My name is Cato, so named for wisdom, and after the philosopher, Marcus Porcius Cato Uticensis, aka Cato the Younger, who focused on absolute moral integrity, personal virtue, and living his philosophy through strict actions rather than writing or speaking about them.

In my puppyhood, I told everyone I wanted to be Krypto the Superdog, and have the same biology as Superman. Really, the only thing remarkable to me about Krypto was his ability to fly. The mention, however, helped me to fit in with all of the other puppies in obedience training school. None of them really wanted to be there.

But I did.

Deep in my heart, I wanted to be as fiercely loyal, remarkably intelligent, and deeply courageous like Lassie. I wanted to be a service dog, so off I went, to a specialized school to become one.

My stance and posturing was like that of a well-trained military soldier; my presence alone communicated my discipline, readiness, attentiveness, and rank in the dog world. I was well on my way to becoming a medical alert dog until out it came. A sound I’ve never heard coming from my lips.

A reverse sneeze.

While nothing life threatening, it is a distracting and confusing cue when working as a medical alert dog warning of an upcoming medical crises.

My service dog career ended early, and I was removed from the list of potential, credentialed candidates.

Today, I work as the Chief Morale Officer at MH, a title I’ve earned. Life “sneezes” will occur frequently, for all of us. Like Cato the Younger, I’ve learned to respond to the “sneezes” with the right attitude, providing for the momentum to keep moving forward, responsibly.

Life is a romp in a field of daisies when I know challenges are a routine part of every day, and that I have the superpower to find the good, respond with positivity, be a student, do it better, and, after successful application, use my experience for the better good of another.

I’m a founding member of MH Happy, a platform for our internal staff, and look forward to meeting you at The Mediation House.

Cato