If you live in Richmond, this is probably not news. But for those of you who are not from around these parts, this is quite an interesting tail (yes, tail).
For many years, a stray dog has wandered the neighborhoods of the Near West End of Richmond. His name is Black Dog. He has outsmarted, outmaneuvered and outrun every effort to catch him. Authorities have pretty much given up their efforts to snag the elusive hound whose matted, black mane is his trademark.
He is a loner who fits the description of every superhero from Superdog to Batmutt. His existence alone is proof that man’s best friend just may be smarter than man himself.
Residents watch out for, feed and revere the guardian of their neighborhoods like a canine homeland security officer, a secret agent who never lets his paws down. Bond… Rover Bond. His legend has grown into mythic adventures told at campfires, on dark nights when the moon is hiding and at Short Pump Town Center.
This Wyatt Arf has protected children in trouble, chased away would-be assailants and robbers and roamed his watch with a diligence few humans can match. He has survived cold and heat, accidents and traps. He roams the area as you read these words.
Black Dog has developed such a loyal following that his exploits are followed in the papers. Friends of Black Dog established a medical fund for him. The Canine Crusader has rescued women in peril, outrun automobiles and eluded cops and dog catchers with ease. He has superdoggian strength and can apparently walk through walls, fences and locked gates like a ghost.
His character is consistently Black Dog, living by a code of moral uprightness that no Lassie or Rin Tin Tin or Benji can match. Politicians could take a hint from this four-legged leader. He serves with dignity, lives through valor and has never given a single speech. Black Dog has never had an affair with an intern, dodged the draft, told a lie or shot his best friend while hunting. Black Dog could be mayor, governor or president if he were not so overqualified for those jobs.
Black Dog would be the perfect CEO. He has charisma. People are totally loyal to him, and follow him because he leads by example. Black Dog has never padded his resume, cheated his employees, stolen funds, fired anyone, defrauded investors, cheated on his income tax or put profits in front of people. He has no Ivy League credentials, no golden parachute or hefty stock options. His daddy didn’t open any doors for him. Heck, he won’t even take a paycheck and avoids the spotlight like the Olsen twins avoid all-you-can eat buffets.
Black Dog has managed, with nothing more than his shaggy-dogged determination, to be true to his calling, live up to expectations, serve his constituents and deliver more than he promised. Something few companies have ever done. And he’s done it without designer clothes or a country club membership or a great golf handicap. Consider this: In one of the most conservative cities in America, Black Dog gets absolute respect – and he wears no pants. Ever.
Black Dog, without a doubt, is the most authentic brand in Richmond.
We should be drinking Black Dog Beer and Black Dog Energy drinks. We should be wearing Black Dog apparel and Black Dog cologne (musk). We should be feeding our pets Black Dog dog food and sending them to Black Dog training seminars.
His pervasive brand lives in our hearts because he knows his truth, he lives his truth inside and out and he understands that doing the right thing will make you more successful than just watching the bottom line. Not bad for a homeless son of a bitch.
(NOTE: Big River can help you find your truth and tell it inside and out – and on the web. Click here)