Hey, it’s Vlad. TGIF my peeps. You can see from the video I posted, I was participating in a game of follow the leader. I’m sure it comes as no surprise to any of my Vladiators who the leader was here. That’s right, it was moi. For those of you not conversant in the French language that means ME. Since leadership is something I know much about I thought I would focus on the concept for today’s chat.
The world needs effective leaders which is why a lot of research has gone into understanding leadership. One place people often look to study this is Wolf packs. While there are many misconceptions as to how a pack functions, they do illustrate how a good leader can help the pack achieve its goals. Here are some examples of the traits necessary to lead a pack.
Visionary - Wolf leaders have a clear vision of what they want to achieve.
Decisive - Wolf leaders make quick decisions that are in the best interest of the pack. They are not afraid to take risks and make tough choices.
Courageous - Wolf leaders are fearless in the face of danger. They lead by example and are willing to put themselves in harm’s way to protect their pack.
Trustworthy - Wolf leaders are dependable and honest. They keep their promises and follow through on their commitments, which earns them the trust of their pack.
Now I know what you are all thinking…that sounds just like you Vlad. Yes it’s true, I do exemplify these features. I will also add that I am a out of the box thinker. A wise man once said, “Never forget that only dead fish swim with the stream.” This is why some might view my methods as unconventional, perhaps even insane but the bottom line is everyone follows me cause I get results…and also because if they don’t I will bite them on their butt.
Now everyone has the capacity to lead but not everyone can be a leader. Henry Ford once said “asking who should be the leader is like asking who should be the tenor in a quartet…the answer is obvious, the one who can sing tenor. The thing is there is no shame in not being a leader. Without followers there would be no leaders…just try not to get bit on the butt.
Friday Chat w/ Vlad - May 31, 2024
Hey, it’s Vlad. We had a very special guest come visit us in our habitat yesterday. It was Danny the dhole. Danny is in town to celebrate world dhole day. JABCECC will be at @myyardlivebeerco in San Marcos on Sunday June 2 to educate people about the dhole and their conservation needs. I’m pretty sure Danny will be in attendance.
I took this opportunity to ask Danny a few questions about dholes. They are known to be highly intelligent canids, but honestly I found him to be a bit two dimensional. He seemed to suffer from flat affect, but he could have just been nervous. He was no doubt aware that I’m a pretty big deal, so it is no surprise he would have a bit of the jitters. Here are some highlights from our conversation.
So Danny, tell me a bit about dholes. Sure Vlad, dholes are found in central and Southeast Asia. We are very endangered with perhaps only 1-2 thousand left in the wild. We are very social canids that can be found in large packs. Sometimes in order to take down very large prey or to protect we will combine together with other packs creating a group that can have over thirty of us. We have unique vocalizations which is the reason some will call us whistling dogs. While we are closer related to domesticated dogs, wolves and coyotes than to foxes, we are still evolutionarily quite removed from them, separating from that branch millions of years ago. We are actually closer related to the African painted dogs. Very interesting Danny, Now I want to really get a view into your psyche so please answer to following question. If you were a vegetable, which would you be and why? Well Vlad I would have to say a rutabaga because much like dholes not everyone knows what they are. Interesting Danny, I would have bet money would would have said a pineapple…you know dole pineapple. Ha ha Vlad, that is the oldest joke in the dhole community and technically a pineapple is a fruit anyway. The leaves of a pineapple plant would be a vegetable Danny. Sure Vlad but who’s gonna eat the leaves? Have you ever tried them Danny? That’s all I’m saying. Anyway hope to see everyone on the 2nd.
Vlad out
Friday Chat w/ Vlad - May 17, 2024
Hey, it’s Vlad. You may recall sometime ago we had a chat about when I became aware of Zuri, the black backed jackal, being allowed to sit in the Crate and Barrel Ankara chair. This is a fairly fancy chair, so needless to say, I was a bit miffed that I don’t have access to such a grand chair. After all, I am everyone’s favorite ambassador and the linchpin to this operation, so It seems like common sense that no one would occupy a chair more splendid than mine. I mean, I’m not asking for a throne, per se, as appropriate as that might be. Anyway, I made sure management was made aware of my displeasure and sat back…not on a chair mind you, and waited for this injustice to be remedied.
Yesterday I got word that my chair had indeed arrived. I imagined it would be something quite special. Maybe a pleather covered BarcaLounger with the shiatsu massage feature, dual cup holders and a hidden compartment to store my snacks. Perhaps it would even have the heated cushions so I could warm my buns on those cold winter nights.
So earlier I hear a staff member come into our habitat to deliver my chair. I come out of my inside dwelling expecting to see a chair commensurate with my value to the center. As I am sure you can imagine I was not pleased with what I saw. The word disappointed somehow does not express the shear disgust I felt upon viewing this abomination. I mean it’s a good thing I have flea treatment on because it looks like this chair was purchased for 99 cents at the local flea market.
After taking a few minutes to regain my composure and to remember I am resilient if nothing else, I determined I was not going to predicate my self worth on the grandiosity of a chair. So I took a mighty leap and laid down in my chair… and you know what, it was darn comfy. Sure there is no shiatsu massage and nothing to warm my buns but that’s what my fur is for. A throne is not made by the value of the furniture but rather the value of the one that occupies it.
When life gives you lemons make lemonade.
Vlad out.
Friday Chat w/ Vlad - May 3, 2024
Hey, it’s Vlad. Have you ever had something that everyone else wants and you have to move heaven and earth just to keep it for yourself? I mean sharing is great and everything but sometimes you need to exercise self care and be a little selfish. I know it sounds unusual hearing me talk about being selfish as I am such a giver, but in this case I made an exception.
You see I had this ball that I really wanted to play with and Sergei was all over me like a cheap suit in the rain. I tried everything but he just wouldn’t leave me alone. I even tried burying my ball in hopes that the out of sight out of mind principal would work, but no such luck, Sergei was relentless.
The thing is there where plenty of other toys around Sergei could have, but he wanted MY toy. It was really quite rude if you ask me. It’s been said that “rudeness is the weak mans imitation of strength”. Certainly Sergei’s weakness was showing.
Perhaps this can be a teachable moment where Sergei’s rudeness towards me can open a broader discussion. I spend a fair amount of time on the interwebs as it helps me keep up on current events. The amount of rudeness I see is staggering. People seem to take pride in their insults. The anonymity of social media creates a training ground for heinous behavior. Once people begin to feel empowered by this behavior it begins to permeate their everyday life, they lose all social graces…and as you all know I am an expert on social graces.
So to review. Unnecessary rudeness doesn’t make you strong it shows the world you’re weak. Cruelty to animals does not make you strong, it makes you weak. And Sergei stealing my ball does not make him strong but makes him weak….and a big poo poo head 💩
Vlad out
Friday Chat w/ Vlad - April 19, 2024
Hey, it’s Vlad. So Laika decided to get a bit sassy with me so I had to show her what it’s like to run with the big dogs. She is known around here for being a bit on the loco side, and the fact that she engaged in an unprovoked attack kind of proves it. I was just minding by business when out of nowhere she rushed me and grabbed me by the neck. Clearly this was a bad idea as with my superior combat skills I was quickly able to vanquish her. I then retreated to a neutral corner to plan my next move. Obviously she needed to be taught a lesson. When Laika had recovered from my first vanquishing, I slowly crept over and hid behind a log. Then, when she least expected it, I was on her like a buzzard on a gut wagon. Not wanting to “lock horns” again, Laika took flight. She needed to learn that if you’re gonna create a storm ☔️ you can’t get mad when it rains, so I gave chase. The chase continued until she laid down in a clear sign of submission. At this point I felt no further need to escalate the conflict so I just savored my victory.
Friday Chat w/ Vlad - April 5, 2024
Hey, it’s Vlad. It appears that spring has sprung here at the center. The signs of this are all around. Of course we are all in full shed which means floating clumps of hair are the official bird around here. Yuri’s winter fat has turned into his spring rolls. The days are getting warmer and longer however due to our location in the mountains outside of San Diego, the weather can be quite fickle as evidenced by that fact that it is supposed to snow. Next week we will be back to spring with the mercury predicted to hit 70 degrees, that’s 21 Celsius for our metric friends.
Another sure sign that spring is here are the formerly barren hillsides that have turn into an explosion of color and fragrances almost overnight. Us ambassadors got to enjoy some of these flowers…of course Yuri tried to eat them.
Spring is also the time things go into high gear at the center. The Arctic fox Villa will be complete and Freddy and Sakari will get the home the always dreamed of. A new #dorkwolf habitat and a jackal house are on the construction schedule and everyone is eagerly awaiting there completion. This will free up some existing enclosures which will allow us to rescue additional canids and give them a forever home where they can be safe and happy.
Our educational programs will also kick up to the next level. While rescuing an individual animal is very rewarding and high profile, it’s with our educational outreach where we can do the most good. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “give a man a fish feed him for a day, teach him how to fish feed him for a lifetime”. This is kind of what we are doing here. Many youngsters that we speak to say they want to grow up and rescue animals. If only a fraction actually follow through, we have created an army of canid crusaders who will help many animals.
To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow
Friday Chat w/Vlad - March 22, 2024
Hey, it’s Vlad. This is a public service announcement brought to you by Vlad, JABCECC and Ewok the Fox.
Have you ever wondered what happens to all the foxes out there that find themselves in a difficult situation?? Well perhaps you should. Whether they are born on a fur farm, end up as an unwanted pet, or are born in the wild but for whatever reason can no longer live there, they all need a safe place they can call home. Thankfully, there are kind humans around that make it their mission to rescue many of these foxes.
Personally, I was rescued from Siberia. Compared to some foxes I didn’t have it bad, although some days it was so cold I probably could’ve cut glass with my nipples. The thing is, being a fox with such exemplary talents, I could never live up to my full potential where I was and likely had a dire future. My whole life changed when JABCECC was successful in the Herculean task of bringing me to America 🇺🇸. I’m not sure if it’s shear tenacity or utter insanity that drives the founders to help us canids. They willingly donate their time and money to make all us residents as happy as possible. When we get a call about a canid in need, they move heaven and earth to find the resources to give that animal a good and meaningful life. In return, of course we give them plenty of poop and other bodily fluids. They also get to deal with our medical issues ranging from the minor to the major. Then there are the issues of running a non profit, from the paperwork to the permits to the personnel to the funding etc. The more I think about it the more I come to believe the utter insanity explanation makes the most sense . Of course their generosity is rewarded by all of us with our love and appreciation, shown by each of us in our own way. I, for instance, do my best not to give the founders a look of haughty derision more than two times a day..it’s a big sacrifice on my part.
Similar stories to this play out all around. Rescues, run by selfless people, helping animals in need. The thing we all have is common is the need for help. Be it volunteering or donations, do what you can, you will be glad you did.
Fridays Chat w/Vlad - March 8, 2024
Friday Chat w/ Vlad
Hey, it’s Vlad. We were assigning chores yesterday and I drew the short straw so I got the one task that no one wants…Yep, you guessed it, I got doody duty. Now I know what you’re all thinking…a fox with your unlimited talents should not be wasting his valuable time cleaning up the excrement of his underlings. While that it true, I really don’t mind. You see when the others view me performing a task that is so clearly beneath me, it creates the illusion that I am no better than them. It also shows my humility, cause every one knows I ooze humility like an infected cyst oozes purulent material. To be an effective leader, it is important for your followers to see you “roll up your sleeves” and do the work of the common man…or in this case the common fox, even if that work is scooping scat. I really need to consider running some workshops on leadership.
I will tell you, one does learn a lot about your bunk mates by performing this duty. Take Lena for instance…everyone’s sweetheart. I went to work on her poo pile and I briefly thought someone had let an anaconda into our enclosure. I’m sure you can all guess what cleaning up after Yuri is like, a fox with a diet that consists largely of pastries. And then there’s my archnemesis, cute little Panda. For all you Freudians out there, I would categorize her as anal expulsive. As far as Panda’s personality this means she exhibits cruelty, emotional outbursts, disorganization, self-confidence, rebelliousness and general carelessness. As far as being her janitor this means, I think I need a bigger pooper scooper. Thankfully I’m only responsible for tidying up after us foxes. If I had to venture down to clean up after everyone’s favorite #dorkwolf Lucan, it would require heavy equipment.
Lesson for the day. When life gives you a pile of poop, you’re gonna get dirty—so you may as well roll with it.
Fridays Chat w/Vlad - February 9, 2024
Hey, it’s Vlad. Well it happened. I was told by management that I need to become more sensitive. This is of course preposterous, as can be seen from the pictures I posted. After some intense negotiations, it was decided that they would not send me away for sensitivity training but rather they would bring in a personal sensitivity coach.
I met this coach yesterday, his name is Mr. Daniel Druff. Ok…so they get me a coach named Dan Druff, and they expect me to be sensitive about it. Are they just setting me up to fail? How could I NOT say something like, “my new coach was 10 minutes late for our appointment, I think he’s a bit flaky”. Anyway, I meet this guy and he is just way too positive. He greets me by saying “he hopes I’m having a spectacular day and then asks me if I know why management wanted him to meet with me”. I said “I didn’t know, their decision has left me scratching my head”. I think that statement went right over his head & shoulders cause he just kept talking.
Mr. Dan Druff then tells me he’s been told I don’t validate what others feel, and he has some “superdupper” tips to help me be more sensitive.
I asked Mr. Druff if he had any idea about my countless responsibilities. I told him about the large number of foxes that live awful lives and die heinous deaths on fur farms around the world. The coyotes that fall victim to cruel killing contests. Wolves that are slaughtered on account of an ethos, in some communities, that views them as evil beings that need to be eradicated from this planet. And don’t get me started about the millions of domesticated dogs that are killed because no one wants them. So I asked Mr. Dan Druff if he had any idea what it’s like to have that burden fall on your shoulders?? He then tells me what I described is horrendous and I’m clearly highly sensitive to take on that burden. He goes on to say I just hide it under my snarky exterior. I tell him poppycock, I’m an open book and hide nothing. At that point Dan Druff says “we have a lot of work to do Mr. Vlad” and walks away shaking his head vigorously…Winter storm alert.
Vlad (Mr. Sensitivity) out
Fridays Chat w/Vlad - February 23, 2024
Hey, it’s Vlad. Or should I say “Hey, it’s Mr. Sensitivity”. I was just hanging out with Yuri, practicing some things I was taught by my sensitivity coach. Yuri is great to practice with because you can pretty much guarantee he will quickly say or do something that will give me a strong urge to act in a manner that some would deem as insensitive.
True to form, Yuri and I weren’t together for more then 2 minutes when he thought he picked up the sent of a glazed cruller. He started walking towards the scent, seemingly in a bit of a trance, and sure enough he walked right of the edge. He landed on the ground with a thud that probably registered on the Richter scale.
Now I could of said something like “way to go pound cake…good thing the junk in your trunk is like your own personal airbag”…but I didn’t. My coach would suggest such a statement would be insensitive towards Yuri. He has told me multiple times that I should express myself in terms of my feelings, as feeling aren’t right or wrong, they just are. My coach would want me to say something like, “I feel you should be more careful Yuri, and I’m glad you didn’t hurt yourself but I feel you’re food choices are harmful ”. Did I say that?? No, I’m Vlad, I’m not a trained monkey. What did I say you ask? “I feel way to go pound cake…I feel it’s a good thing the junk in your trunk is like your own personal airbag”. As you can plainly see, I am really getting a hang of this sensitivity thing.
Of course the are a “few bridges too far” that my coach expects me to take. For instance, he tells me that if I say to Panda, “I refuse to have a battle of wits with you because you appear to be unarmed” but then if she appears upset by my comment say, “suck it up buttercup”, it’s not being sensitive. That’s just ludicrous. Everybody knows saying “suck it up buttercup” is like a get out of jail free card. It shows that my verbal zinger exposed someone feeling mentally weak and I’m concerned enough to offer them I solution…suck it up. Truthfully, I think I have outgrown my coach and am ready to teach sensitivity myself.
Vlad out.