The Dog Biscuit

“Action speaks louder than words, but not nearly as often.”

—Mark Twain


Today’s story is contributed by Larry Winget.

your word

Larry, Tyler & Patrick, quite a few years after woofing the dog biscuit

I was walking the dogs, and my kids. Tyler was ten, Patrick was six. We played our traditional game, “How much?” That is, how much money would it take for one of us to eat a worm, or jump into a pool of manure, or lick a dead rat. Grossed out? Of course, so were we. That was the point…and we loved it.

“How much to eat a dog biscuit?” I proposed, pulling a dog treat from my pocket. Tyler’s reply was immediate, “I will if you will, Dad!”

I popped that dog biscuit into my mouth without hesitation! The boys were shocked; the dogs stared in wonder as I chewed up their bacon liver treat.

“Ok, now it’s your turn,” I said, handing a biscuit to Tyler. He glanced flippantly at the canine cracker, then scoffed, “No way Dad, I was just kidding!”

“But I wasn’t,” I said sternly. He could see the look in my eye, the game was over.

“Son, there is absolutely nothing more important in this world than sticking to your word. If by nothing else, great men are made on this one principle. You will eat this dog biscuit, or we will stand out here all night until you do.”

After 20 minutes of grousing, bargaining, and anything else he could think of to avoid the biscuit, he reluctantly consumed it. He was not happy with me that day, but to this day — he thanks me for it.

Love you Tyler,

Dad


Larry Winget, Grow a Pair

Larry’s book,
‘Grow a Pair’

Larry Winget is a five-time New York Times/Wall Street Journal bestselling author. He is a member of the International Speaker Hall of Fame, has starred in his own television series and appeared in national television commercials. Check out Larry’s new book, ‘Grow a Pair.’

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