Too often we take the most nihilistic view of humanity possible. I know I’m guilty of it, thinking people are brutish, selfish, prone to their most base instincts, carelessly causing the too often horrific world we live in today.
Then, something happens that’s so profoundly beautiful it snatches you right from the depths of darkness and makes you believe. Today, today, I believe.
When a raccoon died on a sidewalk in Toronto, and the city’s sanitation department stalled in picking it up, people rallied to memorialize it.
You’ll feel by the end of this, I swear it, Bros.
It began, as everything does these days, with a tweet.
@311Toronto There’s a dead raccoon on the sidewalk outside 819 Yonge (at the SE corner of Church).
— Jason Wagar (@jasonwagar) July 9, 2015
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But the city wasn’t quick to respond, and immediately people felt bad for the poor guy. The outpouring of grief started slow, but soon became overwhelming.
Someone’s having a bit of fun with this poor guy (who’s been there since at least 8:45 this AM). Yonge & Church. pic.twitter.com/4WshUGX4uM
— Jason Wagar (@jasonwagar) July 9, 2015
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Don't quite know what to say about this sidewalk discovery except that it really brought ppl together. #deadraccoonto pic.twitter.com/BJ7efipLvq
— Shauna Pollock (@misspollock) July 9, 2015
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The sidewalk memorial is growing, @311Toronto. H/T @jasonwagar. #DeadRaccoonTO pic.twitter.com/3vTUf9xB7b
— Norm Kelly (@norm) July 10, 2015
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By nighttime, a full-fledged vigil has begun.
Candlelight vigil now being held for #DeadRaccoonTO. Picture courtesy of @gavingraham. pic.twitter.com/HrpApfbBfJ
— Norm Kelly (@norm) July 10, 2015
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Finally workers did arrive.
The city of Toronto worker is now preparing to remove the raccoon. #DeadRaccoonTO pic.twitter.com/DASkviOkiE
— Kris Pangilinan (@KrisReports) July 10, 2015
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What remained will hurt your heart forever.
This is what is left of #DeadRaccoonTO pic.twitter.com/PLnqjQfEyo
— Kris Pangilinan (@KrisReports) July 10, 2015
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No, you’re crying.
[Via Bored Panda]