and those pets are also eligible for free vaccinations and microchipping.

Residents must register at www.operationpitstop.com where they can view availability dates and details for appointments.

Every year, Miami-Dade County Animal Services provides care and refuge for 28,000 to 30,000 lost and abandoned dogs and cats. The staff works diligently to find homes for these abandoned animals by facilitating onsite adoptions, hosting offsite adoptions at events and locations throughout the community, and working with rescue organizations, volunteers and adoption partners.

Visit, www.miamidade.gov/animals and please, adopt to make a difference in an animal’s life, and yours.

Beaux Arts Festival at UM in January

Not to be missed at the start of the new year is the Beaux Arts Festival of Art that will bring more than 200 juried fine art exhibitors to the University of Miami campus, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Jan. 13-14, in front of the Watsco Center.

The festival attracts acclaimed artists from all over the country, and awards more than $20,000 in prizes. This two-day outdoor event, now in its 73rd year, is free thanks to the support of presenting sponsor UHealth Jackson Urgent Care.

In addition to museum-quality fine art, organizers said the festival will feature live music, interactive art experiences for children and adults, and a marketplace featuring local vendors and dining.

Write to ChristinaMMayo@gmail.com with news for this column.