In 2012 I was a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer and 17 years into an IT career. I was working 9 hours in the office, commuting another 2, and then working from home. I was feeling a burnout approaching, but I didn’t see a clear path to change.

At the time I had a 130 lb German Shepherd who was essentially my best friend. He was happy and full of energy, but he had a rare neurological disorder that made it difficult for him to relieve himself when he wanted to, so we spent a lot of time outside so that he had ample opportunities to empty his bladder. When university clinics couldn’t solve the problem we tried chiropractic, acupuncture and homeopathic care. We walked for 2 hours a day and on weekends went to the park and played frisbee or went bike riding or cross country skiing. I took him with me everywhere.

I thought I was taking good care of him and giving him a great life despite his medical issues, but within a few weeks of putting him down after his 9th birthday I realized how much I had learned from him! I had taught him obedience and a few cool tricks and games like fetching my slippers and playing hide and seek with me. However, he taught me perseverance, positive attitude, and to live each moment to its fullest.