LIL' BUDDY'S BLOG - LESSONS FROM MOOSE - A DOG'S GUIDE TO LIFE!
THE CHICAGO IL REAL ESTATE MARKET, AND OTHER THINGS CHICAGO, FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF A LITTLE WHITE DOG!
I was the hit of the party as 40 honored guests from The Floyd Wickman Master Sales Academy came over for breakfast to our house on the Northwest Side of Chicago last Friday morning, January 11th. What a great time we had - I was in charge of making sure no crumbs lingered on our kitchen, dining room, and living room floor - and I did a great job of that!
Afterward, this Lil' White Dog took the shuttle over to the sessions on Saturday morning, and nearly came to tears as the Keynote Speaker, Jack Cotton of Sotheby's International Realty in Cape Cod MA, spoke on the new book he had just written - "A Dog's Guide To Life - Lessons from Moose". How touching, how fitting, and how true. This human really knows his dogs!
It starts rather sad, as human Jack and his family are speeding their family dog of nine years to the Emergency Animal Hospital many miles away in Boston. He is very sick, and needs immediate surgery. Sadly, Moose doesn't make it through.
But he gave Jack the inspiration to explain how we dogs approach life. He wanted it for his children, but, as you read this short, illustrated book (great work by illustrator Deb Hoeffner), you will see it has a lot of relevance to grown-up humans (and we dogs) as well.
Here are a few Lessons from Moose, with my own commentary to my human Dad and Mom included -
1. Begin Every Day with Excitement and Anticipation! They say we dogs can't really understand time - but that is not really true, Dad! We all love our Designated Humans, and I want to be with you all the time - so I can let you THINK they you are in charge. However, every day for us lil' dogs begin with hope, excitement, and anticipation. Get out of bed! Today, I will catch that sparrow! Scare that Doberman from down the street! Mark every single tree up and down the block, just for you, and me!
2. Love Unconditionally! Sometimes, when you come home, Dad, you seem a bit down. Perhaps you had a "bad day at the office" (heard this phrase for the first time on an old episode of "Leave it to Beaver"), or a disagreement with a demanding client. It really doesn't matter to me, dad. I am here for you - no matter what, and I love you and mom - madly!
3. Smile! Can't you see, dad, every time I see you, I am panting, my tail wagging, happy beyond belief! Yes, I really do smile, a lot. Can't you get your other human friends to do the same - we'd all have a better world!
4. Be Enthusiastic! You know it's true, dad - every time the doorbell rings, the mailman walks up the street, or some kids from down the block are riding their bikes in front of the house - I'm on the couch, looking out the window, tail wagging, and in full bark. They're not looking for me - no problem. I'll just return to my rawhide chew. (Sometimes, you know, the visitor IS for me - like our Admin, Mary - who LOVES me, too!)
5. Arrive Early! You know, Dad, I have to tell you. I expect each day to be at the end of your leash, ready to take me for a walk, at 9:15AM. That troublesome deal is no excuse. Please, be punctual, just like me. In fact - I'm always ready half-an-hour early!
6. Never, Never Give Up! I might never be able to take on that German Shepherd on Marmora Avenue, the next block over. And I might never be able to get your attention 100% of the time. But I will never stop trying! Wouldn't you, if the shoe were on the other paw?
7. Get Up to Greet Those You Meet! Dad, you could be gone for two minutes, to take out the garbage. You know I will always greet you at the back door, with a wagging tail and a smile on my face, when you return. Next time, in fact, can you take me with you? Please?
8. Live in the Moment! Don't worry, Dad, be happy! Sometimes, you seem so stressed, either about something that has already happened, or something that might happen in the future. You can't do a thing about either one, you know. Who needs the stress - just veg out, and chew on a plastic bone with me!
9. Drive with your Windows Open, Every Now and Then! Humans, you just can't understand this - but it is heaven (but only in the summertime - in the winter, the snow and ice stick to my fur, and I look like a little pupsicle!)
10. Leave a Little Food in Your Dish! I don't know if you notice, Dad, but I always leave a little of my moist food in the bowl - just in case you come home late sometime. You never know if there will be enough food tomorrow!
11. Make A Difference! Mom, Dad - everyday I try to make a difference in your lives. You see, they tell me, I won't be around forever, and I want to make sure my little impact remains long after I'm gone!
12. Remember - You Never Know When it's the Last Goodbye. I'm just over two years old, Dad and Mom. But I'm old enough to know that I won't be with you forever, and years from now, when I become a crotchety old dog, you won't know when your last rub of my little belly will be the last I enjoy. Always, love me, like it's the last time!
I've got to go now, folks! Little Moose's story kind of got to me, and I'm welling up with tears. What about you?
I will always be - your Lil' Buddy!
YOUR ACE REPORTER ON FOUR PAWS,
BUDDY HOLLY MOSS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
