Chasing Dreams

Are chasing dreams like chasing a dog? It is a strange comparison, but I started thinking about that this morning when Sammy, the dog we saved from PAWS, ran out the front door without a leash for the third time.

A part of me felt sad that he has the desire to "break out" - but, in reality we all want to explore our environment without being tied to something. Sammy always comes back, but today was scarier because he decided to exceed his boundaries by running into the street.

We have learned that 1) he does not listen, so calling to him means nothing and 2) running after him only makes it worse. So I stand in front of the house making sure that I can see him at all times, while he trots along looking over his shoulder at me thinking "ha ha, can't catch me".

We had some near misses with very pissed off drivers, but thankfully one of those drivers chased him back down our way.

While I watched Sammy, I got annoyed with each passing minute because all I could think was, "this is such a waste of my time. I have so many other things that need to get done". I also compared this pursuit of business success to waiting for Sammy. Can I believe that it will eventually come? If I just wait patiently, will it come? We all know that you can't sit back and expect things to happen, so like enticing Sammy with a doggie biscuit to quicken his return I need to keep thinking of the subtle, yet impactful, ways that I can coax success my way.

Sammy ended up spending the day in his crate. I went to PETCO, bought a dog tag with my phone number, bought a dog whistle, and asked about the obedience training classes they offer. I recognize that in order to have success with our Sammy we BOTH need to learn. I need to do this same assessment and subsequent action for Verify-ED. Because at the end of it all, Sammy WILL return when he is called and success WILL arrive when beckoned.

Sammy The Dog

A couple of weeks ago I had saved enough money to go to the hair salon (yes! I am an entrepreneur and money is tight). Next door to the hair salon is our local animal shelter. I used to pass it every day on my commute to NYC and sometimes I would notice animals abandoned on the doorstep. Like the homeless person you pass, you feel helpless - want to help - but don't know how and you keep moving. I know one of the employees at the animal shelter, and when he saw me on the way to the salon he ran in to tell me that a man was surrendering his dog and I should come take a look since he knows that I like small dogs. I should mention that, yes, I like small dogs - but my husband was the one who specifically mentioned his preference for terriers and similar dogs. I have NEVER owned a dog. Ever. Well, of course I go and meet a man who (because of personal reasons) was sadly giving up his dog. I called my husband who informed me that I could bring a dog home but that 1) he would not be taking care of the dog and 2) the dog was not allowed in the basement. So much for the man who wants a dog. The dogs' owner suggested that I take the dog home for the weekend, and if things didn't work out that he would retrieve the dog and take him to the shelter.

I am sure that you have figured out the rest. I brought the dog home, the kids like him, he seems to like us, AND he doesn't bark. So we have welcomed a new family member: Sammy, the long-haired Chihuahua.

The tie in to business: did I save Sammy or would someone have come along? At times when I am trying to find the right contact to help our business get to the next level, I do wonder if someone will "save" us because that is the feeling of hope you have. Yes, we work hard but we are realistic that hard work is only part of what is needed to succeed. We are so dependent upon our networks to move forward and people literally do save you. Without this support you flounder. As we search for funding, we ARE looking for that "savior" - someone who believes in our tools as much as we and has the ability to financially support the endeavor. I read my entrepreneurial magazines and the stories of the lucky few who have found their financial saviors do give me hope - and isn't this the season of hope and belief in angels?

From my house to yours - HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Let 2009 be prosperous for us all!!