Ever go house hunting with a large, obnoxious dog?
I highly recommend it.
Just a few years ago, we decided to give up living in the 'burbs. We wanted to live on a bigger piece of land, a mini-ranch, by Texas standards.
And we had Zu, our rescued German Shepherd Dog. We found her seven years ago at a nearby shelter. The facility was so overpopulated that Zuzu occupied an outdoor cage. She lived outside in rain or shine, cold or heat. Eventually, she got moved under a roof, but other neurotic dogs surrounded her. Not surprisingly, she developed a few neurotic behaviors herself, and when we adopted her, most of the family thought she was a Tasmanian Devil, not a GSD.
She did, too.
Dog experts said said Zu didn't get along with people. She didn't even get along with herself. Zu was grossly overweight, and she sported long, matted hair, hobbit feet and cankles. Her attitude and propensity for nipping at people had returned her to the shelter five times before we found her. If our adoption failed, the shelter would euthanize her.
Of course, we took her home immediately.
It was like bringing home a cactus and hoping we would one day be able to cuddle it.
In the years she'd been with us, Zu became an integral part of our lives. She lost weight, and although she still had hairy feet and thick ankles, her coat became glossy. She insisted that a schedule is a schedule, whether for meals, walks, or hanging out in the office. She expressed her frequent disapproval with a loud "harumpf." But Zu learned to accept -- and adore -- her family, play with our previous alpha Zeus, and most importantly, love herself again.
We promised her that she would never be kenneled again.
Searching for the one ranch
We took her everywhere, including on our search for a new piece of property.
There were some real doozies along the way. We let Zuzu walk around the land, but she never went inside any of the homes. At one ranch, no amount of coaxing could get her out of the truck, not even for a potty break. We crossed properties off the list when Zu didn't like them, and we kept looking.
Finally, we had found the right place. Zu jumped down from the truck, trotted to the front door, and waited for us.
Wagging her pampas grass plume of a tail and tossing a grin at us from over her shoulder, she seemed to say, "C'mon guys, hurry up! This is it!"
And it was.
We now live on that ranch Zuzu picked. It's got plenty of craggy rocks and cactus — very much like Zu's personality. The land also has beautiful heritage oaks and breathtaking views that offer a glimpse of what's possible for everone: hope.
Sadly, we had to euthanize Zu this week. Almost blind, hard of hearing and losing her mobility, Zu remained strong in spirit, but her 14-year-old body was finally failing her. She crossed the Rainbow Bridge peacefully, the best we could hope for any loyal companion.
We miss her deeply.
Here at the ranch, Zitan is now the alpha, and when we're ready, we'll add another member -- or two -- to our Z-team.
Sometimes the companions you need on your journey will surprise you. I assure you that they're worth taking the time to get to know them and understand their needs. When we resolve to accept the out-of-the-ordinary, we develop our character and a true sense of purpose.
Looking for a writer near me
The same is true when searching for a "writer near me." Within seconds Google will gather a list for you, but you'll still have to vet the results and get to know the one you select. Here are five characteristics to look for. Your writer should:
- Know the writing basics - and more. Hiring a writer who understands grammar and usage is critical for communicating a clear message. You can master the basics, but you don't have to agonize over comma splices and dangling modifiers. Your professional writer has that covered, and then some.
- Take time to understand your needs. If you want words, you can churn them out with an AI program. When you work with a professional writer, you have an advocate on your team - someone who wants to get to know you and your communication goals.
- Read widely. Writing and reading are recursive; you cannot do one without understanding the other. Good writers are voracious readers who recognize the use of solid organization, well-crafted sentences, and the right word.
- Deliver on time. Your communication and marketing materials can't wait. Your writer shouldn't make you wait, either. Like Zu, we think it's all about keeping the schedule.
- Tell stories. The best way to get your message out is to tell your story. For that, you need an exceptional writer who can bring characters and events to life in a compelling way. Treasure the writers who have this skill. They're the ones who can bring your brand to life.
We'd like to think that we're the "write" companions for your journey. Out-of-the-ordinary and full of hope.
Zu would think so too.