Chapter 1: What Kind of Involvement is Needed?

Overview

A few years ago, Jake was faced with a challenging project. A friend had given him his first puppy, a black Labrador retriever. His family already had dogs; his daughter and son each had one. But Theo (named after jazz great The lonius Monk) was Jake's first, and that made him responsible for everything from feeding and training the puppy to taking him outside in the middle of the night when nature called.

Theo proved to be an active little guy. His idea of fun included activities like chewing on someone's sandal and polishing off a whole chicken left unguarded on a kitchen counter.

After a few days of this, Jake's wife helped him get clear that more involvement was needed. "You have three choices, honey," she patiently explained. "Theo can clean up his act, or you can find him another home."

"What's the third choice?" Jake wondered.

"You can find a new home. Do I make myself clear?"

"Crystal."

Jake's work was cut out for him. The kids already considered Theo part of the family—to say nothing about Jake's growing attachment to the pup. But Theo needed to behave better if the Jacobs' happy home was to remain intact.

Jake trying to get the job done alone was not the ticket. Different people with different kinds of involvement were needed. First came the instructor at an obedience class. Next came the kids. Someone had to partner with Theo on his homework when Jake was out of town on business. Theo had to pitch in and do his fair share. He had to learn that sandals were for people's feet, not dogs' mouths, and that his food was in a bowl on the floor, not on a tray on the counter. Even Jake's wife had to reluctantly get involved so the pupil received consistent rewards and corrections.

Jake was confident of success if everyone pulled together. And they did.

Today when Theo and Jake take walks around town, people comment on what a good dog he is. Most days Theo visits Jake's office, where he's become a company mascot. It's even been more than a year since he ate the chicken that was left unattended in the kitchen one day!

By involving others, Jake achieved both of his goals: a four-legged friend for life and a reasonably contented wife.