Return on investment

Here's SPENCER!!







In government and business circles, there’s a phrase “return on investment,” which means in simplistic terms, the return or profit after having “invested” resources, money or time in something. I can’t help but think of the return on investment I've experienced from knowing Spencer and his people.

Every day, Spencer makes me laugh out loud, encourages me to exercise, makes me think and prompts me to learn. I experience nature in a more direct way. Every day, my walks with Spencer help me see and better appreciate my surroundings and how it changes, in big or small ways. I consider how to positively affect Spencer's behaviour, how to help him be a more socially acceptable little being in our small community and with his folks. He provides some routine in my otherwise routine-free day. I feel good about helping his Mister and Missus in this small way since they’re not currently able to exercise him as much as they’d like. Plus we’re building a friendship based on our mutual interest – their dog, Spencer! I’m learning how to train a dog and gaining some little insight into how one particular doggy brain works.

I get so many benefits from this little furry friend and he asks nothing in return but my commitment to spend some time with him. In a way, it’s like being a grandparent: I get all the joy and none of the responsibility (although I do care for his wellbeing while he’s in my care). In doing what others think of as a good deed, I’ve been the happy recipient of so much: unconditional affection, loads of fun and laughter, freely offered friendship, the loss of a few excess calories - bonus! - and a new attitude towards the wonder that is epitomized by this dog!