But, I want to remember the good times. And those good times can help us all work at home a little better. So, let's reminisce about the Futz for a bit...
Gidget was a miniature dachshund, but there was nothing small about her attitude. She acted like a big dog and had no fear. She'd take on any opponent without hesitation because she knew she was a bad @$$. She once took on a Great Dane for picking on her doxy sister, and no one was coming close to mommy without her permission.
Gidget was playful. She LOVED her tennis ball. We had to build barriers under the couch to block the balls from getting stuck. She would play all day and night, and even sleep with her ball when we let her. She knew that life was short and she should have a ball, literally, while she was here. Gidget was also a big ham. She knew how to have a good time, laugh, and make others laugh. She was sneaky, and silly, and a bundle of crazy that eventually earned her the nickname "Futz".
Gidget loved her family. She protected them and wanted to be with them all the time. We would practically step on her because she was always getting underfoot in her stealth-mode. She used to climb up on the back of the couch and sit on my shoulder, both to watch and protect me from whatever, and to snuggle right into my neck. And she never grew out of being poppy's little baby.
Despite the best training, Gidget was always a yapper. Her bark could break glass and ring in your head until it ached. Any noise would set her off. Or her imagination. We'd beg her to be quiet, but she demanded to be heard. I miss that noise right now...
I could go on and on about the memories and personality of Gidget. She was one-of-a-kind. But I'll stop with one more: She was so thankful that mommy worked at home. She would have struggled and left us much sooner if I had not. And, even in her sickest days, she would still let me know how much it meant to her that I was here. Whether that was a pathetic kiss, a request to be held, begging for treats, or just that look in her eyes... She always said thank you and I love you. And I always said it back.
Work at home puts many challenges before us. Just remember to work, and live, like Gidget. Don't...
- Be afraid to live big
- Let the big dogs in the office push you around
- Work so much that you don't have fun
- Neglect your family
- Sit in silence; speak up, often, and boldly
- Forget to say Thank You and I Love You
- Lose your 'why' (you work from home)
- Ever take your work from home status for granted
Until we meet again...
