Who Says An Old Dog Can't Teach YOU New Tricks???
Jack is a 12 year old mutt. He loves to fetch but we've never known him to actually catch a ball. Even at the age of 12 he will run after a ball much longer then your arm will hold out throwing the ball.
Jack has never done steps. He will run up them (in shear terror) if he has to but forget him ever going down steps on his own.
So what will he do if he is in the mood to play fetch and no one is paying attention? He just throws his ball down the steps and expects YOU to go get it.
This is new behavior he's learned since we became (flood) refugees living at Grandma's house while our home is being rebuilt.
With my office being downstairs (until I relocate into my new space sometime this month) I am usually the one Jack makes fetch the ball. What also adds to the "weirdness" is that when I toss it back up the steps he always catches it.
If I don't get the ball or if no one is around to get the ball he will just stand at the top of the steps and stair down until someone does get it or he gets hungry or tired and wonders off.
Four about 4 years now I've been working under the oldest active Broker in North Dakota, Mr Earl Allen. I'm wondering if he may not be the oldest active Broker in the USA. Earl is a spry 92 years young.
Some people are questioning Mr. Allens clarity of late and I say shame on them. Earl knows more about Real Estate than any man I know and as the old saying goes he's probably forgot more then we ever hope to learn.
I am really proud to be working under a living legend like Earl. I've learned a lot. You talk about old school... I'm learning things first hand that go back to the foundation of North Dakota Real Estate.
Yes, someday I'm going to have to tell people that I knew and worked under the legend of Mr. Earl Allen but today I can say that I'm still a student of the best man in North Dakota Real Estate.
Those that critisize this man need to realize that even if they live to be 200 years old they will never measure up to this man and his dedication to Real Estate as well as his dedication to the principals he believes in.
Long live the great Mr. Earl Allen!
Sounds like your dog has taught you a trick! Clever!
That sounds like a rare and invaluable opportunity you have there with Mr. Earl and it sounds like you cherish it. As you should, I'd say.
As for your canine pal, haven't you heard? He's not your dog. You are HIS human : )
How does Mr. Allen handle the whole ball and stairs routine though? Does he throw the ball down the stairs and expect you to get it?
Catherine, it really is funny because he knows I'm going to get it for him. Worst case scenario is I make some extra trips up the steps... lord knows I can use the exercise!
Debra, Cherish is a great word and yes, I certainly am Jacks human.
Malcolm, Mr. Allen trains me by throwing it way over my head so I have to streatch beyond what I believe are my boundries and see new possibilities.
It's a shame that our culture doesn't value the wisdom of our older citizens. Age doesn't diminish a persons ability to contribute.
Hooray for Mr. Allen! I hope I'm still active and productive when I'm 92 years old. And your dog, Jack, sounds like he has you trained pretty well!
Nancy, The really sad thing is that it's family and former step-family that is really causing him headaches and heartaches.
Rose, Jack does have me trained and I'm glad Mr. Allen has not given up on me yet.
Bob, Jack is a hoot. Change the environment and the behavior can change too! Hats off to Mr. Earl Allen – truly amazing that he is still working! I’ll bet he has some real stories to tell.
Kathleen, this change seems to have brought a little more new life to Jack. He is always making sure everyone in the house is OK, even Grandma. Mr. Allen does have some very good stories to tell.
Wow it is really something how none of us stop learning including our pet friends. This will be a stretch of time you won't forget anytime soon
Bob - you sucked me in with your title and I was not disappointed. I loved how you tied in the story with Mr. Earl. I would imagine that Mr. Earl has stories to tell that would keep your attention. From what I think I know about you, Mr. Earl is also lucky to have a faithful and honest man like Bob RealMan Timm working with him.
Bob J. You are right, I figure this (flood) will stick with me forever. I can assure you that if I do ever move it will be to higher ground.
Barbara, I am proud to be counted as one of Earl friends. He is under heavy attack now and greedy people have gained power of attorney over him. It really saddens me that one of them claims to be a man of God. His actions are not only harming Earl but even though he doesn't know it the community is viewing him in a very bad light for what he is doing to Earl and I think it hurts the church he leads as pastor as well as all of Christendom.
I want you to know much I have enjoyed this post. and, your comment back to Malcolm was wonderful! Your Jack sounds like a real character and seems fond of teaching you new tricks too. Your Mr Earl is suffering elder abuse and I hope something can be done for him - he sounds like a National Treasure, not just a local treasure. He is in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan, Thanks for the compliment, once in awhile I get out a word of wisdom or two. I do believe Mr. Allen is suffering elder abuse and I am doing all I can to support him through this mess.