Taitai the Bulldog

Fall weather in Seattle makes for challenging walks with our small dog, Taitai. Whenever my wife or I approach her with her leash, Taitai runs for cover under our bed because she knows what she is in for… a cold and rainy walk to do her business.

The daily promenade is consistent, leading from our apartment and trailing along the lake's edge to the designated "doggie spot" and back again. 

Although our daily destination remains the same, our path inevitably takes many detours due to Taitai's aversion to the rain and wind. A passing glance at the unpredictable scampering of a little white dog would suggest that there is no specific destination. Upon a closer look, however, you will see that the one holding the leash, (me!) always redirects the "wild animal" back to the path and ultimately to the goal of the "doggie spot"- where "business" is done.

In Investment terms, Taitai resembles short-term and unpredictable movements of markets, whereas the dog owner's behavior (me!) would represent the long-term outcome. Depending on the perspective of the investor, focus can go to the sporadic short-term instability or to the steely determination of the long-term goal.

In the investment world there is no shortage of investors who focus solely on erratic short-term behaviors, often missing the bigger picture of the long-term goal.

As a financial advisor with over 19 years of experience, I have had the opportunity to help many investors navigate the short-term markets, encouraging them to keep their eyes on their long-term financial goals. Although the short-term may be the most obvious performer, it is of my opinion that investors would do be wise to invest in markets that have proven potential of favorable long-term outcomes. 

On the way back from our lake side "drop" (pun intended), Taitai's trajectory is unwavering. As we approach the door to our home, this little Maltese/Terrier takes on the spirit of a bull in run at Pamplona. No longer darting back and forth and now uninterested in the peripheral bushes, Taitai is focused on our singular goal of getting to our door.

It is in those brief moments that I am of the thought that I have finally tamed the wild beast to obediently follow my lead…but as the door opens and Taitai gallops towards the comfort of the Tempurpedic bed, I come to the realization that she just wanted to get out of the rain.