Strolls in the park, rolling in lawn, and the happy barks and kisses welcoming us home, those are the things we miss most about Max. Max, our once vibrant, nine year old Schnauzer was recently diagnosed with Cushing's disease causing blindness and weakened muscles. Care for Max has been attentive since a distressing bump into into a wall. Since the disease causes increase in water consumption and urination, my wife and I take turns carrying him out in the early hours of the morning. Lifting and carrying our Max can be at times tiring. However, this is where he has changed my perspective. While I waited on him to listlessly stir about at 4:00am, I imagined the confusion he must experience guided only by his smell and touch. A gentle message of patience and respect emerged while caring for our loyal friend.
How much more should we be guided by empathy in our lives and business? Workers are burdened with change and chaos with only limited senses to roam about in this shifting economy. As they struggle to make sense of things they are getting bumped and bruised. This is especially true of dislocated industrial workers taught to be loyal and compliant. Many workers, given their blind loyalty, had their once prized skills and abilities quickly invalidated by economic, technological, and strategic disruptions. Although each of us shares responsibility to adapt, a little empathy and guidance will go a long way in getting us all in the right direction.
Max is a trooper. He still wags his tail at the sound of our voices, using his sniffer more to compensate for what is missing. He just needs a little support and loving care.
