The role model

Apparently unfazed over blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, Cody was into her knee. Big sniffs. “He must smell my pooch,” the unknown woman on the sidewalk offered. But they all say that.

Dogs tend to find dog people, drawn perhaps by smell, likely more by demeanor. After all, it takes a certain attitude to live comfortably with slobber, soiled paws, a small lake around the water bowl, and hairballs growing under the couch. Now it’s shed season. Fur everywhere.

For the past few years, virtually every day, this blog has featured the image of reader’s dog. Sure the occasional cat, lizard, eel, toad and donkey have found glory – but overwhelmingly it’s been a pooch. The meme of dogness is everywhere, weirdly, on this site which is supposed to be about investing , money, real estate and finances.

Why?

It’s no coincidence. No accident. We all need what dogs have to offer. Especially now.

Economic anxiety has been on the rise. The young can’t afford houses. The old fret about retirement cash flow. People in trades see projects cancelled. White collar workers worry that AI will soon take their jobs. There’s a trade war. And now a real one. The Americans went from friends to threats. Look around and you can see far more prejudice, hate and envy. Financial stress is real for a growing number, as reality falls short of what we expected.

And while things will improve, as they usually do, these are upsetting days. Unless you’re a dog. Or have one.

As we head into another upsetting week of conflict, drones, bombs, casualties, volatility, missiles, bravado, lies and losses, let’s remember the dog lessons.

Live in the present.
Don’t forget the past, or what experience has taught, but do not dwell on it. And don’t worry about future events you cannot foresee or control. This moment – now, today – is really all that we have. Make the most of it. Too soon gone. A dog is part of your life. You’re its whole life.

Forgiveness and trust.
Don’t hold a grudge. That’s a meaningless waste of emotion. No good action ever comes from a wounded thought. Start relationships from the assumption of trust. Treat others as you would like to be treated, which hopefully includes a belly rub.

Loyalty.
Loners don’t make it in this world. You may not require a pack, but you do need a partner, friend, confidant, guardian, companion. Being loyal is a dog specialty. It makes life richer, more comforting and secure. They do not divorce, separate or ask for prenups.

Adapt and thrive.
Change is constant for all people and creatures. This world is full of the unexpected and unanticipated. Watch how dogs handle a threat. They turn. They walk away. Such wisdom.

Find joy.
A stick. A leaf. A squirrel. Ask your pooch, “Wanna gofer a walk?” and see what happens. She’s not reacting because of the intelligence of a two-year-old human (which might be true) but because there is joy in simplicity. Like being with you.

Have empathy and understanding.
Dog find dog people. Or people who need dogs. They don’t see race, gender or position. They love people with tats, nose rings and skateboards just like the old, lonely, elderly, random woman on the park bench

So this blog about macroeconomics, financial moves, investing and geopolitical shifts has chosen the humble canine – not as its mascot or proxy – but as inspiration. Dogs remind us of what we should be, and how to engage with the world. They don’t post on social media, listen to Trump, follow the market or hate anyone. Theirs is a world of balance, acceptance and constant hope.

Now you know.

To be in touch or send a picture of your beast, email to ‘garth@garth.ca’.

Source: https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/15/the-role-model/