How a Stray Dog Changed Everything for Jack Jokinen
- How a Stray Dog Changed Everything for Jack Jokinen Devin Thorpe 25:44
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Devin: What is your superpower?
Jack: I think my superpower, I would say, is empathy.
Today’s episode of Superpowers for Good features Jack Jokinen, an author whose life was transformed by the unexpected arrival of a stray dog. Jack’s story is one of compassion, resilience, and how small acts of kindness can ripple into something far greater.
In December 2019, a stray dog limped into Jack’s home through a door left ajar during a storm. Despite her poor condition—malnourished and suffering from infected paws and dental issues—Jack and his family chose to take her in. They named her Suzy, and she quickly became a beloved part of the family.
Reflecting on the experience, Jack shared, “It could have been a lot worse. That was the only path forward, turning something negative into something positive.” Over time, Jack and his family raised $42,000 from generous supporters, more than enough to cover Suzy’s medical bills. With the excess funds, they launched an initiative to help hundreds of other dogs find their forever homes.
Jack’s story, now immortalized in his children’s book A Stray Dog for Christmas, continues to inspire people worldwide. As Jack puts it, “We’ve changed a lot of lives. We’ve saved a lot of lives. And it’s something that myself and my family are really proud of.”
Jack’s journey teaches us all a valuable lesson: when we open our hearts, the impact of even the smallest actions can be profound.
tl;dr:
* Jack Jokinen shares the heartwarming story of how a stray, malnourished dog, Susie, unexpectedly entered his home and how his family decided to adopt her, inspiring many others to adopt rescue dogs.
* After receiving $42,000 in donations for Susie’s medical care, Jack and his family used the excess funds to help support 366 dog adoptions over the span of a leap year.
* Jack discusses Susie’s ongoing recovery, her joyful integration into their family, and how her story has touched the lives of many, leading to the publication of his children’s book, A Stray Dog for Christmas.
* Jack reflects on empathy as his superpower, explaining how a focus on understanding others has positively influenced both his personal and professional life, particularly in his work as a customer success manager.
* Jack encourages empathy in his children by helping them understand the motivations behind others’ actions and emphasizes the importance of living by example to inspire kindness and empathy in future generations.
How to Develop Empathy As a Superpower
Jack’s superpower is empathy. He developed this ability through experiences that helped him see beyond surface behaviors, understanding the deeper struggles others face. This empathetic perspective allows him to relate to people with compassion and make more meaningful connections in both his personal and professional life.
Jack shared a powerful story of how empathy became central to his life. Early in his career, a lesson involving Bart Simpson reframed his perspective on others’ behaviors. Instead of seeing Bart as a “troublemaker,” Jack learned to see him as a child in trouble, dealing with tough circumstances. This lesson shifted Jack’s worldview, helping him recognize that people’s actions often stem from more profound struggles, shaping his approach to Relationships and interactions, including rescuing Suzy, a stray dog.
Tips for Developing Empathy:
* Pause and Reflect: When faced with negativity, take a moment to consider what might have led the other person to act in this way.
* Ask Questions: Try to understand the other person’s point of view by asking thoughtful questions that reveal their underlying concerns.
* Practice Patience: If you’re in a frustrating situation, give yourself time before reacting. Jack suggests taking a walk before responding to heated emails.
* Model Empathy: Live empathetically in front of others, especially children, by demonstrating compassionate responses to challenging situations.
By following Jack’s example and advice, you can make empathy a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.
Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!
Guest Profile
Jack Jokinen (he/him):
Author, SourceBooks Kids
About SourceBooks Kids: Sourcebooks Kids publishes notable fiction and non-fiction projects, including board books, picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade works with the hope of engaging children in the pure fun of books and the wonder of learning new things.
Website: astraydogforchristmas.com
X/Twitter Handle: @Sourcebooks
Company Facebook Page: fb.com/SuzynPupman
Biographical Information: Jack Jokinen is a businessman, blogger, podcaster, and author. He lives outside Philadelphia with his wife, Emily, their two daughters, Johanna and Layla, and their two dogs, George and Suzy. After receiving global attention for adopting Suzy, Jack used his platform to spread awareness for animal adoption and positive change in the world. This led to Jack writing A Stray Dog for Christmas to continue to spread a positive message. X/Twitter Handle: @jjfromthebronx
Personal Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/jack.jokinen/
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jackjokinen/
Instagram Handle: Suzy’s: @suzynpupman Mine: @JJFromTheBronx
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