I ran into Kelly Nolan the other day at the Cambridge Veterinary Service, it was the first time since I have known her that she did not show one of her radiant smiles. She was coming out of a surgical and examining room, and her eyes were filled with sadness.  She had just lost three puppies in a grueling five hour labor for her new rescue dog, who she did not know was pregnant until just a couple of weeks ago.

The vet had to operate to save the two remaining puppies and the mother.  They had been there for  hours. It was a difficult and expensive day for the dog, and for Kelly.

She was left with a $1,300 vet bill and it lifted my heart in the dark days of the weekend to suggest that some of us people and animal lovers help her reduce that bill, now on her credit card.

I’m not pushing it, or launching a crowdsourcing campaign, just suggesting that anyone on the blog who wants to help knock the bill down can sent a contribution to P.O. Box 2502 State Route 22, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. You make make a check out to Kelly Nolan or to me, Jon Katz. Either way, it will all go straight to Kelly later next week.

Several people have asked if they can contribute next week (of course) or through Paypal. Yes to that also, you can send a contribution through me, my Paypal ID is [email protected]. You can sent it through Paypal’s “Friend And Family” feature in any amount you wish. Please mention that it’s for Kelly.

There is no pressure to do this and a lot of you have been generous to other recent fund-raising efforts here. I understand the realities of the world. I don’t want it to be a big Internet or Facebook deal, something more intimate, something from our community. We need to help each other.

Do not feel any shame or guilt if this doesn’t work for you now, and thanks to those of you who want to do it. Kelly is the real deal, and $1,300 is a lot of drinks to pour, orders to take and tables to clear.

For me, feeling matter begins with doing a small good, especially right now. I want to connect with people, not divide them. That doesn’t mean you have to feel the same way, or do it in the same way,  but if you do thanks. I smile every time I think of handing Kelly some money, and that is not a small thing this week.