Thought I'd do something different and wrap this entry's takeaway into a story I wanted to share.
On January 9, our youngest cat Phoebe disappeared. She is super-skittish and I suspected she just got a little too far from home, got scared and kept running, and then got lost.
It's been a rough year in the cat department around here. We had to put two of them to sleep within a month of each other last spring. And the thought of losing another one - especially the youngest - didn't sit well with any of us.
So I spent that weekend going door to door and passing out flyers. I put some posters up around the neighborhood and at Starbucks. But we only got one lead and it didn't pan out. Her trail had gone dry.
A few days later, I went down to the animal shelter. A posting on their web site matched her description, but it wasn't her. I was disappointed, but somehow knew she was still alive somewhere. If only we could find her.
As January dragged on and the weather got colder and wetter, it seemed that only two things could have happened. Either she found a new home, or nature took its course. There was just no way she could have survived the weather without food or shelter.
As hopeful as I tried to remain, I also resigned myself to the fact that we were now down to one cat -- ironically, the oldest one, who we once assumed would be first to go.
Driving through the neighborhood brought a tinge of sadness, and the mystery of her fate was frustrating. I kicked myself for not putting her collar back on, but doubted anyone could have gotten close enough to read it anyhow.
So life went on, as it tends to do.
And then last Saturday, February 2, in the middle of night, my wife came bursting into the bedroom. "Cory... Phoebe!" was all she could get out.
I opened my eyes and there was Phoebe in her arms! She had just come in through the cat door and started meowing. My son woke up in all the excitement and nothing made us happier than being able to tell him that Phoebe was home.
I don't know how she did it. But somehow she survived over 3 weeks out in the freezing cold and found her way home to us. She's no worse for the wear -- in fact, she lost all of her extra padding and looks great. She's also getting used to her new collar.
So what's the marketing lesson here? Really, it's about not losing hope. And it's a subtle reminder to be persistent in all that you do. There is a lot to be said for trusting your instinct. If you let it, it will guide you home every time.
Recent Comments