[jpwagner]

That's an interesting quote, but I think it's got a ton of problems as a metaphor.

(1) Not all startups grow up.

(2) It wouldn't be socially acceptable to repeatedly get a new puppy and give it away when it's a dog. In business this practice is acceptable if not encouraged.

(3) Dogs don't live forever.

...just to name a few

[jayunit]

All great points. My takeaway from Charlie's comparison was an encouragement to move from a "rah, rah, yay startups" perspective that celebrates the trappings of startups towards a focus on building sustainable businesses, small or large.