Dog Days Are Great for Business

Dog Days Are Great for Business

by Michael L. Sanz
Photography (below) by Nic Eve

Woodrow, a 9-year-old Boxer-English Bull Dog, heads to work riding shotgun next to his owner, Chase Cuppia. His parents are third generation owners of Modern Jewelers in Beaufort. The guys have been a team since Chase graduated from USC in 2008. There was never a question whether Woodrow would partner with Chase at work. Upon arrival, Woodrow takes his place in the shop’s front window. He greets everyone by rolling over and waiting for a belly rub. “Woodrow is great for business,” says Chase. “He hangs out with kids, smiles for pictures and he’s our best advertisement.” He lives for treats and customers love to oblige. His biggest prize to date… a little girl brought Woodrow a Dairy Queen Blizzard!

Chase is one of the estimated 1.4 million business owners in the United States who take their dog to work. A University of Michigan study found that bringing “Rover” to work boosts morale, increases productivity and enhances worker motivation. Also, having a dog in the office leads to more cooperation and increased levels of trust. Physiologically, oxytocin, a.k.a. the “trust hormone,” is released when we gaze into a dog’s eyes!

Jerry is a 12-year-old Shih Tzu that accompanies owner Gary Fronzack to Goldsmith Jewelers every morning. Jerry is a cancer survivor. Gary proudly states, “Jerry brings joy to me and my customers. He’s my buddy.” Jerry sleeps on pillows most of the day but gets up to greet each customer as the Goldsmith Jewelers’ ambassador.

You have to believe that dogs are allowed on the furniture at Wolfgang Brinsa’s shop, Magnolia Upholstery. Every morning he is joined by Maggie, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy. This breed was the most popular lap dog of English royalty in the 1700s. Even though she’s still in training, Wolfgang considers Maggie a wonderful asset for the business. She stars in company ads and provides an atmosphere of comfort for his customers. “I try not to spoil her but when I look at those big eyes, I can’t help it”, says Wolfgang. “Something is missing in my life when she’s not here…companionship!”

Nancy and Darrel have owned Quinn’s Jewelers for 38 years. Toy poodles, Kodie and Kasey are contributing co-workers. “They didn’t like being left by themselves,” stated Nancy Quinn. After a couple of weeks they were swept into the jewelry business and became customer favorites. They greet everyone with a quick bark and head back to their bed. Nancy laughed about the joy they bring to visitors, especially one customer who comes in regularly to get her, “puppy fix.”

Ron Moon owns the new Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming on Hilton Head. His eyes light up when talking about Bandit. “How great is it to bring your best buddy to work every day?” While Ron and I chatted, Bandit nestled up against me. I couldn’t stop petting him throughout the interview. This joint venture started when Ron was running this same business in Orlando. “Bandit would be anxiously waiting in the window each day when I got home. I couldn’t stand it, so I brought him to work.” Bandit greets every customer. Often, strangers pick Bandit up, and walk around the store cuddling him in their arms. “Bandit has a great time every day.”

Maddie is a mix of schnauzer, terrier and a neighbor’s sneaky dog. She is a shop veteran recognized for her fashionable pearls. She has been the spirit of ArtWare along with her owner, Jennifer Megliore, for years. Maddie is a favorite with customers who look for the four-legged Diva before connecting with Jennifer. “It wouldn’t be ArtWare without Maddie.” Jennifer adopted Maddie as a rescue dog. She immediately took over the store.  Maddie loves the attention and is quite the entertainer. It starts with high fives to get the treats flowing. Maddie then leads the visitors in games of hide-and-seek. Maddie saves the best trick for last. She can count to five. Yes. It’s true!  

At the end of an exhilarating day, Maddie jumps into the car and rolls the pearls off her neck. Another day of customer satisfaction is done! Jennifer spends lots of time taking care of Maddie. “My dog gets better health care than I do!” Her love for Maddie is reflected in her community involvement with several animal charities. She provides tremendous support to the Bluffton Dog Park Project. “I relish every moment with Maddie. Every day that I am living is a week in her life,” Jennifer said.

If you’re in need of legal advice and thrive for that doggie love and attention, check out the law firm of Regina M. Banis, LLC. Visitors are greeted by Mia and Duchess. Mia is a Yorkshire terrier and Duchess is a rescue dog. I’m not sure they are partners yet but they joined the firm in the summer of 2015. Regina shared that Duchess has a sixth sense for people needing extra attention. “She recognizes that many people visiting the office are stressed or angry. She is always right there, nudging them with her head.” The clients become much calmer, allowing them to work through tough situations. Regina is active in the community connecting dogs to people. She founded HOS Pets. This organization works to bring dogs into nursing homes visiting patients in hospice care. Regina also started the program, PAWS to Read. The Boys’ and Girls’ clubs have dogs visit and the children read to them. Organizers find the children to be more relaxed because they’re reading to an entity that is nonjudgmental.

As we approach the dog days of summer, consider the benefits of bringing your dog to work. It should enhance the warmth and hospitality of your business…unless you own a junkyard. Think of the possible benefits. Your blood pressure will go down and profits will go up. It doesn’t have to be a dog-eat-dog world!