A letter from Robert Glazer Founder & Chairman of the Board, Acceleration Partners From United States to me
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Friday Forward - Good Boy (#469)
It's so hard to say goodbye
Robert Glazer
Jan 31
READ IN APP
This is, without a doubt, the hardest Friday Forward I’ve ever had to write.
Last March, we were heartbroken to learn our family dog Ollie’s liver was failing. The veterinarian couldn’t say how long he had—maybe weeks, maybe months—but we braced for the worst. Breaking the news to our kids was one of the toughest things I’ve ever had to do.
But Ollie surprised us all with far more time than we ever expected, living happily and comfortably until this past weekend, just two days shy of his 10th birthday—a birthday he happened to share with me.
I’d like to say Ollie was my dog, but the truth is, I was a distant second to my wife. He was her loyal four-legged shadow, following her everywhere around the house. Ollie always wanted to be near people and was the ultimate lap dog. He’d hop on the bed or couch and stretch out on your chest, or even your head, no matter how awkward it might have been for you. And he did the same to guests.
It’s hard to overstate the impact this little 15-pound furball had on our lives. He was a part of our family in every way, and I find myself reflecting on the many ways Ollie enriched our lives. Here are a few that stand out:
Unconditional Love: It’s incredible to think about the depth of a relationship you can have with someone you’ve never had a conversation with. Ollie and I never argued—though I tried to start a few—because he simply couldn’t take the bait or hold a grudge. We could learn something from how patient, kind and consistent dogs are with the people they love and the people who love them.
Responsibility: While no court could enforce a child’s promises that they’ll walk a dog every day if you get them one, Ollie taught our kids the importance of caring for someone else, starting at a young age. Watching them learn and grow through their bond with Ollie was beautiful, and making that final call to each of our kids was the hardest part of Ollie’s passing.
Exercise: Ollie loved walking and hiking, and those things became regular family activities purely because of him. We spent so much more time outside together as a result. By my rough calculation, Ollie was responsible for adding at least four million incremental steps to our lives—steps that will undoubtedly help extend our own lives and health.
Sometimes it’s hard to know which memories and moments will stand out, but these are the ones that come to mind as I write. Tellingly, even though many of these were frustrating at the time, they bring a smile to my face today.
How nervous he would get every time we packed our suitcases, often placing himself in front of or even on top of one, as if to stop us from leaving.
The time he bit into a baited hot dog on a fishing rod during vacation, leading to an unexpected trip to the ER to remove the fishhook.
His inability to grasp the concept of fetch—he’d grab the ball and run off with it no matter how many times we tried to teach him.
His fearless habit of charging at large trucks, which we were certain would one day be his undoing.
His nightly habit of climbing into the dishwasher to “pre-clean” it for us—a quirk I’m convinced contributed to us recently replacing the dishwasher because its hinges gave out.
On Friday night, his last day truly being himself, he somehow managed to grab a loaf of fresh bread off the counter and ate two-thirds before he was caught. Ollie wasn’t tall enough to reach halfway up the countertop, even on his hind legs, so we still have no idea how he pulled off the heist.
When we took him to the emergency room Sunday, we asked the vet if the bread overdose might have caused some of his symptoms. She assured us it hadn’t and shared a heartwarming thought: perhaps Ollie knew his time was near and treated himself to one last, grand meal.
That idea put a smile on my face, especially because he’d stopped eating Saturday morning, so it really was his last meal—and a well-deserved indulgence.
Everyone in our family has a little hole in their heart this week, but our minds are filled with a lifetime of memories to replay and cherish forever. The love Ollie gave us is a gift and a true reminder of the saying, “It’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.”
Quote of The Week
"The world would be a nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog.” - M.K. Clinton
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The Perfect Vacation Strategy
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This free edition of Friday Forward is supported by Quince. Quince offers exceptional quality at an accessible price, featuring a versatile selection of wardrobe essentials and winter staples. Their clothes have been a hit with my whole family. Shop Quince.com.
Follow me on Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn or reach out anytime.
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© 2025 Robert Glazer & Kendall Marketing Group, LLC
548 Market Street PMB 72296, San Francisco, CA 94104
Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more
You’re enjoying the free edition of Friday Forward. Want to level up your leadership in 2025? Become a Friday Forward Foundation Member for access to private keynotes, open office hours, and more.
-> JOIN TODAY (Select Foundation Membership)
Friday Forward - Good Boy (#469)
It's so hard to say goodbye
Robert Glazer
Jan 31
READ IN APP
This is, without a doubt, the hardest Friday Forward I’ve ever had to write.
Last March, we were heartbroken to learn our family dog Ollie’s liver was failing. The veterinarian couldn’t say how long he had—maybe weeks, maybe months—but we braced for the worst. Breaking the news to our kids was one of the toughest things I’ve ever had to do.
But Ollie surprised us all with far more time than we ever expected, living happily and comfortably until this past weekend, just two days shy of his 10th birthday—a birthday he happened to share with me.
I’d like to say Ollie was my dog, but the truth is, I was a distant second to my wife. He was her loyal four-legged shadow, following her everywhere around the house. Ollie always wanted to be near people and was the ultimate lap dog. He’d hop on the bed or couch and stretch out on your chest, or even your head, no matter how awkward it might have been for you. And he did the same to guests.
It’s hard to overstate the impact this little 15-pound furball had on our lives. He was a part of our family in every way, and I find myself reflecting on the many ways Ollie enriched our lives. Here are a few that stand out:
Unconditional Love: It’s incredible to think about the depth of a relationship you can have with someone you’ve never had a conversation with. Ollie and I never argued—though I tried to start a few—because he simply couldn’t take the bait or hold a grudge. We could learn something from how patient, kind and consistent dogs are with the people they love and the people who love them.
Responsibility: While no court could enforce a child’s promises that they’ll walk a dog every day if you get them one, Ollie taught our kids the importance of caring for someone else, starting at a young age. Watching them learn and grow through their bond with Ollie was beautiful, and making that final call to each of our kids was the hardest part of Ollie’s passing.
Exercise: Ollie loved walking and hiking, and those things became regular family activities purely because of him. We spent so much more time outside together as a result. By my rough calculation, Ollie was responsible for adding at least four million incremental steps to our lives—steps that will undoubtedly help extend our own lives and health.
Sometimes it’s hard to know which memories and moments will stand out, but these are the ones that come to mind as I write. Tellingly, even though many of these were frustrating at the time, they bring a smile to my face today.
How nervous he would get every time we packed our suitcases, often placing himself in front of or even on top of one, as if to stop us from leaving.
The time he bit into a baited hot dog on a fishing rod during vacation, leading to an unexpected trip to the ER to remove the fishhook.
His inability to grasp the concept of fetch—he’d grab the ball and run off with it no matter how many times we tried to teach him.
His fearless habit of charging at large trucks, which we were certain would one day be his undoing.
His nightly habit of climbing into the dishwasher to “pre-clean” it for us—a quirk I’m convinced contributed to us recently replacing the dishwasher because its hinges gave out.
On Friday night, his last day truly being himself, he somehow managed to grab a loaf of fresh bread off the counter and ate two-thirds before he was caught. Ollie wasn’t tall enough to reach halfway up the countertop, even on his hind legs, so we still have no idea how he pulled off the heist.
When we took him to the emergency room Sunday, we asked the vet if the bread overdose might have caused some of his symptoms. She assured us it hadn’t and shared a heartwarming thought: perhaps Ollie knew his time was near and treated himself to one last, grand meal.
That idea put a smile on my face, especially because he’d stopped eating Saturday morning, so it really was his last meal—and a well-deserved indulgence.
Everyone in our family has a little hole in their heart this week, but our minds are filled with a lifetime of memories to replay and cherish forever. The love Ollie gave us is a gift and a true reminder of the saying, “It’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.”
Quote of The Week
"The world would be a nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog.” - M.K. Clinton
Share
Leave a comment
Upgrade to paid
New For Premium
The Perfect Vacation Strategy
How I Knew I Was Burned Out and Headed For Disaster, and What I Did Next
Why You Need A Rival
How To Set And Hit Your 2025 Goals
This free edition of Friday Forward is supported by Quince. Quince offers exceptional quality at an accessible price, featuring a versatile selection of wardrobe essentials and winter staples. Their clothes have been a hit with my whole family. Shop Quince.com.
Follow me on Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn or reach out anytime.
Like
Comment
Restack
© 2025 Robert Glazer & Kendall Marketing Group, LLC
548 Market Street PMB 72296, San Francisco, CA 94104
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