The phrase “giving the shirt off your own back” is one reserved for only the kindest of people. Plainly, it means that someone is so generous that they would be willing to take their own shirt off as a gift if it were to make someone else more comfortable. We all know the kind of person that would do this!
For one man, his kindness extended further an just to other humans.
While it is one thing to be a kind and generous person to another human, it is something else entirely to be just as kind to a defenseless animal. Animals often aren’t treated with the same gentleness and kindness that they deserve. Thankfully, people like Felipe are around.
Something interesting happened to Fernando and Felipe while getting on the subway one day.
Hopping on the subway in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Felipe and Fernando were about their regular business. The brothers went to purchase their tickets and head on their way. For most people, routines can be blinding. We often fail to see the new details around us as we go about the normal parts of our day that have become so well-rehearsed with us.
As Felipe was buying the tickets, however, he noticed something different.
Fernando watched his brother walk over to a dog that was sitting in the station, as much an element of the place as a living thing. The day was cold, and looking at the little dog caused something to well up in Felipe.
“He saw a dog shivering in the cold,” Gabriel told The Dodo. “It was the coldest day of the year.”
Felipe walked up to the dog as his brother watched, unsure of what he would do next.
We all have little opportunities in our day to make someone else’s better. These little moments come more often than we would care to admit. Felipe was entering into one of these potential moments now.
As Fernando watched, his brother approached the dog and began to undress.
Confused, Fernando watched his brother go toward the dog while taking off his backpack. It didn’t stop there, however, as Fernando watched Felipe continue taking off his sweatshirt, jacket, and finally, his shirt.
“I noticed my brother taking his backpack off his back and started filming,” Gabriel said. “He continued. He took off his jacket, sweatshirt and put his shirt on the puppy who was very cold. He did it spontaneously. It was very moving.”
Incredibly, Felipe took off his own shirt and draped it around the freezing dog.
Even more beautifully, Felipe never expected his brother to be filming! The kind act was done in solidarity and for an unknowing audience. This was truly an act of kindness. After the video was posted online it soon took off, and for a good reason. Who wouldn’t want to see such a heartwarming act of kindness?
When asked about the selfless moment, Felipe gave the world some sage advice.
Without an ounce of pride, Felipe gave the world a wonderful statement to live by. He said:
“There is no way to change the world — but for the things in your reach, you can,” he said.
Check out the heartwarming video below!
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