Lessons From Logan

Recently, our dog Logan celebrated her 14th birthday. The fact that she is 14 is absolutely totally awesome - as Golden Retrievers have an average life span of about 11 years old. Long live Logie!!!

While her longevity is phenomenal and highly appreciated by family, friends and neighbors alike - I don't think it's a random coincidence or lucky to be alive thing. Nope. I think she is truly blessed (as are we, who love her) because she is who she is.

And who she is can teach a lot of us humans about how to behave, and maybe even how to live longer, happier lives. It's true.

If I were to do a mash-up of Logan's (most) wonderful and endearing qualities that can teach us all a thing or two in terms of how to be better and live better - it would go like this: Attentive, happy, caring, kind, enthusiastic, careful, modest, playful, courteous, tender, fun, compassionate, protective, poised, accepting, unassuming, others-oriented, joyful, and loving. But make no mistake: while Logan would much rather wag her tail, cuddle, lick and be petted - she will growl, bark and bite if the situation (or the person) warrants. She's no fool.

Indeed, she's the complete package: friend, protector, defender, and confidant.

Which leads me to think that if we humans could comport ourselves with half the qualities and characteristics that Logan has as a dog - the world would be a much much better place. Woof!

Lessons From Logan Are Good.

Thumbs-Down!

On the heels of my last blog titled "Thumbs-Up!" - which used the Indianapolis Colts run of perfection as an example of giving dues to that which deserves their dues - it only seems fitting to now do a blog titled "Thumbs-Down!" - which uses the Colts' recent decision (more specifically, the Colts' management), to pull their key players from last week's game, which led to their first lose of the season, and subsequent shot at going undefeated, and making NFL history.

But I'm getting over it. Very slowly.

Here's the deal: while I still stand by my last post, re: the importance of giving kudos, atta-boys, props and congratulations when and where they are due (regardless of team bias) - we can't neglect, dismiss or ignore calling out questionable behavior/judgments/decisions/actions.

Opinions and commentary are a two-way street: we must be able to giveth, and taketh, the positive and the negative. Even if we don't agree either way. Heck, that's the basis of democracy, right? Sure, it's always best to disagree agreeably. But that doesn't change the disagreement. And after all, opinions are like belly buttons: we all have them.

Put another way, the proverbial cup is neither half-full, or half-empty: it's both. Similarly, when it comes to questionable behavior/judgements/decisions/actions that might elicit a thumbs-up or thumbs-down opinion, we have to be prepared and accepting for both. That's only fair.

Fair is Good.