I’m writing this on International Dog Day, so I have a special guest.
Meet Freddo.
Freddo is my beloved Cocker Spaniel. He’s getting on in years, now 12 and a half (that’s 87 in dog years!), but remains remarkably vibrant and happy.
And the more I think about it, the more I suspect Freddo knows quite a bit about sustained performance.
It all started many years ago when we re-homed Freddo from an elderly lady who wanted a more of a sit-in-your-lap dog than this guy’s energetic nature.
So home we went to kick off some post-acquisition integration and transformation. Think a few accidents and chewing up socks. But after a while, we had some new routines set up and Freddo understood his role. Clearly, it was boss of the house.
As we got to know our new boss, it was quite clear that he sticks with what matters most. In Freddo’s case, that’s food. He can find the smallest crumb in the kitchen with remarkable speed.
Once when we had friends over for dinner, he climbed up to the table while we weren’t looking and ate an entire garlic pizza….twice. After we remade the pizza, he immediately repeated his feat. Freddo is incredibly consistent in his execution.
Another thing about Freddo is he sticks with his people. Right now, he’s by my side in my office. If I go into the other room, there he is.
Every morning, my husband and I take him for a walk, but he actually will not go if we aren’t both there. We’re talking legs fully planted and not budging. Freddo values his people, relentlessly.
And he isn’t afraid to show it. Every time either of us comes home, there is Freddo, bouncing around with tail wagging. Mind you this happens even if we’re gone for all of five minutes.
What really astounds me is how well he knows each of us. Night time comes and I’m the one doing the after-dinner walk, to the point where my husband becomes invisible. Yet my husband is the one who mucks around, tugging on the fur on his paws and sending Freddo into a fit of puppy-like playtime. It seems Freddo has completely learned what makes each of us tick.
Maybe it’s more than that though. Last year, partly in defiance of the idea that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, I taught Freddo to sit outside the front door after a walk and wait until I enter the house first. While he constantly needs reminding, once in position, he performs his little trick with pride. Not perfect, but he more than gets the job done.
Even if both my husband and I are with him, Freddo waits until I go in the house before he does. I’m sure he can see the appreciation in my eyes, as I tell my husband exceitedly, “look, I told you so!” He even seems to now know what motivates me.
It’s his ability to stay so engaged and keep learning that I really admire.
At the end of last year, we had a scare. In his zeal to play the role of doorbell and announce the arrival of a delivery driver, Freddo lost his footing and put his back out. It seems our furry sidekick has limits.
It was touch and go for about 2 weeks. And then, we turned the corner and bit by bit, Freddo started to improve. It was a long haul.
Habits and routines had to adapt. No more running after brush turkeys in the backyard. Our bed was now too high to jump onto. Now, brush turkeys and the neighbour’s cat get ignored with a brief bark. There are doggy steps where jumping used to be. And Freddo is now just as happy as he always was. Just as vibrant, just slightly slower.
Learning hasn’t stopped for Freddo, the elder statesman of this house, nor for us. This is what’s joyful.
Twelve and a half years in, Freddo still knows what matters with incredible focus, perpetually waiting for the next garlic pizza. He appreciates his people deeply, approaching every returning family member as though they’ve been gone for months. Freddo has kept learning and adapting, all without ever losing sight of what matters most.
So if you’re thinking about the long haul, just be a little more dog. Freddo will be proud.
This writing is inspired by my earlier article, Discipline Is Not Grit.
