I usually use this space to share strategies on growth, leadership, and industry trends. But this month, the lesson I’m sharing is more personal. I recently lost my dog, Rhody, after nearly 14 years. He was my first dog, my constant navigator on cross-country moves, and my “Chief Wellbeing Officer” through the highs and lows of building a business. In the quiet of his absence, I’ve realized that Rhody didn’t just teach me about companionship; he gave me a 14-year masterclass in the very foundations of successful leadership and loyalty.
I recently lost my dog Rhody.
He was nearly 14 years old, and for the last 13 of those years, he was my most consistent partner, my silent advisor, and my most loyal “employee.” But if you had seen us in the beginning, back in February 2013, you might not have bet on our long-term success.
Our story started at the Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago. I had spent years making excuses for why the “timing wasn’t right” for a dog. When I finally walked through those doors, the noise was deafening. But there was Rhody—sitting calmly, choosing me with a single look.
I almost lost him to a business trip; I had to leave town immediately after meeting him, and the shelter couldn’t hold him. I spent that entire trip crossing my fingers. When I returned, I made it just in time —another adopter was coming to claim him in :60.
The Challenge of the “Tough Hire”
Those first few months were a masterclass in management and patience. Rhody wasn’t an easy “plug-and-play” companion. He was energetic, fearful of the world, and highly protective—traits that led to growling and scaring people, including my own family.
In a business context, Rhody was a “high-risk, high-reward” investment. He required:
- Clear Communication: I had to learn his language before he could learn mine.
- A Structured Environment: He needed to know the “company policy” of our home to feel safe.
- Immense Onboarding: We spent countless hours “introducing him to society,” slowly building his confidence through exposure and training.
The ROI of Consistency
Eventually, the “fearful shelter dog” phase ended, and the “Awesome Companion” phase began. For over a decade, Rhody was the ultimate partner.
We hiked through New Jersey, played in streams, and spent summers at the beach. He was my navigator on massive life transitions, sitting shotgun on drives from Chicago to Rhode Island, New Jersey to Montana, and back again.
From a business perspective, Rhody taught me that loyalty isn’t bought; it’s built. You cannot demand loyalty from a client or an employee on day one. You earn it through the “mundane” stuff: the daily walks, the consistent boundaries, and showing up even when things are difficult.
The “Rescue” Reciprocity
We often use the term “rescue dog” as if the human is the only one doing the saving. But as many business owners know, the things we take care of often end up taking care of us.
When I brought Rhody home, I was at a point in my life where I needed to learn a specific kind of empathy. Rhody didn’t just teach me how to care for a dog; he taught me how to be a more patient, grounded version of myself. He was the “circuit breaker” for my work stress and the grounding force during my cross-country moves.
Final Reflections
Rhody was my first dog, but he won’t be my last. He left me with a blueprint for how to approach any long-term commitment:
- Trust the “click”: When you find the right partner/client/employee, you’ll know.
- Invest in the beginning: The hardest work happens in the first 90 days. Don’t give up.
- Enjoy the journey: Whether it’s a drive to Missoula or a walk around the block, the destination matters less than the company.
To Rhody: I hope I was the best “CEO” and Dad you could have asked for. Thanks for the best 14 years.
Let’s connect if this blog post resonates with you.