“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” – Mahatma Gandhi

There are many variants of this belief: how a society treats its most vulnerable, weakest, poor, children, its minorities.

We are bearing witness at Sochi to failures of civilized man. These failures are hardly unique to Russia or President Putin, but that does not diminish the malignancy of the spectacle, sheer beauty of athleticism notwithstanding.

Global politics are complex. Puppy love is easy. Nonetheless, simple acts of compassion and kindness matter profoundly.

U.S. freestyle skier, Gus Kenworthy, is adopting stray puppies in Sochi. He won a Silver medal in skiing today. He wins Gold in our hearts.