I continue to learn lessons from my dogs. Why? They are kind and forgiving. They recognize I am a special-needs student who can’t roll over. Plus, my dogs have much to offer in their HCCC (Human Corrections Course Catalog).
Jack Carter Newsom, a young, bright professor dog has pulled out a lesson from the HCCC titled “Coated Messages.” When the special-needs student (that would be me) leaves with his old, green parka on, Jack knows the pack is in for some fun: hiking up the pathways, chasing the rubber ball and splashing in the pond. However, if Don leaves the house wearing his long, black, button-down coat, Jack knows he and the pack can just sit there, because Don is not dressed for play but for his other job.
Dog lesson: How I dress, the way I look in advance of any interaction, provides a major tip to the person I’m meeting. Am I ready to play, to have fun, or am I going to be a boring dud? I’m not a fancy-dress guy (more the Costco type), but I do see the value of looking appropriate for any interaction: hair combed, clean-shaven and a clean, button-down coat.
Don’s lesson: Just because I’m approaching 80 doesn’t mean I can dress like a slob.
Annie’s memories