7 comfort them. Bruschi has a keen ability to communicate with humans without a single bark or noise. If he wants to go outside, he will simply walk and lay his head towards the door, waiting patiently for someone to let him out. He will pace by his bowl if he needs food, drawing enough attention to get fed. My grandmother was my dog's favorite person; she was constantly spoiling him with treats and car rides around the town to get fresh air. No one besides Bruschi could tell, but she was very sick with cancer. Bruschi was drawn to her, there was a connection between those two like no other. He started to act weird and overprotective for months before she even knew she had cancer. He would follow her everywhere she went. He would sit at the window to see where she was, sensing her arrival minutes before she would drive in. Playing fetch and giving kisses was reserved for only her; their special bond was unbreakable. Bruschi will not play fetch nor give kisses because he doesn't have his person anymore.
Empathy & Joy By Jakub Diakonowicz ’23
It all happened during spring break. I woke up not knowing what I’m going to do that day. I remember calling my friend and asking them to help me fight the boredom that day. All my Polish friends were in school so I was in my house all day. I was in the living room, watching “The Office” when Mom offered me to do voluntary work for Ukrainian refugees at the central train station. I said yes, not knowing what this experience would teach me. Right after my mom and I ate lunch we started driving toward the destination. I was shocked but at the same amazed. This might sound very confusing, but it will all make sense. When I entered the central station, which was empty last time I was there, it was full of not only refugees with no home but also volunteers. So many people also were standing in line to register as one, and there was me too. The next time I went there there wasn’t a line anymore but a form for six hours of voluntary work, with which they had much fewer volunteers. I remember standing in that line constantly getting surrounded by a multitude of people; both refugees and Poles. Once I got my vest and my tag I headed to walk around the station showing I can help, but one thing before I continue you need to remember I speak little to no Russian, just English and Polish.
