Harkness Park overflowed with people and pets on a recent evening during a full moon. Young ladies posed among lavish, multi-hued flowerbeds for pictures; children giggled among plants towering above them, and dogs discerned messages in bushes and around trees.

On the rolling hillside in front of the mansion, a man patiently balanced an enormous orange arched kite, working on his flying skills (I imagined him later rising into the skies to touch the moon).

The enchanting seascape showed ferries parading to and fro past Ledge Lighthouse along with people onshore wading and fishing in the sparkling surf. Inhaling the sweet salty air, I sat on a log drawing a message to one loved and lost in the sand, following the outline over and over.

While walking along the rocky shore I met dogs and their people. One small friendly dog kissed me again and again. His owner spoke of his rescue in Bridgeport and his gradual recovery from a broken back. His spirit showed a loving heart.

Don Van Vliet said “You can tell by the kindness of a dog how a human should be.” Yes, we can try to become as kind and loving a species.

Perhaps a good start would be searching for a local animal shelter and rescuing your new best friend this weekend. You may save two lives!

Wendy Eckholm of Groton is president of the Animal Welfare League of New London County.

To submit an item for our Be An Angel feature, email times@theday.com.