As the kind reader you are, I ask you not to ignore this page solely on the basis of its headline. Instead, hang with me for just a few moments as I compare the way we must face new challenges in our telecom world to the way a puppy (yes, a puppy) views change in her world.

Some say I’ve lost it. My family and close friends are not afraid to say this out loud, very loud, each day as I switch outfits on our fuzzy little family addition who is also a wise old soul. Really! I contend that we can learn some potent things from a small and bright-eyed creature named Sauvi. (Her name is short for Sauvignon Blanc – our favorite white wine – a perfect name for our most favorite five-pound, white pup.) You see, since August she has been required to adapt to our ever-changing household, whether she likes it or not.

Take teenage sleepovers, for example. During most days our house is relatively quiet and stable - or as quiet and sane as it can be with three boys. Then Friday evening arrives with the grace of a bulldozer, and our floors become minefields of clumsy teen-boy feet ready to squash her. Sauvi can’t just leave – she can only watch as the boys run up and downstairs competing to see who can get to the next place faster than the others.

She can’t change the chaos they create. It’s likely she’s even intimidated by their posturing and lack of focus. Still, she greets each and every one of them with enthusiasm, and goes about her evening happily as they make much fuss about competing for everything. (Sound at all like a telecom office or garage?)

Taking her lead, I plan to adopt the PUP approach in 2009. I commit to get my job done, shake off the fear of getting trampled, and move on to something rewarding, like chasing a fuzzy squeaker toy or something. (Okay, maybe the equivalent for me is laughing at a bad joke with a colleague.)

I’m serious. This year, I plan to embrace telecom changes and discomfort with a little less tainted outlook. Who knows, I may just find life a bit more hopeful and not so dramatic. And with challenges constantly thrown about in the telecom world, it’s about time to change the only thing I can: my attitude.

I would love your feedback. Please email me at sharon@ospmag.com.