July 2024 Newsletter and Why I Have a Dog

I hope you are enjoying the summer and taking time to have fun. It might be a good time to visit friends or sit outside and read a book. I love to read, but have been so busy that I just started a highly recommended novel and I am enjoying it. Of course, I am taking a break from all the business books I read. I love to learn and there are always new ideas being presented.

It’s also a good time to catch up on organizing. I joined a networking group in January and have met so many people that I am organizing my contacts. Any projects you want to work on? Summer might be the time.

I am also curious if you have a pet. Four years ago I got a puppy. I will share my story in this newsletter. It’s great to take long walks with my dog and it definitely is a social experience. I have met so many people walking their dogs. It is interesting how my dog, Duchess, barks at certain dogs and wags her tail at others. Small dogs or large dogs, it must be about their energy. Just like with people, there are some that we are attracted to with their positive energy and warm smile, and others we might choose to stay away from.

So, I take that lesson from my dog. Be with people who make you smile and have good energy. If you have a pet, send me a picture or share a story.

Why I Have a Dog

When I was about seven years old, we lived in a small apartment in Philadelphia. The washer and dryer were in the basement. One day my mother went downstairs to do the laundry, and the big, black dog that was in the basement bit her. She screamed, and I ran to help her. She had the bite taken care of, and she was OK. However, from that day forward, I was always afraid of dogs. If I saw someone walking their dog, I would cross the street to avoid them.

Through the years, I avoided dogs. But, then I got married and had children. I did not want them to be afraid of dogs, so we got a rescue, and the kids loved her. She was a mix with a papillon, and they named her “Butterfly.” Butterfly added much joy to our home and to this day our kids all own dogs. Butterfly was their dog. I was OK with her, but still not a dog lover.

Well, four years ago, Covid hit. My grandson came to live with us for the summer. One day, we were sitting around the dining room table, and he said he loves dogs and wants one of his own, one day. I told him about my fear of dogs as a child, except for one dog. We had family friends who had a black cocker spaniel, named Duchess. Every Christmas we would go to their house to visit. And I really liked Duchess. I would pet her and enjoy the visit. My grandson looked at me, and said, “Grandmom, you need a Duchess.” Well, my husband overheard the conversation and said, “Absolutely not.” Too much trouble, and we like to travel, and a dog is too much responsibility. My grandson said if we got one, he would help train her, as he would be with us all summer.

Something came over me and I felt the need to get a puppy. I started calling shelters, and they had waiting lists. Everyone wanted a dog during Covid. Then, I contacted breeders. They all had waiting lists as well. So, I called pet shops. I said I wanted a puppy that would be a small dog when grown. One pet shop said they had 3 puppies, but I had to come that day. I said I could only go the next day, and when I called back the puppies were all sold. I made several calls and I found a pet shop about 2 hours from my home that had 2 puppies. A Shihpoo and a Maltese. I asked my husband if he would go with me. He reluctantly agreed and for 2 hours said nothing in the car. He loves dogs but said our lifestyle wouldn’t work with a dog.

Well we got to the pet shop. I went into the store, held the Shihpoo puppy who was so cute, that I offered to buy her. First I called my grandson to confirm that he would definitely train her, as I knew nothing about training a dog. Well, he said, “Of course,” and I bought “Duchess,” I got into the car, where my husband was waiting. I had a crate, dog food, everything she needed. My husband put his hand out and the puppy licked it. He smiled and was sold. The 2 hour ride was great and she was really good. When we got home to introduce her to my grandson, my husband shared about how good she was in the car.

Well, now it’s four years later. Duchess is the best! She has added so much joy in my life, and she even sleeps in our bed. I recently posted a picture of Duchess on LinkedIn, and that post got more “likes” than any article I’ve written. So, that’s my Duchess story. If you have a dog, please share how you got them and how they have changed your life.

Have a great month!