The Pleasantly Unexpected

Have you ever had something small happen that most people may think "so, what?" but it means the world to you?  I had something like that happen to me just a few days ago.  It meant a lot.

We were traveling on a vacation for a long Labor Day weekend, from Ohio to South Carolina, and were deep into West Virginia by Thursday afternoon.  As my family and I went into a travel plaza for refreshments, in walks a gentleman with his wife and his service dog.  Immediately I recognized the service dog vest as one of ours.  The outfit also featured a backpack attachment and a bridge handle.

I certainly did not want to interrupt their own vacation, but this was rare - I couldn't resist.  I introduced myself to the couple and came to find out they actually live very near our business location.  I only spent 3 or 4 minutes with them, but it was a wonderful experience.  To meet a customer utilizing one's product, face-to-face, is an extremely gratifying experience.  I am grateful it happened to me.

It was also my first chance to teach my 4 year old daughter that we don't pet these doggies, they are doing a job!