Howdy, Robert,
Gena here.
As you know, I’ve got a pack of 6 dogs here on the ranch…
And they’ve been an absolute lifesaver for my spirit over these last few months.
Since Chuck departed for Heaven in March, learning how to navigate the quiet moments has been a journey for me, Danilee, and Dakota.
And whenever life feels a little too heavy…
I look out the window for a lighter moment and watch our undisputed “ranch foreman” lay out the daily agenda.
Today, I want to shine the spotlight on one of the most unique, hilarious, and brilliant souls on our property:
Lobo — “The Foreman”
Lobo is our 6-year-old Corgi/Border Collie mix.
This specific crossbreed — often called a “Borgi” — combines two of the hardest-working herding breeds on the planet.
Borgis are legendary for an intense work ethic, deep emotional intelligence, and an absolute mastery over managing groups.
Picture a dog with the intelligence and focus of a Border Collie…
But built low to the ground with the sturdy, short-legged frame of a Corgi…
And you've got Lobo.
He is an absolute character.
And over the years, he has taught me some profound lessons about life, leadership, and resilience.
Lesson #1: Size Doesn't Dictate Your Stature
Lobo runs the adult pack on this ranch with total confidence.
Our Black Lab, Mochi, and our 6-year-old Golden Retriever boys, Leon and Yuki, weigh significantly more than him…
But they all look to Lobo for direction.
He has shown me that real leadership isn't about being the loudest voice or the biggest presence in the room.
It's about a steady, unshakeable confidence in who you are — and a commitment to the people and animals counting on you.
Lesson #2: True Leaders Know How to Delegate
As I shared recently, we have a new 7-month-old Golden Retriever puppy named Finn, who came from our late 2025 litter.
Finn is already a big boy and towers over Lobo.
With an intense herding instinct in Lobo’s blood, he wants to manage everything that moves
I half expected Lobo to spend his days nipping at Finn’s heels to keep the goofy pup in line.
But Lobo surprised me.
Instead of chasing Finn all over the property, he put that puppy to work.
He delegated the long perimeter sprints to Finn — who has the endless energy for it — and kept the supervisory duties for himself.
I've known a lot of leaders in my life.
The best ones always figured out how to make the people around them better — without burning themselves out in the process.
Lobo figured that out before Finn's first birthday.
Lesson #3: Healing Is Found in the Present Moment
In the weeks following Chuck's passing, there were days when my mind was completely overwhelmed with memories of the past or worries about the future.
During those heavy moments…
Lobo would walk right up to me, sit his low-slung little frame directly on my feet, and stare straight into my eyes until I acknowledged him.
He wouldn't let me drift. He just anchored me right back to where I was standing.
When you're lost in grief, a dog who refuses to let you disappear is one of God's greatest gifts.
Lobo did all of that for me without saying a single word.
Which brings me to this morning...
I was sitting at the kitchen table, nursing my first cup of ranch coffee, feeling a little slow and heavy-hearted to start the day.
Lobo trotted into the kitchen, planted his short little front legs right in front of my chair, and gave me that intense, unblinking Border Collie eye-lock.
When I didn't move fast enough to his liking, he let out a soft "boof," nudged my slipper with his nose, and literally began herding me toward the back door.
He paced side-to-side behind my ankles — low-riding it across the linoleum — essentially telling me:
"No slacking on my watch, Gena. The sun is up, the pack is waiting, and we've got a ranch to run."
I couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Sometimes the best thing for a heavy heart is a persistent, loving nudge from a trusted friend to get your boots back on the ground.
What Has Your Pack Taught You?
Lobo might be short in stature, but his spirit is as big as the Texas sky.
He keeps us moving, keeps us laughing, and reminds me every day that the ranch is still full of life and purpose.
Our pets are some of the greatest teachers God ever put on this earth — if we just quiet our minds long enough to watch them work.
Now, I'd love to know what kind of wisdom is running around on four legs in your home.
So hit "Reply" and tell me: What is the biggest life lesson your dog has taught you?
Give your furry teachers an extra treat today.
Stay strong, keep moving forward, and God bless.
With love and for his legacy,
Gena Norris
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