I Don't Have A Lot Of Money, But I Do Have Empathy

By eretica13 • August 11, 2026

I live in Austin, TX. It is dangerously hot here.

I buy cheap beef jerky treats and granola bars and dog biscuits. And I buy a cheap flat of water bottles that I keep in the fridge. Whenever I leave the house, I always grab a couple of paper bags and throw in a couple beef jerky treats and granola bars and a bag of dog biscuits.

I keep the waters cold in a little mini lunch cooler I have. Whenever I pull up to a light there's almost always someone in need and more often than not, they have a dog with them.

They are grateful for the cold water and for the small bites, but more often than not, they are most excited about the dog biscuits and hurridly feed the dog first.

Last week a woman must have thanked me five times as I could not safely pass the bag to her at the light, so I pulled into the gas station at the corner and walked it over to her.

I don't have a lot of money, but I do have empathy.

Doing these small acts of kindness does a lot for my mental health and I hope those individuals that cross my path have a little lighter day with some food for themselves some cold water on a hot day and treats for their furry family member.

Illustrative image used; no photo provided

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