Does it count as a good deed if I tried to do it but someone beat me to it?

Nah man, that counts as a good deed. The fact that you actually turned around and went to wear the dude was shows you had every intention of helping the vet. One time, I called ahead at a restaurant on my way home from work and ordered a pick-up meal for my wife and I. When I got to the restaurant, I noticed they had put three meals in the to-go bag. I told them I had only ordered two, but they told me they messed up and I could keep the third meal free of charge. As I was walking out the door, a homeless man asked me if I could spare something to eat. I wasn't paying attention, and so kept walking, but when I got to my car, I realized what he had asked me. I got back out and went to give him that third meal that was in my bag, but when I got there I saw that someone else had already bought him a meal. I was kicking myself for not realizing what he had asked me when I first walked by him.

No it doesn't count. You have to do another good deed now

That counts.

Yes it counts, God knows where your heart was.

You should get credit for the effort, for sure. Good Karma

Your intention is important.That will be Count untill you deny GOD Certainly, Allah(God) does not look at your shapes (appearance) or wealth. But He only looks at your hearts and deeds." God's last messenger said. "And We will set up a just balance on the day of resurrection, so no soul shall be dealt with unjustly in the least; and though there be the weight of a grain of mustard seed, (yet) will We bring it, and sufficient are We to take account". (21:47) God said.

"The road to hell is paved with good intentions."

eh..you should probably get a kudo somewheres for that.heart was in the right place.

Well, you tried . . . the good intention was there . This just means you do have a heart and you can save your few dollars for the next person who is in need!

You at least bothred, and you were not sure who will do this.

You meant well. God has added another green line after your name.

God saw the attitude of your heart, J. J. He saw your sincere willingness, to help that man standing by the exit. You were eager to perform a good deed, to help a total stranger. It's not what we do or don't do, that merits us favor with the Lord. Instead, it's what you displayed within your heart attitudes, towards that stranger. If you turned and couldn't care less if he had to walk 200 miles in his bare feet, God would also see this. If someone else gave that fella ride, good for them! You still displayed an act of kindness, towards him:) The Lord never overlooks anything, don't ever forget that, O.K.? You've come a million miles, in a very short time!

I think it counts. I mean, it's not like you were intending to pick him up so you could toss him off a bridge.

@JoliteJake, The thought do a good deed counts for something i suppose.

Yeah that definitely still earns you a sticker on life's reward chart

No, because you knew he needed help the moment you saw him and it took you a while to assess your situational needs first... So, NO! You get NO brownie points for intentions! Now grab a seat in the HELL handbasket!!!

That counts, I am sure of this. Your intention was to help, you did not waste your time.

There are many who wouldn't even bother to help. You tried. That was enough.

Yeppers, the thought was still there. And you were just about to jump on it. But then of course some eager-beaver had to come along and ruin it for you. Hey, just taking care of those 2 bad-a$s kitties is good enough in my book. And then of course you have the morning cafe goin' for all the outdoor critters....that stuff counts every single day.

The very thought that you wanted to extend a hand to the person is an act of kindness. It was your intention to help and that is okay.