A Professor's Unexpected Teacher: Life Lessons from a Four-Legged Companion
In what many might consider my third career—spanning over twenty-five years as a Professor of the Practice of Management at Columbia University's Graduate School of Business—I am frequently asked about the inspiring role models who have shaped my personal values. Naturally, there have been many influential figures, from Nelson Mandela, the transformative statesman who guided my native South Africa toward democracy, to the mentors and colleagues I worked alongside while leading multibillion-dollar corporations like Lever Brothers Foods Division, Seagram USA, and Tropicana.
However, the most impactful teacher in my life was not a human leader but a four-legged companion named Maisie. Her lessons carried profound personal meaning, revealing truths about life that no business school curriculum could ever fully capture.
The Unlikely Arrival of a Canine Mentor
Maisie came into my wife Laura's and my life through Guiding Eyes for the Blind, an organization that trains dogs to assist individuals with visual impairments. At eighteen months old, she had "failed" her final assessment, becoming what the organization terms a "release dog" available for adoption. The reason for her failure soon became apparent: Maisie possessed an abundance of eagerness to please, boundless energy, and insatiable curiosity. These traits, while endearing, made her unsuitable for guiding someone with sight loss, as she might have led them into playful but potentially risky adventures.
As a therapy dog, she wasn't an ideal match, but for Laura and me, Maisie was the perfect companion. From that moment forward, our lives became intertwined in ways we never anticipated.
Building a Bond Through Shared Experiences
Maisie and I walked the path of life together for thirteen remarkable years. We developed a deep, growing connection through countless hours spent in my home office, daily walks through New York's Central Park, playful games of chase, and shared travels. We were seldom apart, learning to interpret each other's moods, needs, and expectations with remarkable precision. This human-canine relationship unveiled some of the most important lessons I have ever learned about living a meaningful existence.
The Real Meaning of Transparency
Day after day, Maisie demonstrated what true transparency looks like. She revealed her emotions without reservation—whether experiencing joy, fear, pain, hunger, playfulness, or simply the need for a walk. There were no pretenses, no vanity, no hidden agendas, and no fear of judgment. Just plain honesty and, perhaps most importantly, genuine humility. Her unwavering openness serves as a powerful reminder that we could all benefit from embracing such authenticity more fully in our own lives.
Enthusiasm Is Infectious
Maisie became my daily source of infectious enthusiasm. She responded with zest and pure joy to both small and significant moments—whether it was a car ride, a new toy, or a visit from a friend. During our early morning walks in Central Park, she would sniff the air with anticipation, play eagerly with other dogs, chase balls with joyful vigor, and affectionately lick the hands of her favorite people. Whatever she engaged in, Maisie was fully committed, reminding me how much brighter life becomes when we throw ourselves wholeheartedly into every experience.
The Magic of Empathy
While Maisie mastered an impressive array of commands and delighted in learning new ones, most of our communication occurred nonverbally. When she observed me preparing for a trip, her feelings became unmistakably clear: tail tucked between her legs, head bowed, and shadowing me throughout the house. The message was plain: Please don't leave me.
In an attempt to spare her distress, I once devised a plan to conceal my travel—no packing, no suitcase, no visible signs of departure. Yet, somehow, Maisie still sensed what was coming. She proved far more adept at interpreting my subtle cues than I was at understanding hers. Maisie taught me that the highest form of empathy involves hearing what remains unspoken but is deeply felt.
The Meaning of Trust
Our relationship was built on mutual dependence and enrichment, yet Maisie was undoubtedly the more vulnerable partner. I came to realize that the ultimate test of trust lies in how we treat those who rely on us completely, especially when they lack any means of retaliation if we fail them. The abuse of power represents the most significant breach of all.
This lesson struck me with particular force during Maisie's final stages of life. As old age took its toll, she struggled increasingly. Under our veterinarian's careful guidance, we ensured she wasn't suffering pain while postponing the heartbreaking decision to let her go. However, her discomfort and distress grew, and her joy for life gradually faded. We knew the end was approaching but awaited a clear signal.
A Final Lesson in Trust and Goodbye
On a sunny April day, I took Maisie for a gentle walk. At one point, she stumbled and glanced up at me. Those wise brown eyes conveyed a unmistakable message: I think it's time. Maisie trusted me to recognize when her time had come and to be present with her until the very end. Our veterinarian handled the situation with kindness and understanding. Tears flowed freely as Laura and I bid farewell to our treasured companion.
The Enduring Legacy of a Canine Teacher
Although Maisie may not have succeeded in her original calling as a guide dog, she emerged as the finest kind of educator. Through our years together, she consistently demonstrated that honesty, joy, empathy, and trust form the essential ingredients for leading a rich and meaningful life.
For anyone seeking to discover these same profound lessons, my advice remains simple: Spend quality time with a dog. You may be astonished by how much they can teach you about what truly matters.
