ABOUT BARTLEBY

One day, I made the choice to just be happy.

I declared to the Universe:

I want to wake up laughing…every day.

You will never guess how that prayer was answered!

He may not look like a miracle, but...

I should be clear; I had never had a dog. Never wanted one, and could not imagine ever living with one. I certainly wasn’t in the market for a pooch!

But the powers that be, in the person of my good friend Sarah, had other plans.

So, after great consternation and doubt, and competing in an amazingly thorough application process for the Washington Humane Society, Bartleby came home on my 42nd birthday.

To tell the truth, I was terrified I would not be a good pet person.
I should have remembered that everything happens as it should.

Not only do I, indeed, greet each new day with joy, laughter and a wealth of pooch smooches, but Bartleby has become an integral part of my coaching and counseling practice.

In fact, one day, at the end of an otherwise great session, my client, CJ asked, “Um, how come Bartleby isn’t here?” I responded that he was out with a friend on a play date. “Oh, I see, ” she replied. “Well, is this going to be a regular thing?” Before I could answer, she went on, “Because, if it is…we are going to have to change my time!”

CJ isn’t the only client to rely on Bartleby for his calm assurance and his enthusiastic greeting. Another client who shifted from in-person to phone sessions, to accommodate a busy work schedule, commented recently, “I’m going to come back to your office when my schedule calms down. I miss rubbing Bartleby’s belly!”

In addition to his qualifications as the perfect practice assistant, Bartleby is known for his, shall we say, dubious parentage.He gets every guess combining a Dalmatian with any other, shorter breed.

He has been called everything from a cartoon dog by a stranger on the street to a Dalmadillo by Gene Weingarten of the Washington Post!

The fact is, he is a Basselmatian…the very best parts of a Dalmatian and a Basset Hound.

It is important to know that, even though Bartleby is a great assistant and alarm clock (clients are often amazed by his consistency in rising from his nap to end a session at exactly 50 minutes!), if you have any concerns about, allergies to, or just plain dislike for dogs, he can take a break in another room during your in-person session.

Inspiration comes from the oddest places.

After years of observing the fascinating relationships between people and dogs in my world, I have expanded my practice to include pet coaching. Studies show that our relationships with our animal companions greatly enhance health and well being. And, interestingly, discovering the best ways to communicate with, and to care for, your pet has the power to improve ALL your relationships, whether four footed or two.

Visit us at doggy lama pet coaching for details.