Security Means Responsibility — Also in Real Life
When we spent some time in rural Poland, we didn’t expect it: one day, a stray dog approached us and started following us. We suspected that this dog, emaciated and with dull fur, had been through a lot. We asked the locals and found out that he had sometimes lived on the street, and at other times had been locked up in a cage far too small – without movement, affection, or protection.
Looking away was not an option for us. So we took action. We did everything we could to get him out of that situation. We covered all the costs, took him to the vet, had him chipped, vaccinated, neutered, and dewormed several times. Taking him to an animal shelter was not an option, because the animals there are not any better off. So we gave him a place in our family — and a name: Jacky.
Especially our little four-legged friend Gismo lovingly took him under his wing. The two bundles of energy played, romped around, and rested side by side. You could almost see Jacky gaining a little more trust each day. During the first few weeks he was with us, we could watch him blossom. Thanks to the whole-food vegan diet, his coat became shinier and he gained muscle mass. Through the regular daily routines, he became more balanced.
We contacted several animal welfare organizations, asking for support so that the roughly one-year-old Jacky could find his forever family. Some did not respond or turned us down. But a few shared Jacky’s profile. Honestly, most gave us little hope that anyone would be interested in him. But then the unexpected happened — a jackpot in animal rescue! A young couple reached out. After many emails and a video call, we had a very good feeling. Still, meeting face to face is always different. By that time, we were already in Litochoro — of course, with Jacky. The couple, however, lived in Warsaw. Despite the risk, Adela drove there with Jacky — because sometimes you just know that a life depends on you trying.
It turned out to be the right decision! The three of them got along from the very beginning, as if it had always been that way.
For Jacky, this is a story with a happy ending!
And for us, it’s a moment that shows how much can happen when you take responsibility — despite doubts and headwinds.
What does that have to do with IT/OT security?
More than one might think at first glance. Security always begins with responsibility.
In IT/OT security, it’s all about creating protection — for systems, data, and people. We act to prevent harm, or ideally, before something bad happens. And it was precisely this mindset that guided us with Jacky.
He reminds us every day why we do what we do: because security depends on looking where the vulnerabilities are… because trust can only grow when you take responsibility, and because looking away is never an option.
Our experiences with Jacky have shown us how important this message truly is: Adopt – don’t shop!
If you’re thinking about giving an animal a home, please don’t go to a breeder or dealer. As long as animal shelters are overcrowded and dogs like Jacky live on the streets or in cages, it’s simply wrong to buy animals. A look into an animal shelter or at animal welfare organizations is worthwhile — many wonderful four-legged friends are waiting there to finally arrive home.
Adopt – don’t shop. Because every rescued animal changes not only its own life but also the lives of its humans.
Conclusion: Rescue & Protect – we protect what matters.
Whether in IT/OT security, in life, or in how we treat animals: security always begins with awareness, action, and taking responsibility. That is our mindset. Jacky is the best reminder of why it matters.
