New Yorkers are nice.
I know this runs counter to a widely-held stereotype, but it’s true. I’ve had some of my more life-affirming encounters with people right here in Gotham City, and here’s one of them:
I was recently walking Rory Dog a few blocks from my apartment. A restaurant along the way was doing construction, and as we walked by, a gust of wind knocked a thin sheet of plywood into Rory.
It wasn’t heavy enough to hurt him, but he got a big old glop of unidentified pungent yellow ‘ick’ on his back. The very apologetic restaurant owner suggested we go across the street to Beacon Hardware.
The guys at Beacon Hardware were amazing. Alex immediately identified the mystery glob as glue, found a solvent that was water-based and dog-friendly, and then — to my surprise — put Rory up on the counter and removed the glue himself.
Alex handled my dog with such care — I’m pretty sure the solvent never touched Rory’s skin — and he even gave Rory a cookie before we left. I returned the next day with a small thank you gift for the guys, but I would have liked to have done more…and maybe I still can.
Beacon Hardware happens to be one of three finalists in the “Shine a Light” promotion co-sponsored by NBC Universal and American Express. “Shine a Light” recognizes the achievements of small businesses across the country. The winner receives $100,000 in grants and marketing support.
Beacon Hardware has my vote. I hope it has yours!
