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By: Getty Stewart
Head of the Home Range
"It's two o'clock in the afternoon, my head is pounding, my eyes are weary, my fingers are numb and my mind has reached its limit - I've hit the wall and am in desperate need of a pick me up. Three months ago, I would have grabbed a cup of coffee or snuck a chocolate bar, but now, I grab a tennis ball and call for Charlie. Not even a cup of Extra Dark San Lorenzo coffee can perk me up the way a game of 'get the ball' with Charlie can."
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Charlie is a small, seven and a half year old poodle with big brown eyes and curly black hair. Charlie started work at IBEX Herdquarters this past summer. He comes to work every day with his person, Frank, and he's made quite an impact.
While Charlie is first and foremost Frank's creative muse and constant companion, his collateral grace is that just by being his little loving self, he humanizes the workplace - making it a kinder, gentler place to be. Ironically, Charlie the dog, does this better than any single human being could. His presence is a constant reminder to:
- Live your passion. (Charlie loves chasing balls.)
- Seek new opportunities. (There is always another ball to be found.)
- Ask for help when you need it. (Others can and will help you get your ball - if asked properly.)
- Spread joy. (The more love you give, the more you get. And the better everyone is for it.)
Charlie is a welcome addition to our Herd. He's well trained and well socialized, often blending into the environment unheard and unseen - unless, of course, you need a little pick me up. He is a perfect office dog and we're thrilled to have him.
But, while our tails are wagging in delight, I must caution that having a dog in the office is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Just like any other addition to the team, it's important to consider the candidate carefully before bringing them on board. Be sure to consider questions such as:
- Whose dog(s) can come to work? Who decides?
- How will you determine if a dog is well socialized and well trained enough for an office environment? (Perceptions of what these mean vary widely from one dog owner to another.)
- What if an employee or customer has allergies? (Some people are allergic even to hypoallergenic breeds like Charlie.)
- What if an employee really dislikes or fears dogs?
- Where will the dog be allowed to go or not go?
- Who will take care of the dog? What if the owner is temporarily unavailable?
- How will you let visitors to the office know there is a dog on the premise?
- How will you handle concerns, issues or questions that may arise from employees or customers?
- How will the dog owner respond to others 'disciplining' their (precious little) dog? Will they take it personally?
- How will the dog owner train the dog to curtail its instinct to defend its territory (ie. office cubicle)?
- How will the dog owner introduce co-workers to the dog and what is acceptable or not acceptable people behaviour? (eg. Can I give him a piece of my turkey sandwich?)
While we don't have answers to all these questions, we have learned that the right "dog" adds dimension and texture to the organizational culture in the same way the right "human" does.
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