The Most Inspirational Video You'll Ever See?

Jan 29 2009

The Most Inspirational Video You’ll Ever See?

Published by Steve N. Lee at 8:48 pm under animal rights, changing the world, globalization, human rights

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No, it isn’t a clip of Gandhi. Nor of King’s ‘I have a dream’ speech.

No, it doesn’t tell the story of Mother Theresa. Nor of Florence Nightingale.

No, it’s not a re-enactment of part of Christ’s life. Nor an episode from Buddha’s.

And yet it’s possibly one of the most touching and inspiring things you’ll ever see.

If you aren’t moved by what you will shortly witness, if it doesn’t make you question humanity, if it doesn’t inspire you to want to change the very world… well, you just aren’t human.

But then…

What’s so special about being human?

Oh, we all rave about it, of course we do. But that’s because we know we are the superior species.

Has a sardine ever flown to the moon?
Has an elephant ever won the Nobel Prize for Peace?
Has a rabbit’s Hamlet ever moved its audience to tears?

No.

Why?

Because they’re just dumb animals. Good for eating. For skinning. For entertain us one way or another. But no good for anything else.

Even man’s best friend… Supposed to be intelligent. Supposed to be loving. Supposed to be faithful. Yet a dog spends half its time licking its crotch - very attractive - and the other half believing fetching a stick is the highest form of Art. Faithful? It’ll lick anyone who feeds it.

Yep, they’re all just dumb animals. Only Man, only WE deserve absolute dominion over all we survey and know, in our hearts and in our minds, that we are the greatest beings to ever live.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofpYRITtLSg

So why is this clip so inspirational?

Because it’s not Gandhi. Not Mother Teresa, King, Buddha, nor Christ.

It isn’t anyone.

It’s a thing.

A thing of seemingly total inconsequence.

A thing that NO ONE could EVER imagine the world would miss.

It’s…

… just a dog.

A dog like any we pass every single day and barely even glance at.

And yet…

Look at the world we’ve built.

The ice caps are melting.
24,000 children die from poverty every single day.
By the next century, we’ll have exterminated half the species on the planet.

Plato, Descartes, Newton, Nietzsche, Hawkin… the greatest minds to ever live could talk for 1000 years and not say as much as this dog does without uttering a single syllable.

So, who’s the dumb animal now?

So go. See. Feel. Live.
Steve

If you like my blog - the style, the passion, the philosophy - you’ll absolutely love ‘What if…?’, my suspense thriller. What’s it about?

When a mysterious stranger fights to end world poverty, his seeming ability to heal with just a touch catapults him to fame but thrusts him into a deadly struggle with corporate America and the White House that like the world just the way it is: under their control - poverty, disease, wars and all.

But can the stranger heal? Or is he the biggest villain of all, perpetrating the most elaborate scam of all time?

Is it any good?

‘An engaging and exciting thriller with a difference. It would hold its own with many of the books in the bestseller lists - and then some.’
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35 Responses to “The Most Inspirational Video You’ll Ever See?”

# Hankaon 29 Jan 2009 at 9:05 pm

First thought - I can’t read this, second one - he is teasing like always, third one - there wasn’t the third one, just tears in my eyes, thanks Steve
# Steve N. Leeon 29 Jan 2009 at 9:51 pm

You’re welcome, Hanka. I’m glad you had the ‘courage’ to read on and find the treasure at the end of my rather strange treasure map!

Thanks for commenting.
Steve
# Barbaraon 29 Jan 2009 at 9:58 pm

That video was just amazing…I just keep watching it over and over.

If we could all have that courage, we could save the world!

Speaking of which, you might want to check out my new website at GlobalRegen.net

The video is simply unforgettable.

I am sending a link to your site to my friends–they HAVE to see this!

Thank you so much for sharing this—

Barbara
# Pamylleon 29 Jan 2009 at 11:11 pm

Oh, Steve, you were right - this is very special. Your question “who’s the dumb animal ?” is something we as a species ought to be asking ourselves ! Thanks so much.
# marieemmaon 30 Jan 2009 at 3:20 am

I can’t believe it !!! so incredible !!! amazing !!!
# Joycey Berryon 30 Jan 2009 at 3:25 am

One of the most amazing and heroic videos I have seen. And the best thing is the dog lived. Truely a miracle. Thanks for sharing this heartfelt video Steve. If only people could be like this little hero. You have made my day.
# Pommawolfon 30 Jan 2009 at 7:48 am

Thank you Steve…for sharing this..it hurts the heart…but lifts this spirit knowing that it was the one single creature…that showed more love and care…than any human being can imagine…..
This sure shows how not one single human being..not one, stopped to help the injured dog…but another lonely dog did what no human had the heart and guts nor the humanity to do so. Shame on them all and their lousy self absorbed lives.
This is why I have a hard time with the human beings on this planet anymore. I get so angry at the selfish comments made about animals not mattering, or that their life has less value than human beings. As far as I am concerned…human beings have earned what they receive in their lives anymore. You do what you want in your life…ignore those in pain, those in need, and those that need a hand up….then you damn well better not whine and cry about how awful your own miserable life is when the going gets rough for yourself. I will have little pity or compassion for what you couldn’t offer some other living creature that needed it at the time.
That dog showed more compassion, more concern more giving…caring and knew that another living creature was in need, and that no damn human being was going to stop their cars, nor render assistance to the wee one lying in the road hurt and in pain.
This is what one would call an object lesson. Did anyone learn from it? Did anyone care? Well I care, it it hurts me to know that the human race has fallen so low, but I am ever so glad to know that animals exist on this planet….they have more heart and soul than most humans could ever imagine…..
~Namaste~
Mitakuye Oyasin
~~~I wish I could leave a poem that I wrote a long time ago here on your blog Steve….it was written after a friend of mine who was murdered…and her dogs that she loved so much were destroyed…murdered as well by the murderer…so they could not be the tellers of the truth…..
Animals are the tellers of the truth…that are far more insightful, and honest…the tellers of the truth.
# MOONon 30 Jan 2009 at 8:16 am

WELL STEVE-YOU JUST SHOT THE HELL OUT OF “DUMB ANIMALS” BUT I’VE KNOWN BETTER ALL MY LIFE! THIS ONE ANIMAL SHOWED MORE LOVE AND COMPASSION IN A FEW MINUTES THAN MOST “HUMANS” SHOW IN A LIFE TIME. IT’S A SHAME THAT ALL HUMANS CAN’T HAVE A FRACTION OF THE LOVE THIS DOG SHOWED FOR HIS FRIEND. FEW HUMANS WOULD HAVE DONE WHAT HE DID, JUST TO SAVE A FRIEND WITH NEVER A SECONDS HESITATION ABOUT HIS OWN LIFE! HUMANS WOULD HAVE TO STOP AND THINK ABOUT DOING WHAT HE DID, PURLEY OUT OF LOVE. LOVE YOUR ARTICLES–BY THE WAY–I HAD SEEN THIS VID BEFORE-IT JUST TOOK YOU TO MAKE US LOOK LOOOOOOOG AND HARD AT “OURSELVES”!! THANK YOU.

BRENDA-LOUISIANA
# Elainnaon 30 Jan 2009 at 10:59 am

There is one Hell of a difference between intellectual or rational intelligence and emotional intelligence. The first creates cars trucks & cameras; the second possesses empathy, courage and selflessness. From what I can tell, this dog would score genius in the latter while humans, being rational, would not risk their precious skin for a “mere” animal. Yes, it was the most inspiring video I’ve ever seen.
# Steve N. Leeon 30 Jan 2009 at 11:09 am

Yes, I’ve watched it over and over, Barbara - it’s hard to believe no matter how often you watch it, isn’t it?

I’ve checked out your site. Looks good. Have you tried promoting it on Care2 or through any of the other social networks? I’d try it if I were you.

Though I’ve only had a rough glance over the site, it seems to take a similar stance to global problems as I take in my book - that everything is inter-connected so a holistic approach is the only real way out of the mess we’ve created.

When you consider it, it really is common sense. What’s the point of ridding the world of poverty through, for example, technology, industry and consumerism, if to do so increases global warming to the point that we kill virtually everything else?

If someone has a brain tumour, you treat the person as a whole being, you don’t just remove the problem, i.e. his brain, do you!?

That’s a rough idea of the philosophy of my book. And of this blog, of course, which was a natural progression.

Anyway, I’m going off the point a little.

Yep, the dog? A hero and an inspiration if ever there were one.

Thanks for commenting.
Steve
P.S. I’ve just had that ‘Sorry there was an error… javascript’ message - on my own blog! It’s just one of those wonderful internet quirks we all have to put up with, I’m afraid. Luckily, I’d copied this comment before hitting submit so I’m smiling instead of cursing!
# Steve N. Leeon 30 Jan 2009 at 11:16 am

Who’s the dumb animal now? Think we ALL know the answer to that one, don’t we Pamylle!

Glad you liked the post. Thanks for dropping in.

Marieemma, you’re spot on - incredible and amazing.

Thanks for commenting.

I’m glad I’ve brightened up your day, Joycey. Yes, I couldn’t believe the video when I found it. I also can’t believe it hasn’t been plastered all over ever TV news channel and website on the planet!

Maybe that would be too much:people might not like to discover that they really aren’t that special, that a flea-bitten mutt could be their superior in so many ways.

Thanks for adding your thoughts.
Steve
# Steve N. Leeon 30 Jan 2009 at 11:32 am

Pommawolf, I’m a little hesitant about blaming the drivers as I don’t know the time period involved here to know how long the injured dog was stranded, nor do I know how easy it would be to stop on that road without causing a gigantic pile-up.

I’d like to think the time period was short and that drivers who saw the dog saw it way too late to be able to put on their hazard warning lights, slow down safely, and halt the traffic to deal with the dog. I do imagine that’s probably not far off the truth.

That said, it doesn’t matter. The entire point of the story is what the hero dog did.

We are destroying the planet. Purely through apathy-laced greed. And because we ‘deserve’ the right to be able to do that - we are the master species… Except, maybe we’re not. If an animal can show such compassion, empathy, and intelligence, then doesn’t it bring into question our entire status?

But yes, you’re right about the lesson there for all to see and that we are bringing disaster upon ourselves - so whining about it is a pretty dumb thing to do (like when we whine because we’ve eaten too much. Well, jee, who was holding a gun to our heads, Sparky!?)

And, like you, I get very angry at people. How often do you hear people whine in public because they can’t afford a new pair of Nike or something, while a billion people live on $1 a day so can’t afford food! Boy, that gets me, so I know just where you’re coming from.

Thanks for furthering the conversation.
Steve
# Steve N. Leeon 30 Jan 2009 at 11:36 am

Thanks for your kind words about my work, Brenda. I’m pleased you enjoy it. I do try to make it thought-provoking AND entertaining - not always easy!

Maybe if we gave children a rounded education that included compulsory elements on compasion and empathy, using such videos as this, our future wouldn’t be looking quite so bleak.

Elainna, yes, big difference. And as I’ve hinted at above, may this is actually quite scary for some people - a dog showing such a level of emotion and intellectual development. But I won’t say more as I’m toying with developing that into the subject of a post of its own.

I’m thrilled you found it so moving. As I am that everyone has so far.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts,
Steve
# Brennan Kingslandon 30 Jan 2009 at 4:09 pm

Thank you, Steve,

After more than twenty years of rescuing abused and/or abandoned dogs and cats, I can tell you that humans could learn A LOT from those “dumb animals”.

Our furbabies are our greatest companions. And anyone who doesn’t know that animals can think and have emotions is really ignorant.

I live in a state that has a terrible track record for animal cruelty. We do what little we can.

The saying that keeps me going is:

“You can’t change the world by helping one animal,
But you can change the world for that animal.”
# Kathy Thompsonon 30 Jan 2009 at 5:34 pm

Steve, I had seen this beautiful video before, and thought about it a lot. Would I have stopped to help the dog? You’re right, it would have depended on the traffic conditions, etc. If possible I would have, but I care more for the dogs than I do most of the people. I think what that dog did must not be so uncommon…..a dog that my son had as a teen dashed out in front of an oncoming semi to pull a small dog that had already been hit by a car out of harms way. No one believes me when I tell that story, even though there were several witnesses who already knew Oso was a very special dog. Thanks for showing more people: if we could just all come to realize what’s most important, life, perhaps we could straighten out this trainwreck we live in!
# Steve N. Leeon 30 Jan 2009 at 6:25 pm

Brennan, that’s an excellent philosophy! And good on you for all the work you do for those poor animals. 20 years? (That’s a lot of animals. A small zoo if you put them all together.)

Yes, people can learn a lot from animals. Sadly, it’s usually the ones that need to learn the most that are the most closed to doing so. Hopefully, we can bring them around one day.

Thanks for dropping in.

Trainwreck? Too right, Kathy. Unfortunately, it will take more than one video on my little blog to change that! But the deepest ocean must one day have been a single droplet, so let’s hope, huh?

I’m not surprised people don’t believe you anecdote - I don’t think I would if I hadn’t seen this video! That’s a wonderful experience to have had.

Thanks for sharing with us, Kathy.

Have a great weekend everyone,
Steve
# Steve N. Leeon 30 Jan 2009 at 6:37 pm

Pommawolf - sorry, I forget to address a point you raised - your poem. Many people have asked if they can post their own work on my blog. When I first started writing it, I decided the only input would come from me, (unless I imported purely factual articles simply for their informative value, which I am still considering).

This decision was made partly because I have a distinctive voice, which makes this blog unique in its way, partly because it isn’t just a blog but a showcase for my writing (a writer has to eat!), partly because I have to believe in everything that appears here 100% so I can defend it, and partly because I’d hate to have to tell someone that I thought the work they’d poured their soul into really wasn’t very good and I didn’t want to use it. Believe me, there’s nothing worse than putting your work out there only for people to tell you it stinks!

I’m sorry to disappoint, but I hope you understand my reasons.
Steve
# Marion Youngon 30 Jan 2009 at 8:02 pm

Beautiful…Enlightening…Heartwarming.

Thank you so much, Steve.
# Steve N. Leeon 30 Jan 2009 at 9:08 pm

You’re most welcome, Marion.

It’s a joy to see so many people are as moved by this as I was.

Thanks for commenting.
Steve
# Dianeon 31 Jan 2009 at 7:50 am

I have NEVER seen this so THANKS…very thought-provoking as always Steve. It’s great that you have shared something so simple yet so profound. Keep up the good work and lets ALL work harder on the things that really matter. DI ***
# Kent Butleron 31 Jan 2009 at 2:20 pm

You’ve done it again, Steve. As I read your intro to the video - which I first saw last night - I could feel my hackles rising. “I thought you were smarter than that!” I thought - “How can you be so blindly arrogant?”

I’ll just send him the dog rescue video and that will shut him up!

So, you got me - good work! My jaw’s still hanging open from watching that video again…
# Deanna Raekeon 31 Jan 2009 at 10:11 pm

Steve, thanks for taking the time to drop me a note not to miss this. I have seen this video so many time and, of course, even posted it myself but the words you combine make it all the more special.

This video was shot months ago on a traffic cam and no one eve did stop to help the dogs. Works did eventually come and remove the dog that was hit and sadly it did not make it. The other dog disappeared and has never been found.

The message you see in the video is so strong and so powerful, the lessons we can learn from “just a dog.” The tragedy is that until this video became viral, no one cared and then everyone was clamoring to know what happened to the dogs, far too late for either of them.

If only we could take the time when it actually mattered and counted, about anything, we wouldn’t have to worry about hindsight being 20/20, we could live our lives with our sight every day that way.

This goes to show there are live lessons to be learned every day, every where we can look from the lowest animal on upward.

Thank you for your touching enlightenment.

Deanna
# Tamara Palmeron 31 Jan 2009 at 11:06 pm

So many humans have gotten so far removed from compassion. Too bad THIS couldn’t make ‘news” on the ‘mainstream’ media. This is profoundly and exactly what is missing in our government. Huge numbers of unsung heroes (humans) do this very same thing, and like this, they go unnoticed. Hopefully this will open a few more eyes and get people involved, however time-consuming it may be.
# mike kowalchukon 02 Feb 2009 at 1:15 am

The most incredable thing i have ever seen,the politetions of the world should see this,it would maybe change there views on animal rights.The only one that makes animals hurt is man i wish it would stop altogether.If this does not show how buaitiful animals are i dont know what will.I trust an animal more than a human,that i know for sure.Animal Power al the way!
# Steve N. Leeon 02 Feb 2009 at 11:02 am

I’m glad you find it thought-provoking, Diane. It is. Very. I think you have to watch the clip a number of times to get that. Just one viewing simply gives you a ‘wow, a dog did that!’ type of feeling. The more you see it, the more your brain kicks in about what the dog REALLY did.

Thanks for commenting.

I’m sure your’s isn’t the only jaw, Kent. Obviously, I was amazed by the clip to feature it in the post. I’m now toying with a follow-up.

Thanks for dropping in.

Yes, Tamara, that’s what I can’t understand - why wasn’t this video plastered over ever media outlet possible. (But then I addressed that earler, so I won’t repeat myself.)

Just minutes ago, I learned that Tesco and Asda, two massive UK supermarket chains, are creating thousands of new jobs. Amazingly that good news has only managed to crawl onto a tiny section of the BBC website while the main news if overflowing with the doom and gloom of recession. Why is it that people are so fascinated by bad news and don’t really care for good? (I do find my more upbeat posts are
the least popular on my blog!)

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Steve
# Steve N. Leeon 02 Feb 2009 at 11:09 am

Yes, this should be compulsory viewing in schools, Mike. Give kids an idea of the beauty in the world and how to look after it. That’s where the future of the planet lies - educating the young to develop a new mindset, a new culture. Sadly, with the values we have today, we make very poor teachers.

This video is remarkable, though. Only the most hardened, closed-minded of people couldn’t help but marvel at it.

Thanks for commenting.
Steve
# Steve N. Leeon 02 Feb 2009 at 11:43 am

Deanna, you’re right - even the lowest of the animal kingdom can teach us, the master race, so much about how to treat each other and every species we share the planet with. It’s such a pity we’re so arrogant we just turn a blind eye to it. If we actually listened, watched, learned, the world wouldn’t be in the desperate state it’s now in - and only getting worse!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Steve
# northerntraceyon 02 Feb 2009 at 2:44 pm

Hi Steve, sorry I havn’t been to check out your inspiring stories for a while, I’ve been busy saving the world LOL. I’m glad I popped by again because this video made my day.
Inspiring yes, heartfelt yes, with your own inimitable personal touch.
I’ve yet still to read your book but am going to. It is on my list of books to read.
Keep em coming.
Luv ya.
# Sueon 02 Feb 2009 at 9:44 pm

Hi Steve,
Thank you for taking the time to notify me of this heartwarming video. I saw this a few weeks ago and was truly amazed then. I always knew that animals had compassion; this video just lets us see just how much. Your words relating to this video are truly inspirational.
Sue
# Steve N. Leeon 03 Feb 2009 at 11:57 am

Don’t worry about how often you visit, Northerntracey. Life is so hectic, these days, it’s hard finding time for the really important things in life, let alone surfing the web.

I’m glad you enjoyed the video. And I’m thrilled you’ve put my book on your ‘to be read’ list - I’m sure you’ll love it!

Thanks for dropping in.

Sue, I’m pleased you found my take on the video added to its power. I stumbled upon it quite by accident - can’t remember what I was looking for now - but as soon as I saw it I knew I had to share it with others. As I’ve said earlier, I don’t think it will be the last time I reference it on this blog as it really does say so much.

Thanks for commenting.
Steve
# Climatarians | Green directoryon 15 Jul 2009 at 10:23 pm

Steve, thanks for this wonderful video. This is truly amazing. Its really a great lesson we could learn from these simple, innocent creatures. I just wonder what prompted the dog to risk its own life to save the other. Guess it comes naturally to them. Just as naturally as self-centeredness comes to us. Truly inspiring. Thank God the story ended on a happy note.
Joost Hoogstrate
# Steve N. Leeon 30 Aug 2009 at 11:19 am

Hi Joost,

Sorry for the delay in replying to your comment - I was away on holiday when it was posted and I’ve only just found it. Yes, it’s an amazing video. If you didn’t see it and someone tried to decribe it to you, you just wouldn’t believe it, would you? Yet it’s just a dog, while look at all that mankind has achieved that we’re so proud of. Self-centred? Yep, that mutt certainly could teach the majority of the human race a thing or two, couldn’t it? Talk about needing to hang our heads in shame! I wonder if we’ll ever learn?

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
Steve
# Dr. Jon 11 Oct 2009 at 9:57 pm

Hi Steve! I just stumbled upon your site while looking into a column idea I was researching. You seem to write about some interesting things from a very decent point of view. I was moved by this video, but from following the link, the first dog died :-( At any rate, here is a link to a video I found that was very inspirational also, and I hope you find it that way too!
Best,
Dr. J

http://www.maniacworld.com/are-you-going-to-finish-strong.html
# Steve N. Leeon 29 Oct 2009 at 10:11 am

Thanks for the comment, Dr. J and the link. The pc I’m on at the moment won’t play the video but I’ll check it out later on another one.

Hope your research paid off.

Steve
# Les Son 23 Nov 2009 at 6:30 pm

Can’t remember where saw this, but recall it. Ever see the one where a girl played part of being abducted, and hardly anybody did anything until last part where 3 dudes spread out and were about to open a Big ‘ol can of WHOOPASS as granny was dialing 9-11!! He let her go real quick and said good job, this is just a test. Makes you wonder why so many kids go missing, huh? Can add app at wirelessamberalerts.com or org