Man's Best Friend- James Phillips CEO of ABOVE

It wasn't too long after we lost Buddy (our loyal and refined Maltese) that we had a new dog. It made sense to try a new breed so a Chihuahua seemed like a cute choice. I met Chili as a scared little guy brought to me by the local Chihuahua rescue. I thought I may win him over by providing some deli meat, although he was good accepting my treat he was not anyway close to accepting me. In fact he bit me... twice. As our family arrived home that day everyone was eager to get to know our new pet. He continued his protesting, and through his barks and growls let us know he was not in the mood to get to know his new family. I had to go about my day so I busied myself with a client I needed to see. I noticed Chili walk over to my desk, I noticed he was a bit insecure so he got behind me, and then the craziest thing happened. Chili jumped in my lap, and made himself at home. At this moment in my life I had something I had never had before. I had a dog of my own..

I love my dog, He sits in my lap while I work, he watches the door from his perch in the living room to make sure his family is safe, and he has learned to enthusiastically run and jump in my lap when I snap my fingers. My family laugh's and jokes about how much I admire my dog and how much chili "loves his dad". This is a connection that I obviously enjoy. The relationship dynamic with a loving pet is good for me, and it is good for most people. People enjoy bonding with animals (provides oxytocin, and serotonin), most people also enjoy caring for something, and who doesn't need the unconditional positive regard a pet provides I know Chili thinks I'm awesome!!! When you think about ways to make your 2025 better, providing a home for a new best friend might be just thing to bring you on track for the new year!