I’m one of those people who tries to see the good in behavior that some others might label “bad”. Some may call it naive and disagree with my pronouncements and I think alot about subjectivity. I always find putting my thoughts into a Venn Diagram helps me solve problems. Maybe it’s my visual thinking.
I’ve had a recent spike of “rescue” dog acquisitions — all through serendipitous channels, never through active seeking — but I have to say despite some of the “issues” these dogs may have when they come across my portal (literally as in the case with Bosco, figuratively in the case of Karl who is in a safe and loving foster home pending adoption), I see their benefit for others after a little rehab, education and fine tuning. Why and how? Because we all have a role we can play in helping others. If we can’t cook or serve at a soup kitchen, we can sort clothes or soothe souls or repair houses or tutor a student or drive someone to a doctor’s appointment or just befriend someone in need.
And the dogs. While I certainly wouldn’t trust them with cooking or driving, I enjoy their calm company when I’m digging around for something to whip up for dinner and love their companionship in the car. Spreading cheer, helping people through trauma or physical rehab or helping keep staff morale high, there are a plethora of possibilities for these intelligent and thoughtful dogs.

Wonder how you can figure out a role for your own canine companion and turn your beast into a working wunderkind? Or how to consider acquiring a suitable working dog for your own career? Come on down to Cleveland State University’s Continuing Education Building this Friday and join Bean and myself for a lively discussion on the roles and functions of working dogs.
Hope to see you there!