Time Sweet Time: Blog #4 – Tough News – and it’s about Terra

Welcome to Bill’s Blog, where we celebrate life’s sweet moments and quality time.

These stories are based on the general theme of getting more sweet time out of life and friends of Potter’s Vineyard who have brought us pure joy!

Let’s face it—we could all use more uplifting stories and more quality time. For me, that’s Time-Sweet-Time. And there’s no better way to say thank you to those who have brought us so much joy.

Most of the time, we only want to share good news. But today’s blog contains some tough news. You knew this could happen.  That time has come for us. And it’s about Terra.

For those who visit us at the vineyard tasting room, you’ve probably been greeted warmly by Terra. She really thrives on your love, belly rubs, scratches behind the ears, and of course the occasional treats you bring for her.

Well… I really screwed up this time!

A little more background. You know that Terra is really smart. She knows she only gets treats if she does tricks. She can shake with either paw, do a pirouette, lay down, stay, leave it, and even roll over in the grass.

But I don’t think you knew that she has a secret gift.

She talks!

Mostly to me, but sometimes to Sandy. For all I know, she might talk to you when you come.

Today she shared some tough news. Actually, it was more of a demand—and I made her a promise that may be hard to keep.

Here’s the deal.

She’s thinking about leaving!

Here’s how the conversation went:

Terra: “I’m thinking of leaving.”

Me: “What?”

Terra: “I’ve been here for five years now. I work really hard at greeting everyone, doing tricks, and not jumping on people. Don’t get me wrong — I truly love my job.

Me: “So, what’s the problem?”

Terra: “You don’t have as many visitors.”

Me: “What? I thought you liked the smaller-sized winery that allows you to know pretty much everyone who comes here.”

Terra: “I do, but I’m not getting the same love and attention that I used to get after that Covid thing.”

Me: “Yeah, I’m sorry about that. But people are trying to be healthier, drinking less wine and they are busy doing other things.”

Terra: “What other things could be more enjoyable than visiting me?”

Me: “I can’t answer that.”

Terra: “Well, I’m thinking about going elsewhere. I’m thinking of taking my wine label and my patented Terra Tricks to another winery.”

Me: “Oh really? So, you haven’t made up your mind?”

Terra: “No. There’s only one thing that would keep me here.”

Me: “What’s that?”

Terra: “Increase the visitors, give me a raise, and give me a promotion.”

Me: “That’s three things. Let’s start with the first request…Why do you need more visitors?”

Terra: “More visitors mean more treats and love.”

Me: “You know that we don’t want you overeating, getting out of shape, and maybe getting sick.”

Terra: “I know, but most people only give me healthy snacks.”

Me: “Ok. But why do you want a raise?”

Terra: “So I can order healthy treats online.”

Me: “How do you do that?”

Terra: “I joined Amadog. They offer free delivery.”

Me: “What? How did you do that?”

Terra: “I used that plastic card thing on your dresser.”

Me: “Great. We put a fraud hold on that card — we didn’t know who ordered that truckload of stuff. So, what about the promotion?”

Terra: “Give me increased authority and feature me more on the website.”

Me: “You want authority without responsibility?”

Terra: “Yes.”

Me: “Okay, fine. How are we supposed to pay you when we have fewer visitors?”

Terra: “Can’t you sell more wine online and sign up more wine club members?”

Me: “We try, but we don’t want to be too pushy.”

Terra: “Raise your prices.”

Me: “We are not doing that. People are already challenged with inflation and limited budgets for wine.”

Terra: “Aren’t you supposed to be paying me more anyway? Didn’t you see that new minimum wag law?”

Me: “What’s that?”

Terra: “It’s that law that says you have to pay working dogs by the number of wags they provide.”

Me: “Whoa — we don’t have that kind of money.”

Terra: “Pay me or lose me.”

Me: “I can’t just beg people.”

Terra: “Are you crazy? That’s what I do for a living. Give me a raise and I will beg all day.”

Me: “How am I supposed to get them here?”

Terra: “Can’t you write a dlog?”

Me: “You mean a blog.”

Terra: “No, dummy. A blog about dogs is a dlog.”

Me: “Okay. That should work. Here’s my offer. I will pay you minimum wag, feature you in a starring role on the website, and guarantee that more people will be here to visit you.”

 

So, you can see, I really screwed up. I’m a lousy negotiator! I think I over-promised.

Oh wait — Terra is hearing you through the dlog waves? She hears you saying that you can help. You’ll come more often, invite more people with you, order wine online, and even help start a TerraStay GoFundMe campaign!

Wow! That is so generous of you. But please don’t do the GoFundMe thing. That won’t be necessary — a few more visitors and a few more bottles of wine sold will get this done!

I’ve already given her a promotion!  Terra is now your personal assistant on our website (she really is that talented).  Check out the Ask Terra tab on the right side of every page on our website and you’ll be amazed at the things she can do for you!

Terra says, “Thank You (and Sandy says I am getting crazier everyday)!”