Dog Psychology

Our mutt Goldie, AKA Goldman, Golden Boy, etc., loves our daily walk. We take pretty much the same route and he reacts pretty much the same way when other dogs are around. If they're on a leash, he goes absolutely berserk, barking, pulling and generally being obnoxious.  I need to cross to the other side of the street. But here's the funny part: If the other dog is not on a leash, Goldie's docile as can be.

Case in point: There's this beautiful chocolate lab who's always loose in his yard, thanks to the electronic fence his owners installed. When we come down the sidewalk directly through his yard, the chocolate stands to attention, barks a few low hellos, wagging his tail the whole time. Goldman, on the other hand, neither barks nor looks in the chocolate's direction as he saunters by. Never. Goldie acts as if there is nothing there at all.

So what is going on here? Why berserk one minute and indifferent the next? He never deviates from this behavior. I would love to hear some theories. 

Before You Go

Grief counselor Cheri Milton speaks the power of gratitude. In her presentation before Madison South Rotary, Milton discussed why she chose to write,Before You Go: Lessons for a better life from those facing death.

"I never imagined how much they would give back to me," she said of her interactions with terminal patients.

Milton spoke of a patient named "Joyce" who suffered from ALS. Even though this horrific disease systematically stole Joyce's ability to eat, speak, or move in any substantial way, she remained steadfast in her determination to be grateful for what she did have. "At least I can see my grand-kids when they come home from school. At least my hair still looks nice."

Milton said this kind of determination was inspirational beyond measure, and she began changing things in her own life because of it. "How grateful am I?" Milton pondered. "I try to be grateful for the things we take for granted," Milton said.

Another terminal patient named "Harold" still had unopened Christmas presents under his artificial tree four years after his wife died. He told Milton he hadn't gotten around to opening the gifts she had given him for her last Christmas. Whatever the actual reason, Milton says this patient inspired her to stop procrastinating when it came to certain goals. "What am I waiting for? she asked. As a result, Milton says she forgave a friend, took a foreign vacation and started singing again for the first time since college.

We don't need death at our door to make positive changes in our lives. The patients in Before You Go certainly teach us that much.

Navigating Stormy Financial Waters

    Every investment carries risk, but Rotarian Kevin Pachucki says the wrong financial advisor could cost you much more. If you're not careful, he warns, an investor can get eaten alive by the very person he or she goes to for help.
    Kevin recommends asking a potential advisor, "Are you willing to sign off as a fiduciary?" That, according to Kevin, essentially puts in writing that the advisor will work in your best interest, a higher standard than the more typical "suitable" standard.
     Kevin, who has worked as a financial advisor for both Smith Barney and Robert W. Baird handling accounts from $400-$40 million, says he personally has witnessed brokers and advisors who've acted unethically. The result was a fatter return for the advisors and big costs for the investors.
     To avoid getting ripped off by an advisor, Kevin suggests asking pointed questions:
    In addition, he says run for the hills if there's any mention of a "secret investment tip," the necessity to invest "today" or instructions to "just write the check to me."     Kevin currently works in sales, but foresees a day when he will return to the financial industry as an educator.

• How are you paid? (If it's by the insurance company, there may be a conflict of interest).
• Are you paid less if you don't hit a commission target?
• How are you licensed?

For more information about Kevin Pachucki, see his LinkedIn profile.

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