Lessons from "Togo"

Last week was an adventure in resting for me, and yes I call that an adventure. Resting isn’t something that I do a whole lot of. My brain and body are not natural at rest; I am always on the go. But I landed a nasty upper respiratory infection and the doctor could not emphasize enough the importance of rest. So following doctor’s orders, I watched more TV last week than I probably did in the previous 6 months combined.

One of my favorite things I watched was Togo. It’s available on Disney+ and it is the harrowing true story of the real hero of the 1929 diphtheria outbreak in Nome, Alaska (Balto didn’t do the hard part, he got the glory).

I wanted to share with you a few things that I was reminded of, as a dog lover and canine professional.

1. Nothing endures like the love and loyalty of a dog.

Literally, nothing. This isn't something that I truly understood until I gained the love of my own trusty side-kick, Kona. Before her, while I always liked dogs, I was not a "dog person" per se. Once she came along, everything changed. Once we gained that mutual love and respect for one another, we created an unbreakable bond.

2. We learn the most from the biggest troublemakers.

It’s true. The dogs that have helped me grow the most, have been the most difficult of dogs. It has been the most difficult of dogs that have taught me the most and that I have had the strongest bonds with. Easy dogs don't make a good trainer.

3. A “bad dog” is often a good dog in the wrong environment or circumstances.

Every dog has different strengths and desires. If we are trying to take a dog who doesn't like other dogs and force them to be good in a house full of dogs, that's really never going to work. Watch a cranky dog transform into a wonderful companion when there are no more dogs around. Try and shove a working dog into a pet role and watch a disaster unfold. And sometimes, we can take that ornery pet dog and give them a small job, then see them flourish.

5. Never underestimate the dog.

Never! Dogs know so much more than we give them credit for and they are capable of so much more than we give them credit for.

6. I will never own a husky!

I don’t know how many times watching that movie that I laughed and said, “typical husky”. They are cute! They are tenacious! They are not for everyone. They are definitely not for me. And no matter how much you love that movie, they probably aren’t for you either. What I am not saying is that no one should have a husky. What I am saying is that most people are drawn in by their cuteness while completely unprepared for their energy level and desire to run. And run. And run. And run. And run. Do research on a breed before bringing your pooch home so that you can be ready to meet their needs.