Mount Pleasant Magazine July/August 2019

www.MtPleasant.Pet | www.MPVets.Pet | www.facebook.com/MPpets G U I D E PETS 18 ccording to a blog by the adoption website Pet- finder, 19 percent of owners take their dogs to work at least once a month. And this number is growing as more workplaces become pet friendly. National companies like Amazon, Zynga, Google, Facebook, REI, Ticketmaster and 3M let their employees bring their dogs to work. Amazon boasts more than 6,000 dogs that ac- company their humans to work at its facilities. They have been dog friendly from day one. At Google, dogs get a badge, and the corporate code of conduct states, “Google’s affection for our canine friends is an integral facet of our corporate culture.” And at Zoosk, there’s even an award presented each month to one special dog at work. Further- more, Bissell Homecare’s annual employee survey indicates that being able to bring pets to work is a top reason why employees love working there. Four-legged friends add value to the workplace. They cre- ate a laid-back atmosphere, add to the fun and even save on the cost of pet sitters and doggy day cares. In addition, many companies offer pet insurance, dog treats at work and play areas for canine companions. Allowing team members to bring their dogs to work has become a company perk, much like gym memberships and wearing casual clothes, especially for pet-loving millennials. Allowing dogs at work is a growing trend in the Lowcoun- try, too. LinkedIn currently highlights 71 dog-friendly jobs in the Charleston area, including positions at Blue Acorn and BoomTown, where there’s a dog park built out back. The tech company has had as many as 35 dogs at the office. Their website says, "They might not have opposable thumbs or speak the same language we do, but dogs are still an import- ant part of BoomTown’s workforce!” Research has shown that bringing a dog to work can improve employee health, reduce blood pressure and low- er stress. Dogs also open doors for social interactions and make it easier to make friends. Joining this canine-coworker movement in full swing both for its health and social bene- fits, Mount Pleasant definitely has its share of dog-friendly workplaces. Mallory Dunn, owner of Tresses Salon Studio in Mount Pleasant, has been taking her 3-pound chihuahua, Pearl, to work every day for eight years, since she was a puppy. “She’s the salon mascot,” Dunn said. “The clients love her. They immediately ask for her. They say, ‘Where’s the baby?’ Some want Pearl to sit in their laps while they get their hair done.” Pearl prances around the salon in a different outfit every day. Dunn said “the little princess” has too many to count. Recently, Pearl donned a pink skirt and a shirt that said, “Dog hair, don’t care.” Though she is not a fan of tod- dlers, Pearl loves men and takes every opportunity to flirt with them, wagging her tail and going straight up to them. When she’s not in a salon chair or helping greet clients, Pearl naps in her plush purple bed shaped like a princess crown tucked in the corner of the window dis- play shelf. She also barks at squirrels outside and plays with her tiny troll doll. Though Pearl is small, she has a big personality. “She’s sweet, spunky and extremely spoiled,” Dunn said. “She also eases everyone’s mood.” Caymus, a white-and-tan 30-pound labradoodle owned by Chris Findlay, has also been going to work since he was a pup: “I never leave him at home,” said Findlay, owner of Source Building Supply & Design in Mount Pleasant. “He has a bed under my desk and naps there while I work.” Caymus is free to roam the building. Sometimes Findlay doesn’t know where he is for hours. The friendly 1-year-old fellow frequently visits his co-workers and greets clients with his big brown eyes, affectionate smile and happy swishing tail. Caymus is well-trained, and, when Findlay whistles, he comes running. When the 13 employees gather in the lunchroom, Caymus is right there to catch up on the morning news and grab a few treats. If the crew goes out to lunch, they choose restaurants with a dog-friendly patio so Caymus can go, too. As part of the interview A Pearl rules the front desk at Tresses Salon Studio. Caymus greets clients at Source Building Supply and Design. Photo by Tonya McGue. Photo by Tonya McGue.