Melanie Riley
DOGS are everybody’s best friend, and local businesses embraced the spirit of Take Your Dog to Work Day today.
Kevin the jack russell is just over three years old and owner of Multi Metals Nick Neave has brought him to the site every day since his takeover of the business in January last year.
He spends time in the office, but can often be found in the workshop and the yard working hard.
“He’s known as the workshop dog – he just roams around here and does his thing,” Mr Neave said.
“I bring him along so he doesn’t get stuck at home by himself and he lifts the morale in the workplace.
“Everyone here knows him. Every day he’s here they share his smoko and Brian feeds him biscuits every day.
Mr Neave said for both customers and staff alike, Kevin is a fun and happy addition to the site.
“It gives them something positive in their day.”
Owner of Salon 7 Janene Lightbody takes mini groodle Gerald and golden retriever Georg Jensen into the salon every working day.
Gerald has been heading into work with Ms Lightbody since he was three years old, and is now 16, and Georg Jensen is just a pup at 7 months old.
“I think it’s a nice happy greeting when people walk in, and most people love them,” she said.
“As long as they’re clean and not jumping over people, and they’re nice to have around.”
Ms Lightbody said being able to bring her dogs to work helps them to stay active and entertained throughout the day.
“Once we get home, they’re happy to just chill out because they’ve already done a full work day,” she said.
“It’s a win for them and a win for me.”
For customers, it is an added bonus when sitting in the chair, and gives both them and the staff something to brighten their day.
“They’ll go and chat to people and sit in their lap and the staff love them – it’s a bit of a distraction.”
“We’re all very very lucky it works.”
