Fair Share – Dog Abby

Dog Abby,

I volunteer for a local charity benefitting veterans and the elderly. Recently, a board member criticized me for not doing my fair share of work. Abby, I work a full time job, have a family, and have an active church life as well. I don’t have as much time to devote to this as this board member does, as he is retired. It made me angry enough to consider leaving, but I love doing this. Should I take my talent elsewhere?

Hurt in Houston

 

Dear Hurt,

Maybe I am thinking about this too simply (I mean, I am a dog, after all), but how much are you getting paid? Mom told me that “volunteer” means you don’t. So what is your fair share? Is it divided by how much you are paid? Then you are already giving 20 bazillion times more than anyone else!

My cat, Max, thinks that his fair share is anything that lands on the floor. We have had very serious discussions about this in the past. Well, I am the dog, and since I am at least 10 times bigger than him, I tend to get the most. I fetch the paper and do other chores around the house while all he does is meow. It’s only fair.

So, since your friend has 10 times more time than you do, he should do more than you do. It’s only fair.

When Max and I talk about it, he is very reasonable. Maybe you should talk to your friend and work out a schedule. Sometimes those of us who are bigger just like to have our say. Other times, we just want more treats.

Love,

Abby