Social Studies

Tuesday, August 08, 2023

It’s easy to love today’s header dog; he was beyond relaxed while his person shopped.

It’s time to take my puppy Chase out shopping on a lead. He has been with me on hiking and horse trails, has met strangers and their dogs, and is more trusting and friendly. Now for the next step, and this week on one of my days off, him accompanying me to a business.

Sooner or later, it’s easy to count on everybody showing up at Home Depot. I work in the local Hardware Department situated near the store’s center and carrying construction tools. Its location and products draw customers (and their dogs) to Hardware and nearby aisles.

Yesterday, I was working at our key-cutting machine, heard my name, and turning, saw Stacy, a supervisor at Winco. Back in my cashiering days there, I loved working with her–a super person, open and sincere. Since quitting, I have missed Stacy. There, in HD’s aisle, we caught up with one another, and soon, we will get together again, and with her daughter, Autumn, another favorite coworker from my Winco gig.

A year ago, I quit Winco suddenly and without giving notice. I’ve felt embarrassed by my poor quitting behavior and uncomfortable about shopping there. Now, I will resume shopping at Winco to be more in touch with the friendly folks I miss.

Dear Friends: Workplaces are social environments, unique and powerful. Diana