Life & The Sunday Series

Find your why and find your way. Become more.

  • About Mark Brodinsky
  • Contact
  • The Higher Shelf!
  • Home

Need inspiration to find your why and your way?

Join the Tribe Today!

The Sunday Series (58), with Mark Brodinsky

February 15, 2015 By markbrodinsky 1 Comment

Sometimes it’s those who are at the mercy of others, who can do little or nothing to help themselves, where you find the true need for change. It takes courage to make a stand, to reach out, create hope and inspire others who support your efforts, because they can see you are committed to a purpose larger than yourself.  This is the essence of life.

I am Mark Brodinsky and this is The Sunday Series.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————-

The Sunday Series (58): Save 90

Holly

“Their lives matter. They feel pain and suffering and we owe it to them to do everything we can to care for them because they can’t care for themselves.” – D. Stone

Deborah Stone is committed to helping to save lives, the lives of those who bring joy to so many, but in turn get the raw end of the deal when they are lost, released, forgotten, or given up for adoption. Yes, they are animals, but to anyone who has ever brought a pet into their lives you know they mean so much more. Pets become family…and family matters.

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” – Josh Billings

ELT LITL FOR BLOG

Just about a 18 months ago Deborah lost her latest rescue, Elton, when he passed away from cancer. It was a painful loss and Deborah thought she might be finished with dog adoptions, but a few days later she found herself online, looking for another dog to rescue. She says she was “blown away” with the amazing online resources focused on rescues, so much so that Deborah, a former reporter for WJZ-TV and currently a free-lance writer and video producer, wanted to write an article about all she had discovered in her search for rescues and shelters. But then her step-daughter told her to find out a little more about BCAS, the Baltimore County Animal Shelter.

The stories Deborah saw and heard about the BCAS troubled her deeply – the shelter was not even coming close to the percentages of most shelters when it came to animal releases vs kills. The BCAS was, as recently as 2013,  euthanizing nearly half  its animal population. For Deborah, this was unacceptable, way below the national average and she wanted to help enact change. During her two decades as a TV news reporter Deborah had remained objective and made sure she was never be part of any news story she was working on. Now out on her own as a free-lance writer and video producer, Deborah could share her sentiments, get involved and use her passion and put her talents to work for a cause bigger than herself.

Her new purpose: Save 90. (http://save90.blogspot.com/)

deb stone working

“Once you have had a wonderful dog, a life without one, is a life diminished.”
– Dean Koontz (author)

90% is the percentage of animals being saved in many shelters around the country. The BCAS was falling way short of that goal and Deborah and others protested for change. This was new territory for the well-respected former TV reporter, but when you feel strongly about a cause, you need to make your voice heard. These days if you want to share your voice, one of the best ways to do it is not to simply speak so those in close proximity can hear, but to get your voice heard by people across the community and all over the world. Start a blog.

In August of last year, Deborah launched her blog, Save 90.  The focus so far is the Baltimore County Animal Shelter, and efforts like this are not without precedence and tremendous success. Another shelter, The Baltimore (City) Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS), was once much worse than the County equivalent. Back in 2005 BARCS was killing about 98% of its pet population. But a  change in leadership, a call for partnership with Baltimore City and tremendous community support, as well as non-profit status, helped to turn things around. BARCS now has a euthanasia rate of only about 23%. Change can happen. Lives, even those of dogs and cats matter. If not, why would anyone go out of their way to make them part of their lives?

“Why does watching a dog be a dog fill one with happiness?”
– Jonathan Safran Foer, (author) 

To be completely transparent for a moment, let me say that I met Deborah nearly two decades ago when I too worked at WJZ-TV. I bring this up only because I know her, her sincerity, her drive and too many times people view animal stories and the people who fight for them as wacky, crazy, or who simply have too much time on their hands and put animals lives before those of humans. Such is not the case here. I know Deborah has a cause for which she believes is worth fighting for and she is systematically going about the proper steps and channels to enact change… especially where the government is involved.

“Why I’m doing this is to inform people”, says Deborah, “for something they might never know about…and it happens like a million other things the government does that you don’t know about. If you don’t know it goes unchecked, and there are lives at stake.”

Save 90 is now part of Deborah’s purpose and passion and it is starting to make a difference. The release vs kill rate at the Baltimore County Animal Shelter is improving and even this weekend a push is on to promote animal adoptions.

cats for adoption

Those who wield the power of political persuasion are taking notice. Earlier this month the Baltimore County Council passed Bill 2-15. Councilwoman Vicki Almond drafted the legislation and all six of her fellow Council members signed on as co-sponsors. The bill will create an Animal Services Advisory Commission to look into the BCAS and make recommendations.

Politicians are not the only ones paying attention.  To garner even more support Deborah is reaching out to Baltimore County business people who are supporting the Save 90 mission in video advertisements you can see on the blog. Advertisers are asked to make a donation – something with the # 90 in it – which means they can donate $90 or give more and the money is donated directly to rescue groups to help animals find a home. So far Deborah has been able to collect and donate about $5,000.  When money is donated, the recipient videotapes a thank you which is then posted on the Save 90 blog as proof they have received the donation and is putting it to good use to help improve the lives of the animals.  To increase public awareness the next step for Deborah is gaining some prominent celebrity endorsements for Save 90 and the topics of animal rescue and shelter support.

“Dogs don’t rationalize. They don’t hold anything against a person. They don’t see the outside of a human but the inside of a human.” – Cesar Millan, (dog trainer)

So what’s it like to rescue an animal?

Deborah knows first-hand, currently caring for the 3rd dog rescue she has had in her life, a poodle mix named Dewey. “Rescuing an animal is an interesting experience”, says Deborah. “Very often the animal comes to you with emotional issues because of their background – they may have been abused or neglected – you don’t know. My most recent one is the sweetest, most wonderful dog, but he came with issues. Dewey was about one year old when we adopted him and I don’t think he had ever been walked…the pads of his paws were completely pink and smooth. I don’t know if he lived in a grassy area, or was just kept in a cage. He had never seen a car. I took him for a walk, he saw a car and he almost had a stroke. He took some extra attention to house break as well, but it’s all worth it.”

The most satisfying experiences in life are the ones you struggle to achieve.  There is the very positive, heartwarming feeling you get from saving a dog like Dewey. Deborah says, “the good side is you feel like you have saved their life and very often they are very, very attached to you. Dewey adores me and I know every day I gave him a chance. Every day I live in the joy of having given him a chance with life and happiness. He’s a very happy dog.”

DEWEY FOR BLOG

“Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in.”
– Mark Twain

Deborah says there could be some fundraisers in the future for Save 90 and she is keeping watch on the status of several shelters, including the BCAS. The big issue right now is volunteerism. In the city, BARCS has 400 volunteers who work with the animal shelter. The Maryland SPCA has 800 volunteers. The Baltimore County Animal Shelter has about 20 volunteers and Deborah says the county won’t let them do much of anything. She would like to see a much more robust volunteer and foster program. The idea would be for a county resident to keep an animal in their home as a foster pet, until it found a permanent place to live. Deborah also says she would like to see the BCAS coordinate much more actively with local rescue organizations, who so far have not had great things to say about the county animal shelter.

“These are our communities animals”, says Deborah, “and it is our responsibility to care for our these animals and if it’s not on your radar then who knows what is really going on and how much these animals suffer. It is our job to make sure these animals lives are as good as they can be.”

Ollie Art Picture

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” – Roger Caras, (photographer and writer)

Anyone who has ever loved a dog or cat knows the feeling.  The right pet can change the trajectory of your life, adding a component of unconditional love unmatched by other living species. Deborah Stone has experienced this love, and any of you reading this who own a pet most likely know the same, myself included. Yet it is these animals who lack the ability to fight for themselves. They can only give and receive love, but are incapable of fighting for their own self-worth. They can experience pain and suffering but are helpless to change their own situation. Sometimes someone, somewhere has to step up and fight for those who can’t do it for themselves.

Deborah Stone and Save 90.

deb and dewey

Until next time, thanks for taking the time.
Mark

If you know of a Baltimore County business owner who might like to advertise on Save 90, please ask them to contact Deborah at debstone01@comcast.net.

Mark Brodinsky, Author, Blogger, Speaker, Emmy Winner, Financial Services

Author: The #1 Amazon Best-Seller: It Takes 2. Surviving Breast Cancer: A Spouse’s Story
(http://www.spouses-story.com/)

Follow It’s Just About… Life & The Sunday Series by entering your name and e-mail address.  Feedback and comments are welcome on the blog, on social media, or by e-mail: markbrodinsky@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Related

{total}Tweet
{total}+1
{total}Like
{total}Share
{total}Pin

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Top Posts & Pages

  • Life Is A Highway: Observations of Life
  • The Sunday Series (27), with Mark Brodinsky
  • A Rose Is A Rose: It's Just About... Life
  • The Sunday Series (123), with Mark Brodinsky
  • The Sunday Series (71), with Mark Brodinsky
  • Next Time in Heaven: It's Just About... Life
  • The Sunday Series (30), with Mark Brodinsky
  • The Higher Shelf!
  • About Mark Brodinsky
  • The Sunday Series (151), with Mark Brodinsky

Comments

  1. Cecilia Volkman says

    February 15, 2015 at 10:38 am

    Great article mark! I volunteer at spca and it’s very rewarding. I haven’t heard good things about how the county treats their volunteers… And it sea like they could really use the help.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Search over 500 posts, including The Sunday Series

Get all My Latest News & Offers
Introduce yourself with your name and email below

#1 Best Seller on Amazon

Click to order your copy today!

The Book Trailer

Mark Brodinsky
Emmy Award Winner, 1996

Ever thought about writing a book? check this out!

Blog Reviews

Love seeing new blogs hit the ground running like this one (by a dad no less), but I also urge anyone vaguely interested in blogging to stay tuned, I am. Good luck on your journey – glad that I am along for the ride.

Rachel Blaufeld

Great blog Mark! I always appreciate reading what you have to say. You are very gifted and talented and hopefully someday you’ll not just blog, but write a book.

 Stephen Koncurat

I’m definitely along for the ride. We’ve all seen how much damage the written word can inflict. More positive writers are needed. And I love how you are using your personal experiences – those with your wife and children – and your gift of writing to open eyes and to inspire others.

Victoria Endicott

Absolutely beautifully written! The girls in your life must be very proud of you. Thanks for sharing Mark, I look forward to reading more!

Gina Glick Jolson

Very shortly this site will be famous amid all blogging and site-building users, due to it’s pleasant posts.

Leila Galloway

Absolutely beautiful! Are you at all thinking of penning a book? You’ve got a fan base out there that really thinks you should Mark. You write so eloquently. Glad that I got onto this site.

Marilyn Lefkowitz

Mark, You are truly a gifted writer and obviously, a special father and husband . Always a delight to read your words.

I’m speechless…beautiful words flow from your heart just like a gentle waterfall into a tranquil stream… thank you so much for the friend request I was blessed the day I clicked confirm.

Lynne Turner Dorsey

From your first writing in 4th grade entitled “People” which was published in the school newspaper, you have always been able to write. Never more so than when you started “Caringbridge” and now your blog, everyone who reads says what a wonderful writer you are. Our DREAM for you is to become an author and encourage people every day. You are by the far the best and we hope and pray you reach your dream.

Bonnie Brodinsky

I know you always thank us for reading but I would like to say thanks for writing.

Stuart Abell

Great piece. You are an inspiration!

Rob Commodari

Mark I just wanted to let you know that you are succeeding in your “ultimate goal”. I have gained so much from your blogs. I look forward to reading them for the special lift that they give me. Thank you.

Amy F.

I love waking up and starting my day with my coffee and your blog! It a great way to start my day with positive uplifting thoughts!! It puts me in a positive frame of mind throughout the day and allows me to reflect on my personal life, make changes, and grow !!!

Gayle Blank

You are quite talented Mark. Thanks for sharing!

Cynthia

I always look forward to your Blog Mark. Thanks for sharing and as you always do, make it a great / remarkable Day!

Chuck Connolly

Thanks for your Blog Mark. It is fun, encouraging and a nice break from a day full of ups and downs.

Jackie Hetrick

With my busy schedule, there is (sadly) little time for reading. But I have two must-reads every time I come across them, the sports section and your blogs. Keep inspiring and following your dream!

Ed Nemec

Mark, you are a truly remarkable individual. You do speak from your heart, I can’t wait to read your book. You are an incredible writer.

Debbie Press

Mark, I am glad I clicked on your post this morning, which lead me to your writing, your goal.
Would like to connect. This speaks to me.

Aileen Braverman

I can’t wait to read the book. I have followed all the blogs and feel so good that I know u guys. You make me cry but you make me laugh too. All the very best to you!

Beverlee Rendelman

Connect with Mark!

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

WOW!!! It Takes 2 is a must read for anyone who has known someone diagnosed with cancer or other life threatening disease. This is the real story of a family lead by an incredible woman, Debbie Brodinsky, who took radical steps to beat the breast cancer beast. The story is told by her husband, Mark Brodinsky, through journal entries he kept starting with diagnosis through one year cancer free. This author's unique ability to pour his heart out onto the page draws you in from the beginning and holds you until the very end.

Thanks to Mark and Debbie Brodinsky for this gift...I have a new perspective on what it means to be a breast cancer survivor. You are a hero, Debbie Brodinsky!

TeeBThree
September 25, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book gives a heartfelt, in depth description of what it is like to go through breast cancer with the one you love. It is beautifully written and I felt as though I was living it with them! I highly recommend this book!

Jgs17
September 24, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

In It Takes 2, Mark Brodinsky windows us into his world where his wife, the cancer patient, is not the only victim. Part journal, part roadmap, It Takes 2 goes to the real humanity of facing the mortality of one's better half. Mark's candid perspective, love, and fierce intention resonate with hope in a story which is about much more than cancer. Mark himself is perhaps the most heroic character for the way he appreciates this life and so many of us in it...as he says, "thanks for caring."

Réné Pallace
September 24, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

It Takes Two: A Spouse's Story by Mark Brodinsky should be read by every person who is experiencing serious illness or injury or by a loved one of someone who is experiencing either of those situations. The book is an eloquent testament to the power of love and the healing energy derived from the belief that things will get better. There is not one word of "poor me" from the author or his wife who suffered breast cancer and the radical surgery she elected to have to beat the cancer. Rather, the book is a celebration of the courage displayed by them both in seeing it through.

The book also encourages readers to speak and write down their true feelings and be validated in them. John Mackovic writing in the Palm Springs, CA Desert Sun on November 2, 2013 quoted author and artist Doe Zantamata who said, " To be happy, you don't have to do anything new. You just have to remember how to believe again...Believe everything good is possible. Believe in your dreams. Believe in people. Believe in love. But most of all...believe in yourself." The author, his wife, their family and extended family and friends never stopped believing in his wife's recovery, and I think, in themselves. Read this book and believe.

Paul A. Riecks
November 4, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book is a must read for anyone with a family member with breast cancer. It takes you through the spouse's perspective from diagnosis to recovery. Mark journaled his wife's journey and put all of his emotions out there. It is beautifully written and inspiring to anyone going through breast cancer. Thank you, Mark for sharing Debbie's story.

Jmu1109
October 23, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

A friend recommended this book. This was a great perspective of a man standing beside his partner and passing along to the reader fear, hope, useful information and a broader story than his own. I loved Vinnie the tattoo artist. This is a great book. Thanks for sharing, Mark and "thanks for caring"

Blahsan

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book is a must read. What sets this book apart from other books about surviving breast cancer is that it is told by the husband and his point of view, not from the survivor. At times sad, at times poignant but even through the worst of it you can always feel the love he has for his wife, her strength and the strength of their extended family and friends. The posts that are included from their friends and family lets you really into the heart and strength of the family. I would recommend this book to anyone who is currently going through this, whether you are the person or the caregiver. I also recommend this book to anyone who has a friend that has been or is currently going through their fight now. It was an eye opener for me.

L. Bogash
Seven Valleys, PA

ittakes2_reviews_2

There isn't a shortage of books about breast cancer, but most are written from the perspective of the person who has battled cancer or a physician or other expert. What an enlightening experience to read about breast cancer from a husband and caregiver's perspective! Not only does the author give us insight into his wife's experience and emotions, but he openly shares and reveals his love, compassion, support, and, yes, sometimes anger at the disease as he stands by his wife's side during their journey to beat the beast. Your story may not be the same, but I guarantee if you have a loved one battling cancer, you won't go wrong reading It Takes 2.

 PattiM
September 25, 2013

 

ittakes2_reviews_2

From the moment I opened this book I never stopped reading. Mark invites the reader to come along on this journey that his family went through. I cried, laughed and learned so much. This book will give comfort and knowledge to those going through similar situations. Most importantly, Mark and his family never give up. They get knocked down and get right back up. They fought cancer together and with their strength, determination and will to prevail... They do!

 Jenny Schloss 

Recent Comments

  • Patricia Storey on The Sunday Series (152), with Mark Brodinsky
  • markbrodinsky on The Sunday Series (152), with Mark Brodinsky
  • markbrodinsky on The Sunday Series (152), with Mark Brodinsky
  • Abby Scherr on The Sunday Series (152), with Mark Brodinsky
  • Sheila Hyman on The Sunday Series (152), with Mark Brodinsky

Sincerely, Not Seriously: It’s Just About… Life

It never fails if you pay attention, if you are aware, that someone else will inspire you with their words or actions. It happened the other day at my networking group, BNI, when Jason Lusby of the Lusby Group got up to do a presentation about his business of helping others acquire or sell commercial […]

Laugh Until It Hurts: It’s Just About… Life

If this blog is all about finding your WHY, then today, I have to apologize and do a 360-degree turn on the meaning of that word and ask, WHY? As soon as I heard the news the first text I sent was to an old friend of mine, because I knew he remembered, “Our boy is […]

Categories

  • Life
  • Sunday Series
  • Uncategorized

Pages

  • About Mark Brodinsky
  • Contact
  • Resources
  • Storytelling
  • The Higher Shelf!

Connect With Mark!

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Categories

© 2023 Life and The Sunday Series. All Rights Reserved.

Built Masterfully on WordPress and Maintained by the Blogging Experts