This weekend on my morning run, I passed a man walking two dogs, each on its own leash. The Labradoodle happily walked along, leading the three-some through the crosswalk, while the wiry-haired, medium-sized mixed breed suddenly stopped on the street just before the sidewalk.
Without turning around, the owner gently tugged the dog's leash to which the dog lowered his head in defiance and tugged right back. If it were a dirt road, we'd have seen the ground move as his four paws dug in.
Clearly this wiry-haired doggie was the one walking the human. Fortunately, the human was flexible; I've seen more than I care to count drag, scream, and otherwise mistreat their dogs for not following along obediently.
So what about you? Are you flexible and open to the needs of your sponsors? Or are they walking you? Are you frustrated by lack of obedience? Or are you walking together in partnership?
Getting the balance right is what leads to a great, long-lasting relationship.
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