It turns out that having a puppy can feel a lot like navigating Corporate America—especially when that puppy is Little Ann. Named after the spirited companion in Wilson Rawls' Where the Red Fern Grows, my Little Ann shares that same unstoppable energy, fierce loyalty, and boundless curiosity that made her literary namesake so memorable. Since joining my life, she’s been an unintentional but incredibly effective mentor, offering some humorous (if exasperating) parallels to lessons I’ve encountered in the professional world.
So far, she’s chewed through two tax checks, the handle of my Brahmin laptop bag, three lottery tickets (who knows if I was a winner), a portable space heater, and developed a unique morning ritual: launching herself onto my head at 4:15 a.m. for a “wake-up” face bath. Amid all the chaos, here’s what Little Ann has taught me about life in Corporate America—along with a few insights inspired by her namesake.
1. Adaptability
is Key
Each day, Little Ann tests my patience in a new way. Just when I think I’ve
finally puppy-proofed the house, she finds a fresh challenge. This constant
unpredictability mirrors life in Corporate America, where projects shift,
priorities change, and unexpected obstacles appear. Much like her namesake in Where
the Red Fern Grows, Little Ann reminds me that adaptability isn’t
optional; it’s essential. Whether it’s puppy-proofing the house or planning for
last-minute business changes, I’ve learned to keep a Plan B (and sometimes a C)
handy.
2. Loyalty
and Dedication Go a Long Way
In Where the Red Fern Grows, Little Ann is known for her
loyalty and her ability to stay by her companion’s side through thick and thin.
My own Little Ann shows that same unwavering dedication, though it sometimes
looks like following me around the house relentlessly or making sure I’m awake
(very awake) at 4:15 a.m. Loyalty and dedication are just as valuable in the
workplace. Colleagues who demonstrate these qualities are often the bedrock of
successful teams. When things get tough, it’s those who, like Little Ann, stay
the course and remain dedicated to the company and each other who make the
biggest difference.
3. Resourcefulness
Overcomes Setbacks
I never realized how fragile lottery tickets could be until Little Ann
shredded three of them in record time. I also didn't realize my reaction and attempt to tape them back together. LOL. In the workplace, this is like when a
polished report or presentation is derailed by unexpected issues. Her antics
taught me that setbacks are inevitable, and sometimes the only option is to
regroup and get creative with what’s left. While I’ll never know if those
tickets were winners, I’m reminded that there’s always something within our
control to move forward.
4. Boundaries
and Discipline Are Non-Negotiable
Puppies, like work projects, need boundaries. Little Ann is learning what’s
off-limits, and I’ve learned that in corporate life, clear boundaries and
consistent discipline are crucial. Without them, teams can lose focus, and even
well-meaning efforts can go astray. Watching Little Ann test her limits has
shown me that setting clear expectations—and enforcing them—is key to keeping
any team (or puppy) on the right track.
5. Growth
Happens Through Consistency and Positive Reinforcement
Training Little Ann is a gradual process—growth takes time, patience, and
plenty of positive reinforcement. This lesson is just as true in Corporate
America, where progress is built on consistent effort and encouragement.
Whether leading a team or implementing a new strategy, the small steps count.
Like her fictional counterpart, Little Ann reminds me that even the best ideas
need nurturing to thrive.
6. Persistence
Pays Off
If Little Ann wants something, she’ll stop at nothing to get it. There’s an
undeniable value in her persistence - quality that’s equally necessary for
success in Corporate America. Little Ann is tenacious with a capital T. Big goals like landing a promotion or leading a
major project demand resilience. When I watch Little Ann tackle a challenge
with boundless enthusiasm, I’m reminded that sometimes, the only way forward is
through sheer determination. Just like in Where the Red Fern Grows,
persistence and grit can make even the toughest goals attainable.
7. Laugh
Through the Chaos
Living with a puppy is unpredictable, and learning to laugh through the chaos
has been essential. In Corporate America, unexpected shifts and last-minute
changes are the norm, and finding humor in the little setbacks can be the best
way to stay grounded. Little Ann’s misadventures have reminded me that
laughter, even amid the mess, helps me keep perspective and focus on what truly
matters.
8. The
Importance of a Morning Routine
Now, thanks to Little Ann’s "alarm clock," my day starts at exactly
4:15 a.m. with a boisterous face bath. As she just hit six months, we are no longer in "puppy breath" phase. No amount of training has altered this,
and I’ve come to accept her unique version of morning motivation. In Corporate
America, starting each day with energy—whether self-initiated or “assisted”—is
essential. Whether it’s a workout, a quiet coffee, or a puppy plopping on my
head, a morning routine that energizes you can set the tone for a successful
day.
Owning Little Ann has been an adventure, a series of patience-testing, laughter-inducing lessons that parallel the skills I use every day in Corporate America. Through chewed-up tax checks, shredded tickets, and destroyed space heaters, she’s taught me resilience, humor, and a new perspective on work, life, and everything in between. Like the loyal and determined Little Ann of Where the Red Fern Grows, my own Little Ann has shown me that with enough grit and a sense of humor, we can face anything—even the corporate jungle.
Happy Thursday all,
-srt
Rawls, Wilson. Where the Red Fern Grows. Doubleday, 1961.
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