"Grand Dog" Sitting

As I am writing this, we are watching our “granddog”, Cali. She has her head on my leg as I work on the computer. There hasn't been a dog in our house for quite a few years, but previous to that I could count on one hand the number of years I've lived without a dog. When one gets older and the children have moved out, it is nice to be only responsible for yourself. No rushing home to walk the dog or let the dog out or feed the dog. No dog hair on the carpet, no tripping over tennis balls in the kitchen. There are many reasons to enjoy the freedom of not having a dog. So why do we do it? After spending a few hours with this pooch I think I have some of the answers. Never have I been greeted with as much enthusiasm as this dog gives me. I just went outside to hang clothes on the line and am greeted on my return as if I was gone for months. How could anyone not love an animal that is so absolutely crazy about just seeing you? This dog just likes to be in the same room with you. The first days, she followed me everywhere. From the sink to the stove, there she was, from refrigerator to table, there she was. I've never felt so important to anyone like this. She seems to enjoy just being in our presence, what a compliment. I can once again understand the joy of dog ownership, even with all the responsibilities. Of course Cali will have to go back to her own home next week, and our home will once again be without water dishes, tennis balls on the floor and dog hair on the carpet. It will be very nice and neat, but I will miss my pooch and all her love and attention.   

thoughts from League of Minnesota Conference

I attended the League of Minnesota Cities Conference in Rochester earlier this month. It was a great conference and I saw old and new friends and elected officials. It was great to see Pierre Willette who works for the city of Minneapolis. He has lost none of his performing skills learned at Olivia High School I am sure. He and his group did an entertaining wrap-up the State Legislative session.

The keynote speaker was author, David Horsager. His book is “The Trust Edge”. David states, “Everything of value is built on trust, from financial systems to relationships.” Lack of trust is the number one reason for loss of productivity and increase in cost in business. He outlined a couple of his eight Pillars of Trust and their applications not only for business but for personal relationships and indeed life. The Pillar I found so intriguing is consistency. I know in all parenting manuals the mantra of consistency is emphasized, but I didn't always see it in the larger picture of a person's relationships and work. In the public sector work, consistency to all is vitally important, even public service to children should be consistent with public service to adults. Shouldn't we try to maintain those standards with all our relationships? David went on to explain that it is consistency in the small things of everyday life that have the greatest impact long term. Not everyone has the time or resources to gives away vast amount of money or dedicate hours to a worthy case, but everyone has the capacity to be friendly and pleasant and greet each other with a cheerful hello. It is the small gestures in life that may be difficult to do some days, but perhaps those are what a person ultimately will be remembered for. A life goal definitely worth striving for.  

PSA: Remember, Social Media Is Serious Business

PSA: Remember, Social Media Is Serious Business