How I Met Marty Becker
Some co-workers and I went to a talk by Marty Becker, a veterinarian who is on TV sometimes. He is a genuinely nice guy and had some inspirational things to say about interacting with pet owners in the vet office. His focus was on being heartfelt and compassionate. I mean, he wrote Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul.
One tip he suggested in order to connect with pet owners is to ask them the origin of their pet's name. He asked us if we wanted to share any memorable ones. I shot my hand up like that smart kid in class. (Oh, wait, I was that kid.) Marty Becker acknowledged me with his warm, Christian countenance, and I yelled, "Dragon Slayer!"
The room was silent.
I went on, "He was a huge Maine Coon cat, silver with stripes..." Silence still.
Marty Becker immediately proceeded to share tales of cute and endearing pet names, such as "Nobody," so the owner could proclaim, "Nobody loves me!" and "FLEA," which stood for, "Fun, Loyal, Excellent Animal" or something.
None were nearly as metal as mine.
One tip he suggested in order to connect with pet owners is to ask them the origin of their pet's name. He asked us if we wanted to share any memorable ones. I shot my hand up like that smart kid in class. (Oh, wait, I was that kid.) Marty Becker acknowledged me with his warm, Christian countenance, and I yelled, "Dragon Slayer!"
The room was silent.
I went on, "He was a huge Maine Coon cat, silver with stripes..." Silence still.
Marty Becker immediately proceeded to share tales of cute and endearing pet names, such as "Nobody," so the owner could proclaim, "Nobody loves me!" and "FLEA," which stood for, "Fun, Loyal, Excellent Animal" or something.
None were nearly as metal as mine.