12 Lessons in Character – from a Puppy
photo courtesy Terry Bain, Flickr
“I have been studying the traits and dispositions of the “lower animals” (so called) and contrasting them with the traits and dispositions of man. I find the result humiliating to me.” ~Mark Twain
Perhaps one of the very best way I know to simultaneous test and develop your CHARACTER is to adopt a puppy.
I’ve now had two dogs and I can attest to the powerful impact dog ownership has had on the development of my character. My first dog, Hercules was a mini-Lab I adopted when I was 22. He was about eight weeks old at the time. That was perhaps the scariest and greatest commitment of my life to that point. He passed away 15 years later and thanks to him so many great fortunes crossed my path – starting with my wife.
When I adopted ‘Herc’ I was still in college, no job, no real responsibility. When he died, I was married with two daughters and a founding partner of two companies. We went through a lot together. I do miss the “little man” dearly and I can never repay him for all those qualities which he bestowed upon me. Most of which I never realized until he was gone.
However, this isn’t about Herc, this is about Roxy.
Just over a year ago, and at the urging of the wifey (aka the boss) and, for the benefit of our young daughters we decided to adopt a puppy from a local shelter. What an experience that has been! Our good fortune found us a dog (sheep herder) who came to us exceedingly anxious, hyper and extremely frightened (likely from being torn from her mother at a very young age). While her personality has matured a great deal – the process has been a very slow and trying one, testing our resolve on a daily basis.
So, just the other day when Roxy was stealing some food off my daughter’s plate, I found myself reflecting just how profound this experience has been. About how many great life lessons I’ve gained from making this questionable decision. And, about the life-long impact this will have on our family. Coincidentally, so many of these lessons more »
