I adopted a dachshund named Frankie late last year. Frankie is adorable — except for her breath. Her teeth were coated in plaque from years of neglect. I wanted an organic solution, so I Googled natural plaque remedies and found a common recommendation: sprinkle a little xylitol on the dog food.
Thankfully, before trying it, I decided to ask ChatGPT, “How much sugar would be safe for a dog?” The answer: none. Xylitol is incredibly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. What felt like a thoughtful, organic solution was suddenly a potentially lethal mistake.
This experience taught me something obvious but easy to forget: context matters more than search results. We often act on incomplete information, whether in parenting, engineering, or business. There’s a famous exercise where students are told to write instructions for making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Most forget obvious steps like opening the jar or taking the bread out of the bag. That’s how we often approach software specifications and supply chain procedures—leaving out critical context.
## The role of AI
ChatGPT didn’t “save my dog” because it’s smarter than me; it saved her because it forced me to slow down and ask a better question. AI tools are not replacements for critical thinking; they are amplifiers of it. Used correctly, they help us explore consequences, test assumptions and see around corners. Used blindly, they amplify our blind spots.
This is true in business as much as in life. Experience alone doesn’t protect us from making poor choices; we need systems that surface what we don’t know. That’s why I’m passionate about responsible AI adoption. I’ve been working with the **AI Collective** and the **AI Collective – Hampton Roads** initiative, and partnering with the Intermodal Association of North America, to define ethical standards and practical frameworks for deploying AI in the supply chain.
## Context is everything
The problem isn’t using AI; it’s using it without thinking. A simple search recommended xylitol. ChatGPT clarified the broader context and turned a dangerous suggestion into a life–saving pause. Whether you’re caring for a pet, writing software or managing logistics, the ability to slow down, ask better questions and think more clearly may be the most valuable skill we have.
Frankie is still with us, plaque-free and living her best life. And I’m reminded daily that context is everything.
Latest posts by Chris Machut (see all)
- Episode 30 – SaaS Isn’t Dead – Generic SaaS Is - February 25, 2026
- Episode 29 – The Matrix Got One Thing Right About AI Agents - February 5, 2026
- Episode 28 – ChatGPT Saved My Dog - January 8, 2026
