Pets provide comfoting influence in workplace

Letting your pooch or cat tag along to work can reduce stress, diffuse tension and could even be good for business, according to local business-people who take their pets to work.

Springfield City Councilman Tom Carlson has been taking his Scottish terrier, Petey, to work with him at his law and property development office from time to time for three years. Carlson said his love of animals runs in the family.

"My late father was a vet, and my sister is a vet, and my whole family has pets," he said. "My mother felt I should have a pet to take with me just like the rest of them."

Carlson said he likes having his buddy at work. "I just enjoy the companionship," he said. Petey isn't disruptive, but he does let people in the office know when someone comes in. "He's a good door alarm," Carlson said. "Nobody's going to sneak up on us."

Murney Associates owner Patrick Murney said he began taking his black Labrador, Topper, to work with him about four years ago.

"I work all the time, so I didn't think I'd ever get to see him unless I took him with me," he said. "I felt like his temperament would be well-suited to the office."

Murney was right not only is Topper suited for the office, but the office loves him, too.

"It's worked out better than anyone would have thought we have 125 people in the company, and they're all his best friends."

Topper looks forward to going to work each day, according to Murney, who said that the dog doesn't like it when he decides to leave a little late for the office.

Not every animal would make a good office buddy, Murney said. The pet must be mild-tempered and its conduct non-disruptive and conducive to business.

"The client should be the center of attention, not the dog," he said.

Does the office life pose any hazards to the animal? Both Murney and Carlson said the only risk to their dogs is being overindulged by fellow employees.

Pets can even be good for business, according to Larry and Sue Miller, owners of Wild Birds Unlimited. Charlie, the store's fat cat in residence, was so much a part of the store that when the Millers acquired Wild Birds Unlimited two years ago, Charlie was part of the deal.

"The previous owner thought it would be good for the cats to stay," Larry Miller said. Charlie and fellow cat Squeaky have been going to work each day for all of their eight years.

One can appreciate the irony of a 27-pound cat in a store called Wild Birds Unlimited.

"The reason for the cats is that we store a lot of seed here, and the seed attracts mice," Miller said. "In fact, a lot of the Wild Birds Unlimited franchise stores have cats."

A pet at work can also help customers identify with the business, Miller said.

"Charlie is kind of the mascot for the store," he said. Charlie's annual birthday party, held in conjunction with a sidewalk sale, usually draws more than 100 people, Miller said.

Murney also throws a birthday party for Topper who entertains at least 250 guests at the annual festivities. "We have kids who come in just to play with him, and people call the switchboard just to ask about Topper," Murney said.

Pets can also help lubricate the business process. Murney said Topper's presence puts clients at ease and even helps diffuse tension during a tough meeting.

"Just having a calming, happy animal around will reduce anyone's stress," Murney said.

Having the right pet at work can go a long way toward enhancing the office environment.

"It creates a work environment where the staff feels more comfortable," Murney said. "It doesn't feel like a sterile work environment, it's more homelike."