Love in Action
USA

Operation Kindness:
A Unique Shelter of Love
By Texas News Group (Originally in English)

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Operation Kindness is the oldest and largest animal shelter in North Texas that does not practice euthanasia. It is truly a unique non-profit foundation. Caring for approximately 200 animals at the shelter itself and 60 to 80 more in foster homes, Operation Kindness facilitates the adoption of 2,500 pets a year. Adoption counselors match potential pet owners with the animals so that the individual needs of both are met. All pets are screened physically and tested for temperament to make sure they are in fine condition before going to their new homes.

Upon learning of its long-standing track record of helping dogs and cats in their time of need, Supreme Master Ching Hai, with Her boundless compassion for all beings, made a generous contribution of $10,000 to Operation Kindness.

On September 29, Golden Year 3 (2006), members of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association in Texas visited Operation Kindness to present the grant to Jonnie England, the Executive Director of Operation Kindness. Ms. England was totally delighted and grateful with this loving gesture, and assured Association members that it would be put to very good use to help the animals that are in need.

The shelter also has some admirable educational programs, with the belief that kind and proper treatment of animals comes about through exposing and educating people, especially children, to the needs and loving nature of animals. Another program which Ms. England is especially proud of is the visit to nursing homes every month by sweet animal volunteers and their human companions, so that the inhabitants have an opportunity to interact with the dogs or cats, and receive the unconditional love which these animals give by nature. It gives such happiness to the inhabitants, and sometimes reminds them of the bygone days when they had their own lovely animal companion.

The Association members that visited this wonderful shelter were very impressed by how clean, well-organized and equipped it is, with every detail having been well thought out to enhance the well-being and happiness of the lovely animal guests and their prospective families. They were reminded of the detailed and meticulous way Supreme Master Ching Hai lovingly takes care of Her beloved animal companions.

The attitude, behavior, and work ethic of the staff are also most commendable. The people working with the animals treated them with respect and love; in turn, the staff received tremendous unconditional love and endless joy from their animal friends. Supreme Master Ching Hai has often spoken of how loving and intelligent the animals are; here, the absolute truth of these statements was witnessed first-hand.

Ms. England was very touched that Supreme Master Ching Hai thought of the animals and contributed so generously to Operation Kindness. In a message to the Supreme Master Ching Hai she said: “We’re honored that You have chosen us, to honor us with Your generosity and Your philanthropy, and we just thank You from the bottom of our paws, all 4 of them, so thank You so much!”