Life Lessons Learned Along the Way: Being Rescued Again

By Richard M. Mitchell, Esq., CPCU

We continue our series of personal, impactful stories that have shaped how we practice law.

Those who know me know that my wife and I love animals. I have had dogs since I was five years old. Together, my wife and I have rescued over 40 cats, some of which have lived with us, while others found lifelong homes. Let me tell you, rescuing abandoned cats and kittens is not an easy task. Our dogs have also been rescues. They all come with baggage and their own experiences, but seem to look at life through a simpler lens, not clouded by minutia. Too often, that is where we humans get lost – not in detail, but minutia. They are different.

There have been several dogs. Currently, we have Ollie and Poppy. Ollie was found wandering the streets of Mount Clemens, scouring garbage bins for food. Poppy is older and came from a similar background. There was Odie, who was rescued from a horrible, abusive situation as a pup and went on to live with us for over 15 years. He experienced more in life than most humans ever do. Then there was my girl, Penny. She was found wandering the woods in northern Oakland County. She obviously got lost. I always thought it was because she was a bird dog and was really bad at it.

Every day when I come home, my four-legged friends are so glad to see me, no matter what happened that day. They are so glad for the things in life that we often take for granted, like their toys and love. They all have their own idiosyncrasies, but their concerns are more the big picture. At least that is the way it seems to me. They are not slowed down by minutia.

Too often in the practice of law, and the practice of life, we are held back by things that absolutely should not do so. Don’t get me wrong. Paying attention to detail is critical. Spending too much time on small things that really do not matter or affect the ultimate goal, however, often keep us from reaching the best outcome. Perhaps it was a comment opposing counsel made that we perceived as a slight. Maybe it was meant that way, maybe it was not. In the end, though, it really does not matter. Always remembering the things that are truly important, and where you are truly trying to get, do. If you have any doubt of that, please feel free to ask my dogs.

In our second article this month, Jesse L. Roth explains why forum matters after Berk v. Choy and how state and federal court rules may lead to different litigation outcomes.