Any other Office Doods out there?

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

As I was sitting in my office looking out the window at the sunny day, I started to reflect on how fortunate I am. You see, I get to bring my dog to work with me! I could do it every day if I wanted too, but Grandma is home with the tiny humans for the day and I think that they would all miss Gia if I took her EVERY day. 

Anyway, I decided to throw it out there to see how many other people are as fortunate as I am and get to take their best friends to work with them? I can say that my worst work days with my dood at my side are better than the best work days without her. 

Oh, and she has a cavalier that she can play with while she is with me. So when she isn't sleeping or chewing on an appropriate toy (I had to puppy proof my office!), then she can run a muck through the building or play in the back yard with a dog pal! 

So what are things you do with your dood at work? Do you think it makes time go faster? Does it help your mood? 

Happy Monday! 

Amber and Gia

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

I take Daisy to work with me 3 or 4 days out of the week - she goes to doggy daycare one day and I try to leave her at home one day so she can relax.

She is the best thing that ever happened to our office. Clients come in just to see Daisy, the UPS & Fed Ex drivers come with a doggy treat every day and on the days she isn't there they are so disappointed.

We have a door chime and every time it goes off she runs to the front counter to plant those big white paws up there to greet them. She is always there first and 99% of the time she is well received. On occasion there are some that are not infatuated with our Doodle (can you imagine, not loving a doodle?) but usually she senses that and goes back to my office.

I feel so fortunate, this is a benefit none other compares to. Seriously I thank my lucky stars.

[Harley Girl & Linda Neff]

I take Harley to the office with me also. She is very well behaved and lays at my feet under the desk only getting up to follow me when I have to go to the copier or to the reception area to greet someone. One of the attorneys also brings his dog, Shotzi (sp?) in also and they have a great time running from one end of the office to the other. I would say 99% of the clients love the dogs and all say how lucky we are to be able to bring our dogs to work.

[Christine & Camus]

I am one of the lucky ones! Camus comes to work with me. It started with Nietzsche. Since Nietzsche had extreme separation anxiety I asked my boss if I could bring him and although he was a bit hesitant at first, he agreed to allow him to come on a trial basis. Nietzsche won over the entire lab and I became the happiest employee in the lab.

Enter Camus. At first I only brought him once or twice a week, however when he began to explore the art of interior design while I was at work (eating the couch and more) I decided it would be best to bring him every day. You see, we had very different ideas regarding the style of interior design. I prefer a put-together look, while Camus seems to like a more shabby-chic look.

And, since we are working on his new found fear issues, he also gets his daily therapy at work. It is helping him. He now lets others touch him, without turning tail and running, although at times he will try to hide behind me. Break time includes playing in one of several large grassy areas and once in awhile trying to steal a frizzbee from the students playing in the square. I love having him with me and even though he is a bit shy everyone likes him.

Photo of Camus in one of our labs and video of play time.

[Marianne *OZZY & ZOEY]

This is Zoey in my office, she likes to come to work with me and her Doodle Dad too. Everyone enjoys the days that she does go with me.

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

I'm also one of the quasi-fortunate in that I work from home 2 days one week, 3 the next and when I do Bosco is always by my side! (or laying on the cool tile right outside my office door). One of the reasons I wanted another dog so much after my Lab passed -- I really missed having that companionship while I worked. My former manager thought that was nuts - questioned how I expected a puppy not to disrupt me while trying to work -- but truly, that has never been a problem. ONLY on occasion when I'm on a professional call and Bosco starts barking -- though most people are understanding and don't feel it represents a major distraction. I've learned to keep conference calls on mute, though :-)

Having a dog beside you really helps ease the stress of the work day. I hope the practice gains greater acceptance.