We had to put our golden retriever to sleep this weekend, our friend of fifteen years, our family’s faithful guardian and companion, and one of the kindest, most loyal and giving souls I have ever met. True to her breed, Sasha was a courageous, tender and selfless until the end.
I was trying to figure out how to give her a worthy send-off here on The BrandBuilder blog, and settled on some of the things she taught me over the years. Or rather, the things I didn’t realize she had taught me until this past week, much of which I spent caring for her, as she could no longer take care of herself. She and I had some long chats, in our own way, and the old girl was much wiser than I gave her credit for.
Are there business lessons in this list? Yes. There are. But all are deeply human lessons at the core. If being human can make a business better, if it can fuel its soul (or even simply give it one), then yes, let these be business lessons. But don’t ever forget that what makes a business truly great isn’t technology or design or a fancy logo. Those are expressions of something deeper. Something more visceral and powerful and true. What makes a business great, what makes it special, worthy of a connection, worthy of trust and loyalty, admiration and respect, even love, always starts with a beating heart, not a beeping cash register. (One is the cause, and the other one of many effects. Don’t lose sight of that distinction. Horse before cart: Soul drives love. Love drives business.)
It’s so easy to lose sight of what’s important in our lives. And this isn’t me being overly sentimental because I just lost my dog. I mean, yes, sure, okay… But there’s also something to this: That sentimentality, that emotion, these things that make us connect with other souls is at the heart of EVERYTHING this blog has been about these last few years: Business, design, marketing, social media, communications, corporate responsibility, best practices… No company can ever be great unless it can tap into the very essence of what makes us want to connect with each other, and no executive or business manager or cashier can ever truly be great at their jobs unless they also tap into the very thing that makes genuine human connections possible. If ever there was a secret to successfully building a brand, a lovebrand, the kind that people will fight for and whose mark they will tattoo on their bodies, it is this. The rest is merely execution.
If you only walk away with one bit of wisdom from this post, let it be this: You cannot build a better business unless you first become a better human being. Everything that strips you of your humanity, of your empathy, of your ability to connect with others is bad for business. It’s bad practice. It is doomed to fail in the end.
As my good friend John Warner noted yesterday, “If more people were as loyal and loving as dogs the world would be a better place.” (source) And he’s right. How do you become a better human being then? Well, that’s up to you, but if you had asked Sasha, she might have given you a few pointers of her own. Granted, she was never a Fortune 500 C.M.O. She didn’t design the iPad. She didn’t invent the internet or write a book. She never presented at a conference. All she did was hang out with me and Chico. We went on car rides. She watched me work. She lived the simple life of a dog, uncluttered by Twitter followers and Hubspot rankings and the drive to publish and present case studies. She was a dog, and so her perspective is a little different from what you may be used to. At any rate, here are twenty-one she and I discussed at length last week. I hope they will be as valuable to you as they now are to me.
Twenty-one things my dog taught me about being a better man:
1. Be true to your own nature. There’s no point in faking it. A golden retriever isn’t a chihuahua or a pug or a greyhound, and for good reason. Being comfortable in your own skin is 90% of the trick to rocking out your life. Not everyone is meant to be Rintintin or a seeing eye dog or an Iditarod racer. It’s okay. Find yourself and embrace your nature. That’s always a great place to start.
2. Be true to the ones you love. Your friends, your family, your tribe, your pack. A life lived for others is a life well-lived. Selfish pursuits aside, ambition often grows hollow when turned inwardly instead of outwardly. It’s one thing to want to be pack leader, but there is just as much value and honor in serving than in leading. When in doubt, see item number one.
3. Never say no to a chance to go on a car ride. When the days grow short, I guarantee you’ll wish you’d have gone on more car rides.
4. Leashes are the enemy. Avoid them at all cost.
5. People are strange. So much potential, yet here they are, doing everything they can to complicate rather than simplify their lives. It’s puzzling.
6. Belly scratches.
7. The end isn’t pretty, but if you can face it with dignity and grace, none of your body’s weaknesses will matter. Your heart, your courage, your spirit is what people will see and remember. This isn’t only applicable in your last days and weeks. It’s applicable every day of your life. Adversity happens. It’s how you deal with it that matters.
8. Forgiveness is easier for dogs than for humans, but humans have opposable thumbs and the ability to speak, so it all balances out in the end.
9. Your bark is your own. No one has one quite like yours. Own it. Love it. Project it.
10. Trust your instincts. They rarely steer you wrong. The feeling in your gut though, that’s probably just something you ate.
11. Just because you’re meant to live on land doesn’t mean you can’t feel at home in water. Play outside the safety zone. Swim in the deep end. Dive in. We’re all designed to do more than the obvious.
12. Play more. The game is irrelevant. Just play. Tip: Exploring is play. Having adventures is play. Finding out what’s behind the next hill is play.
13. Your body growing old doesn’t mean you can’t be a puppy at heart. Actually, the first should have no impact on the latter. If you find that it does, take a step back, regroup, and restart. Always be a puppy at heart.
14. Humans aren’t all bad. But they aren’t all good either. Choose yours wisely.
15. Always keep that 20% wolf in you. If you ever give it up, you’re done. A dog without a little wildness in the blood isn’t a dog. It’s a furry robot. The beauty of a great dog doesn’t lie in its obedience but in its loyalty. Loyalty is a choice. Dogs choose to be dogs and not wolves. That’s what makes them so special.
16. Running full bore across a field in the rain.
17. There are no mysteries. Take cats, for example: Half rat, half badger. Crap in a box. Eat rodents. Where’s the mystery in that? If you look hard enough, you can figure most things out for yourself. The world isn’t as complicated as it sometimes seems.
18. Sometimes, you have to back up your growl with a bite. Go with it. Some people like to test your bark-to-bite ratio. With those “inquisitive” types, a little education goes a long way. As much as it sucks to have to go there, it is sometimes necessary. (It’s what the fangs are for.) Your territory, your space, your safety… They’re worth defending. Make a show of it once, and chances are you’ll never have to teach anyone a lesson again.
19. Being alone is no way to go through life. We’re pack animals. Humans, dogs, same thing. We need others to make all of this worthwhile. As an aside, if we live through others, why not also live for others, even if only a little bit? It isn’t that much of a stretch.
20. When you chase the ball, CHASE the fucking ball. Two reasons: a) It’s a chase. You don’t half-ass a chase. You go all out. It’s what you do. It’s the point. b) You don’t want some other mutt to get to the ball before you and slobber it all up, do you?
21. In the end, you will revisit your adventures, your battles, your chases, your voyages and all the excitement of your life with bemused pride, but it’s the quiet moments with loved ones that your mind will settle on. The comfort of those days when all you did was spend lazy hours with them, your head on their lap, their on yours, taking in the afternoon sun and the hundreds of fleeting stories carried like whispers on the breeze, those are the memories that will stay with you to the end and beyond.
Never give up on your thirst for life, on the beauty subtle moments, and on chasing that ball as hard and fast as your legs and heart will carry you.
Godspeed, Sasha.
Wonderful post – really, thanks for posting. Makes me want to be a better human, and honestly makes me want to go home and play with the dog.
You should. 🙂
Thanks, Rick.
Olivier,
Very sorry to hear about your dog. What wonderful insights you have offered, this is truly inspirational and easily one of the best things I will read today. More importantly, this is something that I will learn from today.
Thank you for sharing and my deepest sympathies for the loss of your best friend.
Thanks, Mark.
This is one of the best things you’ve ever written. I feel like I know her now. You live your life like this too, and it’s why I admire you so much… I fall short in some of these areas, but I’m working on it.
I don’t really like you making me cry first thing in the morning. That’s a new one that hopefully will not be repeated often. 🙂
Thank you for this post. And for 8:01 EST. I do miss that.
I make adults weep on Monday mornings. It’s what I do. 😀
But in all seriousness, thank you. I don’t live quite as full bore as I should (family and all), so I fall short as well – we all do, – but sometimes, I do get to sprint for the line or dive a little deeper or walk into a bit too dark of an alley, and it feels so good to be that alive in those moments. Dogs live in that state their entire lives, and as much as I dig being human, with my internet and my cameras and my bikes and my sushi, I do envy them that.
I’ll try to bring back the 8:01am releases over the next month.
Thanks, 😉
Very sorry to hear about Sasha, Olivier. Our furry companions are no less part of our family than humans are.
Love the post, too. Many wonderful nuggets here. I think I shall have to quote you from time to time.
Jeff, if I’m ever worthy, quote away. 🙂
U just made me love my lil yorki and shiztu even more if that’s possible. That was awesome reading.
Thanks, Kim.
First, let me offer my sympathies for your loss. I’ve been around goldens my entire life, and strangely enough, our first golden’s name was Sasha.
I’ve been privileged to be around many great goldens, and it sounds like Sasha was a great member of your family.
I am sure you are familiar with these, but I thought I would share:
http://www.newrainbowbridge.com/NRB/rbpoem.htm
http://www.pet-loss-matters.com/grief-poem-still-here.html
Thank you for sharing. I see bumper stickers these days that say “bark less, wag more”- another good lesson our dogs can teach us.
Wishing you peace and comfort in the memories of Sasha.
Geoff
“Bark less, wag more” is a good motto. Thanks, Geoff.
Wonderful post. My heart truly goes out to you, sir, as we lost our 15 year-old pup a little more than two years ago. The pain is surprisingly excruciating — at least that’s what your mind telly you — that you should be surprised. In reality there’s no reason to feel any other way; you’ve lost a loved one, a family member, a friend.
So grieve as you should, and celebrate Sasha as you have here, and in your heart always.
I can guarantee you will go back and re-read this post, this heartfelt tribute to her many times, thru smiles and tears, and that she’ll always speak to you again thru your own words.
Thank you that you’ve given us a way to do that too; practically as well as sentimentally.
Thanks, AJ.
One of the best posts I’ve read in years. You’ve managed to communicate a critical point for business people of all stripes in such a touching manner. Well done.
Thanks, Chris.
16 and 20 remind me of the movie Gattaca, specifically of the swimming races between the brothers Anton (genetically engineered) and Vincent (God-child). The line that sticks in my mind:
“You want to know how I did it (win against genetic “superiority”)? This is how I did it, Anton: I never saved anything for the swim back.”
Balls out. You’re in or you’re out. A life of half-measures truly saddens me.
Dogs are anchors. Furry ballast that absorb our sadness; celebrate our joy and walk through life with us. RIP, Sasha.
You nailed it. One of my favorite movies too. You just reminded me why. Thank you. 🙂
Wonderful post.
Lesson 22: when you’re happy, dance around and let your entire body show it. Share your uninhibited joy and you’ll infect everyone around you with your passion and cheer.
Ah yes. That’s a very good one. Awesome. Thank you. 🙂
This was an amazing post in my eyes for two reasons: 1) I am getting a Golden Retriever in two weeks and 2) I am making a move in my career. This reminded me of why I am doing both!
You are right; we complicate our lives and often try to be something we are not. Staying true to our nature is the only way to guarantee happiness.
Thank you for this reminder to live life to the fullest and never lose our passion.
My condolences on the loss of Sasha, but my congratulations on the time you had with her. RIP, Sasha.
Thanks, Amanda. Good luck with the new gig, and enjoy your new friend. 🙂
One word – Wow.
Two words – Thank you.
Two words, Liz: Thank you. 🙂
Great post Olivier. A sensitive, inspiring and true post. Now in such a reflective mood and will discipline myself to action some of the points. I love 14 and 15! RIP Sasha….
Very cool. Thank you. 🙂
I’ve read that pets have such short lives so they can teach us how to deal with loss. This never helps me when one has to go on ahead, but it does make a little sense.
Many of my four-legged friends have taught me patience, love, fun, and belly-rubbing. And each has had their own special lessons that (sometimes) they had to give me over and over again until I “got it”.
Will Rogers had it right: “If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.”
Then Will Rogers was indeed a good man.
Very touching and I couldn’t agree more about “Chasing the Ball”. Sasha was lucky to have you too.
Thank you. I was lucky to have her. 🙂
You made me think, you made me cry.
Thanks to you, thanks to Sasha.
Paloma
🙂
I’m glad you were paying attention.
🙂 Me too, brother. Me too. Sorry to hear about Tucker.
So sorry to hear about the loss of your dog, Sasha. This beautiful post was a touching way to honor her memory and remind us of what we can learn from the loving pets in our lives.
Thank you. 🙂
Your best, Olivier. Goodbye, Sasha. Can I add one? 22. Wag that tail when happy. Wag it hard and let others know. Love, Christa
Tink, I love that. I need to wag mine more when happy. I’m usually thinking about something else, or something to worry about and don’t just feel content to wag. 🙂
Thanks, Christa. 🙂
Thanks so much for posting. Our family lab just turned 15 the other day and is on her way out, any day now. So sad.
22. If you’re gonna wag, wag til you can’t stand anymore. The joy you send into the world will never leave it the same.
Sorry to hear that, Alex. It isn’t easy. But yeah, you get it. 🙂
I’m so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful girl Sasha was! Dogs are a little piece of heaven on earth and we are so lucky to share our lives with them.
Yes they are. Thanks, Rebecca.
My heart aches for your loss. I lost my lab on June 6, 2009 and can relate. Dogs never cease to amaze me, and you just pointed out 21 of the reasons why. Awesome post.
Thanks, Ellen.
Nice post, my friend.
We’ve been thinking lately of getting our 5yo son a dog. You’ve added a lot of bullet points to the “pros” column of the Pro/Con list. 🙂
Good. 🙂
so well done. A fitting tribute to one that gave you so much.
Take Care Olivier,
Rob
Hehe, belly scratches. I like that. My dog sleeps about 18 hours a day which is magic for the soul… poison for the business. I’ll stick with your 21!
Yes. The sleep thing is great, but not so awesome when you have bills to pay. 😀
Really inspiring post. If i’m being honest I’ve had days when I’ve been frustrated with my dog, like everybody, but even in her short year on earth I’ve learned so much from her already. I think dog’s know how to live better than humans. I have a jack russell and all she wants to do is have fun, love her owners and go on adventures. She’s so full of life and has helped me to be more active in mine.
Sometimes I worry about the future and forget to live in the now. I think having a dog reminds me that it’s ok to just have fun and not take everything so serious all the time.
I hope she keeps reminding me that in the years to come and I’ll keep reminding her that she a, “good dog”.
Thanks for the post, really enjoyed it! – Avg Man.
They can be a pain when they’re young. Don’t sweat it. She’ll come around. Human kids can be a pain too. 😉
Nice post – this is a great tribute to a great dog! Just yesterday I was hurrying home with my two massive labrador retreivers on leash when they both plunged their noses into some flowers. I yanked on them and yelled at them to get going.
They were just trying to smell the roses!
My condolences – a dogless house is an oddly quiet house – but you will soon have another to teach you more.
TO’B
Thanks, Tom. Fortunately, we have the chihuahuas to keep the house… not so quiet. 🙂
Olivier, so sorry to hear about Sasha, she was beautiful inside and out. I especially loved item 20…thanks for the reminder! I’m going to go outside now and throw the ball with my dog and see what he has to teach me.
Thanks, Traci. 20 is my favorite as well. 🙂
I agree 100% with your accompanying tweet: “You cannot build a better business unless you first become a better human being.” — That has become the focus of my blog. To be a good businessman, it never hurts to first be a good person.
This post was enlightening and entertaining for me and no doubt therapeutic for you. This is a great example of finding the positive in the negative. Posts like this pull me in because it’s great business advice taken from something completely unrelated to business — proof that we can find inspiration in a variety of places.
I hope you’re holding up okay. RIP Sasha
Thanks, Jake. She’s left a big hole, but I’m okay.
And yes. That better human for better company thing, there’s something to it. Consider the probability of the BP oil spill had this concept been a little more pervasive throughout their organization. 😉
What a beautiful tribute to Sasha! I’m so sorry about your loss. I know she’ll live in your heart forever, and hopefully you will find peace and comfort in the memories you have of her. To quote my then-4-year-old niece soon after we said goodbye to their 10-year-old black lab, Pitch, who died from cancer – “I’m not sad for Pitchie anymore, because I know he’s in puppy heaven playing with Jesus and all his new puppy friends.” I’m sure Pitchie will take good care of Sasha. Thank you for sharing.
That big dog park in the sky must be something. 🙂 Thanks, Lyn.
Thank you for writing this post. While I have cats (not allowed to have dogs in our building), I find that they have some very dog-like traits. Our male cat has bonded with my son and stays by his side when he is upset/crying/angry/sick/etc. I have had a stretch of illness lately and when I am in bed because of it he comes and lays his whole body right up next to me. It’s such a comforting gesture, it goes a long way. We have a female cat that is my mother’s other half. If my mother doesn’t go to bed by a certain time she comes out and meows at her until she does. These cats need affection as much as we do and they are very much part of the family. I think the most heartwarming moments are when they interact with each other. They actually share food rather than fight for it. They clean each others ears, cuddle, share toys…I never get sick of watching it. Animals are truly amazing, I’m glad that you wrote this tribute to Sasha. Too bad not everyone is an animal lover. They are missing out.
That’s pretty awesome. We used to have cats too, and I kind of miss them. As much as i like to play cat-hater, I’ve always been a fan. They’re pretty cool… except when they hide under the bet just out of arm’s reach. 😉
Thanks for the comment. I hope you get better soon.
Olivier,
Thank you for this great posting…..it is so insightful. Sometimes (many times) the simplest things are the best.
Just lost my Australian Shepard at 10 years a couple months ago. He did teach me so much.
Sorry to hear about Sasha; she will always be with you.
Thanks, Joe.
Great post. We lost our 14-year old Lab-mix Sasha a few months ago and this brings back very good memories. Thank you!
Our send off to our grand old girl: http://jonathanfirestone.com/2010/03/15/sasha/
Good name for a dog, isn’t it. 🙂 Thanks for the kind words. They do make us better, don’t they.
I want to tell you my favorite parts of your post, but then I’d really just be reciting your post back to you and, well, you already know what it says.
To date, I’ve laid 4 fabulous canine companions to rest…holding on tightly to the two that I have with me now. My heart goes out to you. And I’m wishing you godspeed as well.
Thanks for writing.
Thanks, Julie. 🙂
OK…tears and blubbering here. Is it because my own loss is so recent and ache-y? You really seem to channel the wisdom of not only all dogs, but your own special relationship with a golden – one of the most loyal and affable breeds. I’m also a “recovering entrepreneur” and these truisms resonate with me in that regard as well. I’m glad I was introduced to you, Olivier, even if under the sad commonality of the closing of beloved companion dog chapters. Thank you for this. Peace and comfort to you. Gina
Well put, Gina. Thank you. 🙂
Oliver,
So sorry to hear about Sasha! That was a beautiful tribute though. I laughed, cried and then wrote a check to the human society!
Tim Ward
Did you really? Tim, you rock.
Olivier,
10 years ago I lost my Bichon, Barney (registered name was Bernard P. Fife). Riddled with tumors I had to make the tough decision to “put him down” as they say. I was 43 at the time. My wife drove me as I held him wrapped in a blanket in my arms. She waited in the car for us. It was perhaps the hardest thing I’ve ever done and I’m unashamed to admit I cried quite a lot as I carried Barney’s body back home, still wrapped in a blanket – and buried him in my backyard. A year later (after considerable searching) I brought home a brother and sister (Westies), Rocky and Rosie. Some folks asked me how I could put myself (and my wife) through the same potential heartache again, but as your story shows – because they make me better. And I like to think I do the same for them.
All the best,
Randy
Thanks, Randy. Yes, inviting new dogs to come into our lives is always a good thing. 🙂
I was tearing up a little there. # 10 is my fav but all of them were fantastic!
Hey, if I can make a grown man cry, I’m doing something right. Thanks, Brad.
Nice tribute to Sasha.
Thanks, Carol.
It has only been recently that I’ve learned how much our lives benefit from having a dog. I’ve already begun taking notes from our 9 month old pup.
I’m sorry for your loss. Your post is a wonderful tribute.
The peeing accidents don’t count. 😉
This was the most touching tribute to your trusted friend – sharing her. Now I’m going to find a ball to chase.
Cathy, good girl. 🙂
Sorry to read you had to lose a family member too.
Unfortunately I lost my “Max” a few weeks ago 😦
We enjoyed that GREAT guy for over 14 years!
Super Black Lab.Simply wonderful.
Misty, his mate, is so very quiet without him.
Thanks for the excellent read.
Although, I had a few more tears for Max.
Yeah, “if only” people would be dog-minded, eh?!
Peace
Sorry to hear about Max, John.
Loved your post. My dog, a cocker spaniel, died 2 months ago (at age 14 1/2) and some days I still cry about it.
If I were to add an item to your list, I’d say that my dog taught me about commitment in personal relationships. (Of course it’s easier for dogs because they forgive more easily, as you pointed out.) You don’t see dogs going around trying to find themselves better owners, and I believe one of the reasons we give them so much love in return is that we know they’ll stick with us no matter what. When people give us trust and commitment, we’re more likely to answer with trust and commitment. We mirror the way we’re treated.
So why not try to give trust and commitment first, and see what happens? (Of course this probably works better for personal relationships than business ones, but you could imagine trying it in business too, after doing due diligence about, say, a new supplier or partner. Once you decide to trust someone, do it full-out.)
I’m very sorry about the loss of your dog. I know it’s hard. RIP Sasha!
Merci, Aurelie. Very true.
Olivier,
Thanks for sharing that wonderful post. We have a collie and a terrier, and they add so much depth and joy to our lives – I simply couldn’t imagine a life without dogs in it. They teach us all something new every day.
Many happy memories for you I expect, once the misssing gets a little less.
The joy of dogs (and horses for that matter) is that you simply cannot bulls**t them. Whatever you’re feeling they will know – even if you’re trying to hide it. That’s another lesson they teach us – be true to your emotions, and not try to be ‘upbeat’ all of the time – because it’s not natural.
Hugs to you and your family, and the little dogs too 🙂
kind regards
Tanya
Merci, Tanya.
Olivier, that was so touching. I respect your respect for life. As I read, tears fell, but I know you will be together again one day. Your blog was very inspiring.
Much appreciated, Lana.
Olivier, I knew I would be in tears before I read this, but I went ahead and read it anyhow because I.LOVE.DOGS in the biggest way possible!!!
I have Luke and Ernie, a Yellow and Black Lab, littermates in fact, who are 11, and who are my little, furry everythings. All the lessons you identified above are the same ones my guys teach me every second of every day. The best part of having my own business out of a home office is being able to work with them.
I honestly don’t know what I’ll ever do without them one day, and I cry when I think about it, so I understand how dear Sasha is to you. Goldens are such absolutely happy, sweet little beings. They are made of the same furry love that Labs are. Her picture is beautiful.
My heart goes out to you….no fun losing your best buddy.
Thanks, Nancy.
Reading your post brought back a wave of emotions I felt when my beloved lab/golden retriever Andy died 3 yrs ago at age 14. I was inconsolable.
I missed more than his physical presence; I missed his soul and his command of my soul. SThankfully, salve came unexpectedly and quickly in the form of a rescue doxie pup, Brodie and a beautiful golden retriever pup, Gracie.
My heartfelt condolences on your loss. My heartfelt congratulations on having loved a pet so deeply and on having learned so much from your time together.
Dogs rule!
My best to you and your family,
EJ Ellis
Thanks, EJ.
So sorry for your loss. Dogs give us so much. Great article.
Thank you.
I started to read at work and had to wait until I got home. I agree, with every point so very much.
Our dog is “only” around 12 (he’s adopted, so age is a guesstimate) but he has two ruptured discs in his back and is showing signs of canine cognitive dysfunction (basically, doggie dementia). He has meds for the pain and the senility, and is doing okay but twilight is upon us. I’ll miss him terribly, he got me through some pretty tough personal stuff.
I do believe my dog has made me a better human being. I can’t remember who said it, but it rings true to me: I strive to be the person my dog thinks I am.
My condolences on the loss of your Sasha.
Thanks, Jen. I love that saying as well.
Half rat, half badger! I love it. Being a huge dog lover, some of my profiles still say “just a guy with a yellow dog.” She’s a yellow lab.
I can’t imagine feeling the loss you have experienced, but what an awesome way to use for the benenfit of others. Good lessons and humor. I’ll never look at a ball and game of fetch the same.
But this also reminds me to chase, REALLY chase that fucking ball EVERYDAY or just don’t play the game.
Chico is a lucky dog.
Thanks, David.
Wow – thank you for sharing this.
-Dan
Olivier
You have to warn me when you do this, sigh. Everyone who recently lost a pet and especially an awesome dog will appreciate this podcast. My beloved Buster Brown passed last Feb two days before I was to air a show on grief. Talk about life’s funnies. I swallowed big and allowed the expert on my show to process my grief LIVE on air. Here is podcast for those who might want to listen http://www.blogtalkradio.com/radioeft/2009/02/24/grief-is-a-mourning-sickness )
That was the scariest and best thing I have ever done for me and Buster Brown. He was a fabulous Rottweiler who people use to stop as they drove down the road and compliment us on what a beautiful dog he was as we played ball. I could down (tell him to stay) that dog at one end of the foot ball field and he would stay there as I walked away until I called him. He had the steadiness I have always wanted in a man. (that’s a whole other story)
Kudos to my elderly Mother (she just turned 70) who helped me dig his grave as he was a BIG dog. She already had 2/3 of it dug when I got to her house- took her four hours-yes Mother’s have that loyal love for sure.
This post is worthy of a book with pictures and sold (imagine the non profit pet orgs who could use funding while people gained insight from your perfect words.)
Thanks Trey for introducing me to Olivier I like him even more after sharing his heart with us today.
Oh… Sorry. 😛
Olivier,
When I read your blog this morning, I found it heartbreaking – which made me realize the message was heartwarming 🙂
As I tweeted over the weekend, I imagine my HobieCat greeted Sasha with some welcoming purrs over some lazy quiet hours, taking in this new adventure.
And when the time is right, rest assured my kitty will likely pounce on Sasha’s tail to let her know that it’s OK to “just play” in the beyond.
(There is no mystery – hey, some good-natured mischief would be in order for that “half rat, half badger” thing…)
And from my experience of 17+ years, I trust my loyal kitty will choose to be an authentic and faithful companion, never say no to a chance to play hide-and-seek, go for a romp or exploring, (wave her tail whenever the Colts score!) or curl up together for a comforting nap or to revisit those adventures, battles, chases, voyages, and especially the memories.
I haven’t commented in awhile (not since ‘Three Games and a Blog’), but your post gave me a weepy morning! Mostly though you reminded me of the lessons we learn from our beloved pets that makes us better people — and indeed better business people — and if we are truly open to that gift, their spirit lives on within our hearts 🙂
Best to you and yours,
Lori
Thanks, Lori. Yep.
So sorry for your loss!! Great post and connections to pets and how our lives are very much intertwined within them.
I LOVE all 21 but I will choose #7 as the best … it’s what makes our story matter… how we choose to live and die.
Thank you brie & bread man… you warm my heart and many others too!
@whats_yourstory
We just put our 16 year old dog down a few weeks ago. I know what you’re going through. Our Little Bear was the sweetest dog ever; he grew up side by side with our 3 children. It’s never easy to say goodbye, but we have many awesome memories of him.
Sorry to hear that, Chuck. I know how you feel.
Thank You Olivier for sharing, Thank You! And yes godspeed Sasha!
daisy and baci give ya a little slobbery lick on the cheek my friend!
#Yougottalovedogpeople 🙂
RIP Sweet Sasha. I especially love thought #17. You’ve learned so much from that girl.
Yep. I did. Thanks, Bridget.
Thank you so much for sharing.
This is surely one of the best things I’ve ever read. I learned a lot from this post. I don’t have a dog but really feel like keeping one after reading this post. And I’m really sorry for your loss. Dogs are more than dogs.
Best to you and yours
Thanks, Balal.
Oh what a post … it brought up a range of emotions. As an animal lover and owner of two half rats/half badgers and a horse, I absolutely empathise with the loss of a beloved pet. But you draw on such wonderful strengths that struck a different cord with me. I can’t agree with this more and as silly humans we lose sight of this stuff far too easily.
A few of things I’d like to pull out and reiterate:
Chase the fucking ball … always
Belly scratches
Godspeed Sasha x
Thanks, Gemma. I miss owning horses. They’re very special as well.
First post that has made me laugh and cry in the space of 2 minutes, thanks so much Olivier.
No no. Thank YOU. 🙂
Olivier, I am very sorry for this loss! Been there….
What a great story, it is one “for the ages”.
Good luck and take care!
Manfred
QLI International
Thanks, Manfred. 🙂
Everyone’s got that one post in them they were mean to write, and this was yours. Sorry for your loss, but congratulations in creating this masterpiece, something timeless, that has become too many peoples favorite.
I’m also even more proud to have included you on my blog, for the 10 most influential Personal Branding Pro’s on Twitter.
Thank you, on all counts. 🙂
Oliver:
Thanks for sharing this gut-wrenching and heart-moving post. Dog lovers everywhere can identify with your feelings of love and loss. It was nice to see such a tender post from you and I feel like I know a part of you now that I never saw before. Thanks for writing it.
Last June, I had to put down two of my dogs within 24 hours of each other. It was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done…one had been with us 18 years and it was just time. The other was only three years old and was suffering from cancer. Losing one is tough. Losing two back to back is excruciating. While they can’t be replaced, I can say that there are two rescued dogs now livingour household now has the rhythm of two additional rescued dogs in our lives. We know there times will end in the future and we choose to focus on the joy from day to day.
I really like #19, we are not meant to be alone, travel in packs. I would also like to add #22, Take time for naps.
Godspeed Sasha!
Ah man. That had to have been tough. I feel for you.
Take time for naps: I like that. 🙂 Thanks for the kind words, Jeff. Much appreciated.
Olivier… I have had to let go of canine and feline companions both in my life and it sucks. Just sucks, when they trust you to take care of the problem, to fix things, and you can’t fix it or make it better anymore. Thanks for giving Sasha her dignity and letting her go with grace and gratitude. Way harder than anyone who hasn’t been there knows.
And Leashes… oh boy… they ARE the enemy. For dogs and people. Always live life unleashed 🙂
Thanks for sharing Sasha’s wisdom with us.
Indeed. I was never much for leashes either. 😉
Really well written and so touching for anyone that has really loved a dog and lost them. The love they give is pure and unconditional, and they are always happy to see and be with you. Thank you, points well taken
Thanks, Linda.
Olivier, I had no idea. I’m so sorry. Your list is right on. And Sasha is beautiful. Those eyes. So wise and loving.
You didn’t need to make the connections to business to justify writing this post. But maybe some people need that reminder. “It starts with a beating heart, not a beeping cash register.” And “Soul drives love. Love drives business.”
My girl Millie, also a golden, just turned 9. I’m very much aware that we are entering her “golden years”. Do we have 6 more, as you did with Sasha? Or one more, as with my god-dog Nellie? Hard to know, so we have to cherish every moment. Let’s make it doubly rich: I’m going through the same thing with my 86 yr old mother. On a daily basis, I hear that line from Bonnie Raitt’s Nick of Time: “Life gets might precious when there’s less of it to waste.”
Thank you for sharing your heart with us. Mine goes out to you and your family.
I hope you’ll get at least six more good years with Millie. 🙂
I wanted to share something my vet sent me when we had to put our cat down several years ago. It was a great comfort.
To Those I Love
If I should ever leave you whom I love
To go along the Silent Way, grieve not,
Nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk
Of me as if I were beside you there.
(I’d come– I’d come, could I but find a way!
But would not tears and grief be barriers?)
And when you hear a song or see a bird
I loved, please do not let the thought of me
Be sad… for I am loving you just as
I always have… You were so good to me!
There are so many things I wanted still
To do– so many things to say to you…
Remember that I did not fear… It was
Just leaving you that was so hard to face…
We cannot see beyond… But this I know:
I loved you so– ’twas heaven here with you!
~ Isla Paschal Richardson
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing that with us. 🙂
Thanks for a great post. Heartwarming, sweet, thoughtful. Much appreciated. I can tell from the comments above that you made many of us stop and think. I like all 21. Great job.
Our Brittany Spaniel, Freckles, sounds much like Sasha. She was so gentle, and we had to put her to sleep when she was 15.
Take care.
Sorry to hear that, Lori. Thanks for the kind thoughts.
This is simply one of the best things I’ve ever read. I will print it, share it with others and refer to it often.
Thanks Olivier..and Sasha.
Wow. Thanks, Jim.
Olivier-
Simply wonderful. Like many of the other posters here, I had to put down a standard poodle, Curlie, after nearly sixteen years. Almost too quickly, a fluffy little bundle- a bearded collie- named Mackenzie came into my family’s life.
It’s tough because the loss of Curlie occasionally fills me with dread over the future (hopefully far in the future), but this two-year-old beardie who lives every one of your guidelines fills each day with indescribable joy.
So as I sit here with this wonderful dog (who is lavishing attention on my two-month-old son as though he were her own), please accept my family’s condolences and prayers for your family and for Sasha- and a beardie hug and slobbery kisses from Mackenzie.
Here’s to- when you’re ready- when another deserving, lucky dog loves you back with every drop of intensity that you love him or her.
Tom Irwin
Thanks, Tom. I’ll always be a dog guy, so yeah. It’s only a matter of time before I find myself another furry buddy. Right now, the chihuahuas are enough, but I’ll eventually have to go back to having a dog that poops out more than little pebbles. 😉
Olivier: I’m speechless. And that’s pretty rare for me. This was just amazing. Thank you for writing it, and to your amazing Sasha: Big rough belly scratches for always….
Wow. I’m speechless that you’re speechless. Thank you for the kind words, and this amazing compliment. 🙂
First: I am so sorry for your loss 😦
Second: This was a very touching post. On a human level. Sometimes while life is happening we forget the living part. Forgot to really go for it. This post was a wonderful reminder
Thanks, Toya. 🙂
Really great post! I’ve realized lately how much I need a dog in my life and that’s a requirement of any new apartment I live in. I especially love several of these, but #3 is my favorite. These are all really fantastic.
You were lucky to have Sasha and Sasha was lucky to have you as her human.
Whatever else you may do in your life, whatever business knowledge you share with your many devoted followers, however many hearts you touch and lives you change, you will never exceed the pure humanity, and generosity of this one post.
Sasha’s legacy will live on through your words, and in its own special way will soften despair and harden resolve for countless others.
You have done an immeasurable service, both to Sasha and to your friends who are fortunate enough to have read your parting words.
I too live a life improved beyond measure by a dear Golden Retriever, named Annie. Someday I will be faced with the grim reality of her passing. I pray that when that day comes I will somehow rise to the occasion with a modicum of the unselfish, heartfelt and passionate wisdom you (and Sasha) have shared with us today.
Warmest Regards,
Michael Stewart
Wow. Thank you. You aren’t too shabby with a pen either, Michael. 🙂
I thoroughly enjoyed this post for so many different reasons…
It’s well-written, inspirational, spot-on, loving, funny and chock-full of some of the most useful tips for living a good life.
Thank you for sharing.
As a dog lover, I am digging this list 🙂
All very tru that it is scary. I wish I had my dogs intuition.. he knows instantly when someone is a dirt bag or if someone is nice.. takes me a lil longer 🙂
Very, very sweet homage to your dog. Thanks for sharing. 😉
Sheri
Happy thoughts for Sasha and her peace. Thanks for this. You’re a poet.
#4, 8, 9, 18, and 20.
That’s all I’m going to say.
Well meant, well said, well done.
Peace and grace to you.
-Steve
What a great post! I am sorry for your loss, but this was a great way to honor Sasha. Dogs are truly amazing.
This was a good read. One of the toughest jobs we humans have is to be with them, when we send them off to the other side. It is very important that we be there with them when they go. Some of your comments are as interesting as the post. RIP Sasha!
My deepest condolences on the loss of your friend. I lost a special friend like that 11 years ago and I still miss him.
My new special friend is now 10, which makes her 70 in her own years and she’s the epitome of loyalty.
I know she doesn’t have that much longer left on this earth and I’m dreading the day; for now, though, she and I are living as if she has forever.
Again, my condolences.
God Bless, Sasha.
Great article, let’s learn from the dogs, everyone should at least implement 1 of these 21 rules.
Eric
Thanks, Eric. We could all learn a lot from dogs. 🙂
Manfred Gollent kindly passed this on — even second-hand it was poignant — a wrenching reminder that our German shepherd Misha is 13. I’m not anything close to being able to handle the idea that she’s aging, let alone the reality that we only have a few years left with her. While we’ve only met a very few times, I suddenly feel as if we’re friends — Sasha’s wisdom in loving you being the sole criterion for judging you a terrific person. Dogs are never wrong about people —- and you can see in Sasha’s wonderful face that she was exceptionally insightful!
Thanks, Virginia.
MMmmm you might have just inspired me to get a dog !!!
So much in your post touched me that I can’t pintpoint one thing so I’ll just say lovely post and tribute! So sorry for your loss as well.
Thanks. 🙂
😦 sorry to hear about your loss, but thank you for sharing what Sasha taught you. I learn many simple things from my dogs…when I remember to slow down, pay attention, and treasure the moments. After all, nothing lasts forever, so all we really have are our memories of moments passing. Sounds like you and Sasha provided each other with great company for many of those moments.
Loved the post, inspiring and insightfull. Thankyou. Cheers from Mexico!
Love your post, beautiful thougts, finish it with some tears in my eyes, i also lost my 15 year old dog – Bola – 3 weeks ago, what great companions dogs are, miss her so much. I would also add: Dogs never give up and adapt rapidly to new circunstances, my dog went blind 6 years ago, amazingly she continues chasing balls by the bouncing sound, she continue running and jumping, she never gets paralized.
So unfair dogs live so little time, at first you saw them as “dogs” but ending seeing them as equal members.
Take care, i’ll apply your Sasha’s tips 🙂
I wanna thank you for writting this, I loved reading it, I happened to find it accidentally, glad I did! I lost my 15 yr old dog Digger about a year ago now, they truely stick with you untill the end, they’re amazing and this entry is inspiring, so true about how much our dogs teach us
They make us be better people, even though they never ask us to be. 🙂
Please let me know if you’re looking for a writer for your site. You have some really good articles and I think I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d really like to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please blast me an e-mail if interested. Many thanks!
you had true love for this dog and he had it for you..it was great reading,this dog left you a better person,amazing because i am going through this now in my life..i have a little doxie who is injured and needs care,and it is how we handle the situations when they come up that make us stronger humans…my little doxie is teaching me so much about life..SHE IS MAKING ME A BETTER MAN,EVEN THOUGH IM 54 YEARS OLD….THANKS..
Wow, so wonderful. Thanks for sharing this. I will forward this to the men I know. It is so wonderful. Your dog was so special 🙂
Beautiful…and so true. I realize this blog post is two years old, but the senitment and wisdom of it is timeless. Thank you for sharing.
Nice
Thisa is incredible and inspirational at the same time. My cousin used to live one floor on top of me and my wife, she had this pug magmed GIA. God she was beautiful, we used to take her of her so much that eventually she took over and made it her home. We fell in love with her so much that she started sleeping with us. For some reason she always slept on my pelow and i let he i didn’t care i loved her. One tragic afternoon she got hit by a car and killed my wife and i cried so much that it took us a week to finally accept what happened. We miss her still. To us she was perfect. Her lesson to me was that even small things given the chance can provide the greatest of love. I’m not very religious, but rather spiritual. I know in my heart we will see her again
Dear Olivier, Wow, this blog was truly a masterpiece.
I related to this so much….I realise it’s been some time now since you wrote this blog but i’m sure that you still miss your best friend, Sasha (RIP) everyday.
I don’t want think of when the time comes with my two precious fur kids for when they get to this point, but yes I know it will eventually come, later rather than sooner I hope. I will remember this blog from you and hope that it soothes in some way, it’s really did bring a tear to my eye. I’ve been there once before and it is really the most difficult thing to go through as they are so much apart of our lives, they are family.
I believe your life is not whole until you’ve had a dog as a best friend.
Thank you again for this post, is special.
Cheers from Tory in Australia ;o)
This was truly a wonderful piece. I know it’s been some time since, but this piece spoke to me. I too lost my precious furry friend and wrote a similar tribute. They deserve more then words, and it seems like your beautiful Golden left a special piece of herself with you. It’s amazing what we learn from them.
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Thank you for sharing….our lives would not be the same without our dogs. They bring so much joy. Thank you for your infinite wisdom.
Fabulous! Being re-blogged over on Learning from Dogs tomorrow.