In honor of our upcoming April State of the Industry report on hiring and retention, we offer this example of a high-potential performer who can make an immediate impact. But as we well know, without proper training, an individual’s skill sets will go to waste.
At CTWP of Waco, Texas, there’s a lot of buzz around the newest addition. His name is Reux (pronounced Roo), and he’s a Catahoula (cat-a-who-la) Leopard Dog. The name has its roots in the Choctaw, meaning “sacred lake.” The markings are extremely distinct on this breed, which originated in the state of Louisiana.
Roux certainly boasts a commanding presence; at eight months old, he already weighs nearly 100 pounds. Training and socialization is a must; sweet though he may seem, the breed can be very independent, territorial and protective, according to the American Kennel Club. They will assert themselves in self-defense if mistreated, but when properly raised, they can be affectionate, loyal and gentle.
We know what you’re thinking—it’s an impressive-looking creature, but what can he do to help ease the workload at CTWP? Actually, he serves a different type of role for the dealership’s ‘top dog,’ David Willie. In addition to being CTWP’s proprietor, Willie also owns a cattle ranch that produces wagyu beef—one of the most expensive meats in the world—in addition to raising calves and breeding stock.
Willie is known to log 12-hour days split between the dealer and the ranch. Reux is tasked with being a ranch dog, which is largely herding livestock and guarding the property. But despite his hardscrabble, cowboy-esque duties, Reux is the “sweetest pup,” according to CTWP’s Christine Zirkle, and drops by the dealer’s office once a week.
“He says hello to everyone and, of course, collects his treats,” she noted. “He never misses a chance to get his hugs, and if you’re lucky, he might even give you one of his famous seal kisses.”
Here, Roux is shown with LeRoy, the dachshund/Yorkie-mix who is the spokespooch for CTWP. LeRoy is a bit of a celebrity, having appeared in local TV commercials as the “Copier Dog.” The little guy is also Willie’s constant companion (check out our 2024 cover story on LeRoy and CTWP here).
