My little right hand man has fallen down on the job. Lately tardy to meetings. Completing tasks hastily, if at all. Calling in sick... Yeah, right! I've had enough. Punishment is in order, but I confess I have a soft spot for him. He's like my security blanket. When he stares at me with those big dumb brown little eyes, whimpering like a puppy in training, I just melt. I want to be firm with him but, honestly, I feel sorry for the little guy. He's so small, you know... and, well, his emotions are fragile as a flower. Maybe what he needs isn't admonition but a hug and a kiss. Maybe he needs to ...

My little right hand man has fallen down on the job. Lately tardy to meetings. Completing tasks hastily, if at all. Calling in sick... Yeah, right! I've had enough. Punishment is in order, but I confess I have a soft spot for him. He's like my security blanket. When he stares at me with those big dumb brown little eyes, whimpering like a puppy in training, I just melt. I want to be firm with him but, honestly, I feel sorry for the little guy. He's so small, you know... and, well, his emotions are fragile as a flower. Maybe what he needs isn't admonition but a hug and a kiss. Maybe he needs to be coddled rather than crushed like a bug, or a pecan. Maybe a lick will lick him back into shape.... restore his morale. It's worth a try. I can't do everything around here all by myself, after all...