workin’ like a dog

workplaces across the country are getting a little bit cuddlier.
More and more companies across the U.S. have started allowing staff to bring pets into the office in recent years—and the animal addition has proved beneficial to human employees. Studies found that people who work around dogs have lower work-related stress levels, experience stronger cohesion and group satisfaction, and are more productive overall than their canine-free counterparts.

Although some businesses have only recently embraced dog-friendly policies, others have built them into their DNA from day one. For example, ever since Tito Beveridge first started making Tito’s Handmade Vodka alongside his pup DogJo in the ‘90s, a large contingent of co-woofers have run through the company’s doors. “Except for inside the distillery,” said Justin Henderson, of distillery operations whose mutt Willie joins him at work every day. “We’re FDA approved.”

Whether they’re clocking into work at a distillery, a baseball diamond, or an elected office, here are some dogs who don’t just keep their owners company on the job—they’re actually thriving in their own careers.

Willie’s story began just outside of the distillery, when Henderson found the scrawny, 6-month-old terrier mix abandoned just outside of the property.

“Tito’s encourages that animals who show up or get dumped out on these country roads be adopted within our ranks,” he said. On top of working alongside nonprofits to support animal welfare initiatives, the company also has found other homes for over 80 local rescue dogs who wandered to the distillery. Willie is just one of the distillery’s shining stars. “When I looked at that little guy, I knew there was something special,” said Henderson.

Now a four-year veteran, Willie has found himself filling in for various jobs around the property. He works as security, protecting the perimeter of the property by keeping the rabbits and gophers at bay. He provides emotional support to employees who’ve had a “ruff’ day on the job. And he’s a social director, facilitating conversations among workers and checking in on his human underlings before and after they sign on for shifts. “We can literally sit out at the gate at shift change and guys would come in and everybody's gonna reach out and shake his paw, or pat him on his head, he’s just a magnet,” said Henderson. “[The dogs are] our companions, and they're our coworkers, all the way around.”

Forget about balls. This retriever’s job is to fetch discarded bats for New Jersey minor league baseball team the Trenton Thunder—just like his father Derby used to do, and like Derby’s father before him.

When the team is in season, Rookie starts his day by going office to office to wish everyone a good morning—taking extra care to visit his coworkers who keep treats in their desks. Rookie then goes down to the players’ clubhouse for belly rubs and fast ball practice before getting ready for the most exciting part of the game: that first swing and crack as the bat makes contact with the ball. Showtime.

Even though Rookie is a third-generation bat-dog, he had some trouble initially claiming the role as his own. The first time he heard the fans cheering him on, Lipsman said, “He would run out, he wouldn't even pick up the bat at home plate—he'd just come running right back into the dugout.”

While some dogs might have backed out following the very public kerfuffle—TV camera crews were rolling—Rookie put in his time with the trainer and became an MVP, who now fetches bats and serves water to umpires in the outfield on hot summer nights.

“The last two years, he's absolutely been 100% perfect, he has not missed one bat [or been distracted by one incoming ball],” Lipsman said. “He goes out there full speed, he's so excited, and enthusiastic. He knows when we tell him there are two outs before he has to go on the field, he just runs to the door waiting. As soon as we say, ‘Okay, Rookie. Three outs. Let's head.’”

Even though Rookie might be the most famous person (er, member) on the team, recently shooting commercials to keep himself busy during the off season, Lipsman promises, “He doesn’t let the fame go to his head.”

With an eye for civil service rather than Hollywood fame, rescue Pit Bull Brynneth “Brynn” Pawltro was elected as the mayor of Rabbit Hash, Kentucky in 2016—a tiny town with a fun tradition of electing animals to raise money for local causes.

Brynn ran on a platform to bring the town “plenty of love and peace” to the community, and soon became the 315-person town’s fourth consecutive dog mayor.

“She beat my chicken,” said Bobbi Kayser, leader of the Rabbit Hash Historical Society Board of Directors and also mother of pup Lucy Lou.

Despite some inevitable partisan squabbles, the town fully supports Brynn’s electoral victory.

“Her main duty is just to show up,” said Bamforth. From hosting Ohio River clean up days to keeping an open line of communication with her constituents, Brynn goes above and beyond fulfilling her mayoral obligations, wagging her tail as she goes.