Working from home is like a dog's life
Or is it?
Prior to the pandemic, people who worked from home were considered to be living the equivalent of a dog’s life. Eat, sleep…and play. For those of you who are now working from home—and working much longer days—now know otherwise. As I learned the other day, there’s a bit more to a dog’s life, too. Witness the video below.
Saw that from my office. Thinking initially that I had seals in my pond—how that could have possibly happened, who knows—I went out to inspect further. After positively determining those were dogs, I had to figure a way to get the dogs out of the water without falling through myself.
First an inspection of the neighboring park to see if an owner was anywhere in sight.
Negative.
Then a call to Animal Control.
During this call, two of the dogs managed to claw their way out of the water. The third, frustrated by the ice in front of my cottage swam further down the pond where there was less ice.
At this point, my neighbor came out of her house. She said she called 9-1-1.
That was great. Yet the third dog had been in the ice cold water for quite a while. So, I ventured out onto the ice.
The first few steps were fine. Then, my size 14.5 shoe went straight through the ice. That gave me a great idea: break the ice!
Fortunately, I keep a sledgehammer in my office.
Why?
None of your business why. Seriously, that will be in next week’s My HOH.
So, I began breaking the ice so I could walk out and grab the dog out of the water. The more difficult part was keeping the other two from going back out to the water to rescue their friend. Fortunately, I had treats and my neighbor was able to keep them ashore with those.
Breaking the ice got me closer. When the ice was too thick to crack, I stood on top and got close enough to reach the dog. That’s when three things became abundantly clear:
· No collar—grabbing him would require touching body parts.
· Bloodshot eyes—this dog did not look good from being in the freezing cold water all this time
· Growling—As well intentioned as I was, the dog was scared.
My next thought was to get as close as I could and see how good of a grip I could get. Sensing me inching forward, the dog scratched and clawed even harder on the ice and got out.
VOILA!
He ran towards the beach. My neighbor tried to give him a treat but he didn’t stick around for long.
The fire department did show up. I had to convince them I was all right. Other than cold hands and feet, I was fine.
An hour or so later, dry clothes on and a space heater aimed at my feet, I began to regain my composure. And that’s when the thought about a dog’s life and working from home came to mind.
In terms of a hack, we’ll save the sledgehammer for next week. Though I would certainly recommend a boot/shoe dryer whether you work at home or not. These bad boys are well worth it. Here’s one I like:
Until next week, be kind to your dog and your fellow WFH professionals. It’s a much tougher life than you think.
And if you have not yet signed up for My Home Office Hacks, what are you waiting for?
Wow Joe! This is a magnificent story and you are a true hero! Now about that sledgehammer...