Project Mayhem

Believe it or not, this week marks my third anniversary at Cohn & Wolfe.  And after three incredibly successful years (oh for Christ sakes, would it kill you to humor me just this once???), one story still haunts me:  the dreaded puppy story.   I’m sick of telling it.  I’m sick of being asked about it. 

(And I’m sick of people who say “irony” when they mean “coincidence.”)

So, for the very last time, here it is:

I’m a guy that enjoys and embraces change – but I hate upheaval.  So when I arrived at CW, I was uncomfortable, and was looking for a way to make friends and get to know some folks. And what better way to do that than by using my incredible sense of humor? (Again, just stay with me).

So on my third day, I get an office-wide email that someone is giving away puppies.  And, JUST TRYING TO MAKE A JOKE, I respond – to ALL – “and I have some great recipes.”

Harmless, right?

WRONG.

(I feel I have to point out that I actually love dogs. I had three dogs growing up and would never do anything to harm a cute little puppy. OK, moving on).

I get some great responses:  “You’re crazy!” “Funny!”  “LOL!”  “ROFLOL!”  “JSYEALSHIACTDOMSBLMC-MKTH!” (just saw your email and laughed so hard I almost choked to death on my salad but luckily my cube-mate knows the Heimlich).  At least three dozen emails celebrating my joke.

And I get one more:

“As an animal lover, I’m incredibly offended by this email.”

Not only was this sent from an EVP (who shall remain, “Patty Leitch”) but it was sent to the entire office.  And, it was sent from a Blackberry. A highly overt act.  Basically, she wanted to embarrass me in front of the entire office.  And she did.

So I ran her over with my car. 

(I kid)

I apologized and I moved on. But I had to swear to my boss to never send another reply- all email again, and I learned an important lesson: 

Puppy recipes should only be posted on a blog.

And that’s the last time I’ll be discussing that.

xoxo

Marc