Life Lessons from Lyle: What My Rescue Dog Taught Me About Business and Living Fully

Last week, I said goodbye to Lyle. Sixteen years old, ten of them with us. A rescue dog who chose us as his second home and spent a decade teaching me more about life and business than I ever expected from a Westie with a persistent bark and an even more persistent heart.

For years, I resisted getting a dog. I loved them—deeply—but I couldn't face the inevitable loss. So I dog-sat, borrowed other people's dogs, kept my distance from commitment. Then Lyle showed up and stole our hearts anyway. And now, in the rawness of missing him, I realize he was teaching me all along. Life lessons. Business lessons. Lessons I sometimes listened to, sometimes ignored, but all of them worth revisiting now.

These are questions I'm asking myself and my clients. I'm sharing them in case these reminders connect for you, too.

There are always second chances

Lyle was a rescue. He had a life before us, and with us. He didn't dwell on whether he deserved us or wonder if he should take the chance. He showed up and claimed us, and we claimed him right back.

In business, how often do you overthink a decision, hold back from going all in because it might not work out, or second-guess whether others want or need your idea or solution? Today is always a good day to take a chance.

Trust is a choice

Every encounter—a person, another dog—gave Lyle the opportunity to trust, and 98% of the time he extended it with a wag, a sniff, a lick. He was the first to greet versus waiting to be greeted.

Who are you waiting to see if they're trustworthy? What if you extended trust first? What good might come from being the greeter versus the greeted? Trust is both earned and extended.

Curiosity is expansive

It didn't matter where he was, Lyle was always checking things out, determining whether something was interesting enough to spend more time on, or if it was time to keep moving.

What captures your attention that you could spend a little more time exploring? What is a topic or decision you're certain of that could benefit from expanding perspective? Staying curious keeps conversation open and possibilities flowing.

Suggesting consistently gets results

Every time I went into the kitchen, Lyle followed and immediately went over to his dog food and treats. He'd look at me, then point to the food. If I ignored him, he'd go to his empty dish and do the same until I (usually) relented. He did this. All. Day. Long.

Getting real with yourself: where are you not making the ask? Who could be ready to meet you or do business with you, but you just haven't asked them to? What idea do you have that you haven't shared because you're not sure it's a good idea or that it will be received well? Suggestions and open-ended questions can be great ways to start conversations that lead to amazing outcomes.

Living in the moment reduces worry

Having no concept of time has its perks. Lyle would remind me throughout the day to be present (pay attention to me!), that it's always a great time to go for a walk. These little interruptions took me out of thinking about the future and worrying about what might or might not happen.

When you notice you're focused on trying to figure out what the future might hold, how can you bring yourself back to right now? When trying to solve a bigger problem, what can you do right now that can move you toward clarity or resolution? Staying present is controlling what you can control, and taking the next best step.

Loving your people can never be too much

In the middle of Zoom calls, every time I opened the door—even if it had just been 30 seconds ago—Lyle was earnest in wanting to spend time together. He didn't wait for the right time or cut off his flow of love (except maybe if I'd been gone too many days, and even then, it was temporary).

We think of people we care about often, but do we always tell them or show them? Who has been on your mind that you could reach out to and tell them how much they mean to you? How can you show love and appreciation to the people closest to you today? Telling and showing people they matter can make a person's day and is completely within our control.

Spreading joy is joyful

Everyone loved Lyle, even my not-a-dog-person mother-in-law. He was the most extroverted family member and loved nothing more than being in the middle of a group, giving everyone attention.

What lightens your heart and makes you feel good? How can you incorporate that into your day, even for five minutes? It's tough out there and people are struggling in ways we don't know. A smile, hello, acknowledgement—it really can make a difference, for you and for others.

These lessons aren't just about Lyle. They're about showing up, asking for what you want, trusting before you have all the answers, and loving people while you still can. It all happens so fast. Ten years feels like both forever and not nearly enough time. But I'm grateful for every single lesson, every persistent bark, every moment he reminded me to be present.

Today's always a good day to take a chance.