Becoming Guardians of Our Animal Companions

In this 2023 conversation with Justine Willis Toms, multi-talented Hersch Wilson reminds us that dogs are the best kind of teachers because they teach us just by being themselves. He describes the undiluted love of a dog when we come home after an absence, “You can have a stressful day but having a dog greet you just changes everything.” Dog and cat companions have much to teach us if we take the time to pay attention and open ourselves enough to listen and learn.

“One of the most important lessons that dogs teach us is to get outside of your apartment or house. Even if it's just to go around the block or to a city park, it’s vitally important, not only for the dog’s sake, but for your own health.” Having dog and cat companions have much to teach us if we take the time to pay attention and open ourselves enough to listen and learn.

Hersch Wilson is an organizational consultant, pilot, former professional dancer, newspaper columnist, and 30-year volunteer firefighter—EMT. He is also a consultant who has worked extensively with leadership teams from a variety of organizations including IBM Japan, the US Postal Service, and the CIA, to name a few. He writes a monthly column on dogs for the Santa Fe New Mexican. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico with his wife Laurie, a daughter, and two dogs, a Great Pyrenees and a Chihuahua-Terrier mix. He is the author of:

Play to Win!: Choosing Growth Over Fear In Work And Life ( • coauthor with his late father, Larry Wilson)(Bard Press; Revised Edition 2004) Firefighter Zen: A Field Guide To Thriving In Tough Times • (New World Library 2020) Dog Lessons: Learning the Important Stuff from Our Best Friends • (New World Library 2023)

Interview Date: 9/11/2023 Tags: Hersch Wilson, dogs, animal guardians, veterinary care, pet insurance, animal shelters, Animals

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