My Little Guy

 This little guy is heading home today, after a week with his favorite dog sitter (me). He’s been such a happy, mischievous presence—very much his own personality, and very committed to it.

Case in point: his approach to organization.

Every six months or so, I deep clean my bookshelves. It’s a whole process—paper towels, a basket of supplies, bookends, labels. Everything comes off the shelves, and I start sorting. What haven’t I read? What still matters?

It’s a bit like the Marie Kondo method of tidying, but I’ve adapted it over time. Not just “does this spark joy,” but also: does it serve a purpose? Is it outdated? Does it still fit the life I’m actually living now?

I was deep in it—completely focused, asking all the right questions—when I reached for the paper towels.

Gone.

I grabbed another roll from the kitchen. Then the plastic tags disappeared. That’s when I stopped and looked around. A few things were missing- Books. Pens. A bookend. Plastic tags.

And then I saw Hank.

He was dragging his rug out the door like he had somewhere important to be.

I followed him around the corner, and there it all was—my carefully sorted pile—deposited neatly by the gate.

That’s when I realized I’d been introduced to Hank’s method of organization:

Does it taste good?

Is it drool-worthy?

If not—take it outside and dump it.