Dogs, Leadership, Life. A Eulogy
"If I could be half the person my dog is. I'd be twice the human I am." Charles Yu
It is said that dogs are here on this earth to teach us things. I've always believed that but in a more spiritual sense. The statement became reality this week as we lost our black Labrador Retriever, Duncan. He fell victim to Lyme disease, which led to the failure of his kidneys. We were forced to make a tormenting decision to have him euthanized. Dogs do indeed teach us things. God created them as messengers and trainers - as shining examples of purity and goodness. Duncan was only seven, taken from us far too early. His death has left a void in our lives - a void which visits us now and then from sunrise to sunset. He was a wonderful dog.
Dogs do teach us and these lessons speak to me more as I reflect on Duncan's life. And, as with everything, I view the teaching and the example of dogs through the lens of leadership. Loyalty. Is there any creature on earth more loyal than a dog? I actually saw "dog loyal," written on an Army efficiency report once. Who wouldn't want that level of loyalty from a leader? Their loyalty is steadfast and without fail - a trait of an effective leader. Patience. Dog's demand it in their own special way. They react better when we are patient with them, training them how to obey and to behave. Duncan displayed endless and faithful patience with Walter, his younger, energetic, and mischievous puppy brother. Discipline. I've been forever impressed with how dogs can spring from a deep slumber to the call of their owner or a bump in the night. Dog's never seem to have moments of laziness. Some may have accidents in the home, but many display the discipline to wait until they are outside before relieving themselves. Love. Leaders should love their people. A leader's love - in word and deed is what attracts people to them. A dog's love for his or her owner is a thing to model. This love is unconditional - there, always, when you need it. It is what attracts most people to desire a dog - several perhaps.
Duncan possessed all of these traits. Labs are known for their gentleness and friendliness (even over friendliness). Duncan was one of the most gentile, sweetest creatures nature ever produced. I loved showing him off and sharing him with people I met. I was against getting a dog after we transitioned from the Army but my wife Leslie, another of my teachers, would have her way. Of course I would quickly fall in love with Duncan. We were BFFs. I could return to my boyhood with him, playing ball, wrestling, and chasing each other. Walter came into our lives recently, again, through the work of Leslie. I was against it as usual, but one look at that magnificent, charming, Labrador puppy face, and the moment he approached me, sat before me, and gazed at me, innocently and respectfully, and I caved completely. Perhaps it was Duncan's work all along. Another of his lessons. "Here is this new creature, from my tribe, to love you and to teach you." "I will show him the way but my time is drawing to a close."
Maybe that is life. We humans, in our long journey of life, receive dogs along the way to show us leadership and love and to teach us as we mature - to make us better humans. In these days of polarization we ought to take heed. I'm grateful for each day with Duncan. He is no longer on the bed at night where he can warm my feet. He runs through the fields chasing deer, possums, or tennis balls no more. He taught me and us and we miss him dearly.
Charles Krauthammer, in a 2003 Time Magazine article titled, "Of Dogs and Men," captured my feelings about Duncan and dogs better than I ever could. "Some will protest that in a world with so much human suffering, it is something eccentric and obscene to mourn a dog. I think not. After all, it is perfectly normal - indeed, deeply human - to be moved when nature presents us with a vision of great beauty. Should we not be moved when it produces a vision - a creature - of the purest sweetness?
Thank you Duncan for your love, leadership, and for your life.
Rob Campbell