A week or two ago, I saw a story on Today about people who take their pets to work. I didn’t catch the full story, however. I think it was really more about how much pets influence some people’s lives. All aspects of it.
Work
One of the men profiled in the Today piece explained how he had moved his workplace for his dog. Apparently he runs his own business and leases office space. When a landlord prohibited pets from being in the building, the man went and found more accommodating office space elsewhere.
But other people who didn’t own their own businesses were also featured. Regular people just “working for the man,” as the expression goes. But in their cases, “the man” happened to believe employees who were allowed to bring their dogs to work were more productive.
Which makes sense. A happy employee is a more productive employee. As some of the employees suggested, they liked their employers and jobs a lot more because of the lenient bring your dog to work policy.
Cars
The same man who found a new office building so his dog could keep coming to work with him also said he based his car buying decisions on his dog. (As well as his place of residence and vacation destinations.)
I most definitely did this with Murph. I’ve had my eye on a Mini Cooper ever since they came out. I wanted one so badly, but…when it came time to trade my old car in, I had to take Murph into consideration. Even though they are surprisingly spacious inside, Murph’s was too big to fit comfortably so no Mini for me. (But that’s okay. We’ve got Nissy to tool around in instead!)
Housing
Last year we had plans to move. I had a checklist not only of what Wayne and I would need in a house, but what would make Murphy, Mr. Meow, and Tabby happy as well.
I know Aimee did this when she relocated also. Many a good pet parent factors not only a home’s inside conveniences into the house-shopping equation, but also external considerations. Such as yard size, walking routes, nearby parks and trails, pet-friendly events or attractions, and other animals in the neighborhood. (I always look for a pet tolerant environment. Don’t want to move into a neighborhood full of lawn guardians!).
Vacations
Sometimes it can’t be helped that Wayne and I end up taking a people-only vacation, but for the most part we try to make it a family affair. Murph’s been with us to Charleston, Fort Myers, Orlando, Denver, and Gatlinburg. Heck, Mr. Meow even went on a road trip with us to Denver one Christmas.
When Murph does come with us, I always plan time for Murph-specific activities. Like when we went to Gatlinburg. I stumbled across a dogs allowed pet store on the net, and that’s how we ended up spending one morning at the Smoky Mountain Dog House.
But my dream is still to take him on a beach getaway to Cape San Blas where we can both run free through the sand together.
Related Articles
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