As we observe National Pet Day, it’s a perfect time for us to recognize our pet coworkers — the furry, scaly, and feathery companions that improve our lives in so many different ways. Since many of us continue to work from home, we’ve come to appreciate our furry coworkers’ company and support even more.
In this blog, we’ll share heartwarming stories of pet owners and their adorable pet colleagues who make working from home more bearable and a truly special experience. Discover how our featured pet owners manage to strike a balance between work and pet care while reaping the benefits of having their furry friends by their side.
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The Cage Never Bothered Me Anyway: The Viral Story of Frost and Ice
Bonne Garcia’s Facebook post about her adorable dog coworkers went viral back in January. The local newspaper Philippine Star shared her story, and now we’re diving deeper into her experience of working from home with these playful and energetic furballs.
When asked about her pets, Bonne introduced her two Siberian Huskies, Frost (male, 2 years and 3 months old) and Ice (male, 8 months old). The brothers make quite the team when it comes to their pet coworker duties!
Frost and Ice seem to have unlimited energy so they have turned Bonne’s bed into their playground, bumping into her and even stepping on her laptop! To keep them off her workspace, Bonne cleverly set up a play fence but here’s the catch, instead of setting it up for her dogs, she set it up around her bed. This way, her fur babies can play freely in the room without interrupting her work.
Bonne finds it easy to work from home with her pets around. They provide entertainment and stress relief during her workday. When not in meetings, she enjoys playing with them, cherishing the companionship they offer.
In Bonne’s opinion, the biggest advantage of having her dog coworkers around is the stress relief they provide. They make her feel happy, even when she’s tired or sad from work. The main disadvantage, however, is when she’s in a meeting and cannot take them out to their designated potty area on the balcony. On such occasions, her room becomes their temporary toilet, and she has to endure the smell until she can clean up! Yikes!
Bonne found the perfect solution to keep Frost entertained during the day by getting Ice as a playmate. She can now concentrate on her work while they play together because they have each other. She said that her dogs’ daily routines simply include eating, sleeping, and playing, making them quite low-maintenance pets.
Bonne’s story is a great example of how pet coworkers can make working from home more enjoyable and less stressful. Her Siberian Huskies, Frost and Ice, may be a bit mischievous, but they undoubtedly brighten her days and help her find balance in her work and personal life.
Bring-Your-Pet-To-Work Day: The Adventures of Toby and Winter
Pet owner Roselle Miñez captivates the members of the “Who’s Your Pupper?” Facebook page with a cute photo of bringing her furry companions, Toby and Winter, to work. This heartwarming story provides a charming insight into the experience of having pets in the workplace. Roselle, a devoted pet parent to Toby, a 6-year-old Maltese-Spitz, and Winter, his younger sibling, graciously answers our questions about life with her cherished fur babies.
When asked about the photo that caught our attention, Roselle shared that she brought both Toby and Winter to the office one day. Toby was playing nonstop with Winter, who was just 4-6 months old at the time. To get them to settle down, Roselle placed Toby on her lap, and he behaved like an angel, even napping on her shoulder for a bit. She asked a coworker to snap a photo, but Toby sensed the impromptu photoshoot and woke up just in time.
Caring for her pets while working can be challenging, but Roselle considers them her stress relievers and sources of entertainment. They provide her with company and help keep her mind sane during her workdays.
Roselle mentioned that the advantages of having her pets in the workplace include never feeling lonely and having their companionship, which keeps her spirits up. However, she details that there are also disadvantages, such as occasional distractions when her pets seek attention or need to go outside for a bathroom break.
To balance work and pet care, Roselle has established a daily routine for her fur babies. She takes them to the condo’s garden every four hours for bathroom breaks, and these 15 to 20-minute walks double as her short breaks from work. She praises her pets for being well-behaved and not disturbing her unless they need to go outside.
Roselle’s story highlights the joys and challenges of having pets, showcasing how pet owners can create routines and strategies to balance work and pet care. Her furry companions, Toby and Winter, undoubtedly make her days more enjoyable and fulfilling.
Meerkat Madness: Office Turns Into a Pet-Friendly Wonderland
Ruben Lambrechts, known as @RubenNamibia on Instagram with over 200,000 followers, shares his fascinating experience of working from home with his delightful meerkat, mongoose, and ground squirrel. His video, which captured the hearts of over 45,000 viewers, showcases the joy and challenges of a truly pet-friendly office.
Ruben’s unique trio of pets includes Minki, a 2-year-old meerkat who’s affectionate and loves to sleep; Zoey, a 1.5-year-old Banded Mongoose who’s energetic and always loud; and Hansie, a 6-month-old Ground Squirrel who has recently become more affectionate and playful.
When asked about the amusing scene in his video, Ruben shared that he was working on his laptop when, one by one, his small animals approached him. Some wanted to sleep on his lap, while others sought attention, eventually turning his workspace into a chaotic, albeit adorable, situation.
According to Ruben, he doesn’t find it difficult to work from home with his animals around, as he has trained his mind to focus on his work and not get too distracted by their antics. Much like Roselle and Bonne, his pets provide entertainment and stress relief, but he highlights that they also give him a sense of therapy. The only downside, according to Ruben, is their occasional habit of messing up his desk.
To balance work and pet care, Ruben takes breaks to attend to his pets whenever they come seeking attention. Fortunately, his animals are free-roaming, spending most of their days outside in nature, as they live on a farm. This setup allows them to live their best lives while also being a part of Ruben’s pet-friendly office environment.
Ruben’s story is a delightful example of how working from home with unconventional pets can add joy, excitement, and a touch of wildness to daily life. Minki, Zoey, and Hansie might be an unusual team, but their presence undoubtedly makes Ruben’s workspace more lively as it provides a unique perspective on the concept of a pet-friendly office.
Purr-fect Assistants: Marjorie's Adventures with Her Cat Coworker, Chongki
Marjorie Orantes shares her endearing experience of working from home with her feline friend, Chongki, who she sadly lost before his adoption birthday due to a virus. Despite the heartache, her story highlights the unique and comforting aspects of having cat coworkers at home.
Chongki, a local cat that Marjorie adopted from Cats of Eton Centris, had an adorable habit of sleeping on her keyboard. She couldn’t bear to disturb him, so whenever he settled down for a nap, she would lovingly grant him a few moments of peaceful slumber.
Marjorie takes solace in the presence of her cats while working, as they offer soothing breaks and serve as empathetic listeners to her everyday concerns. One of the advantages of having cat coworkers is the warmth they bring to her home, ensuring she never feels alone.
According to Marjorie, however, there are also disadvantages to being a cat owner. It might take time and money to provide their basic requirements, such as their food and medical care. Sometimes, the expenses for her pets surpass her own personal spending.
To strike a balance between work and pet care, Marjorie provides her cats with toys and activities to keep them occupied. She also focuses on completing her tasks before engaging in playtime with her feline companions.
Marjorie’s experience is proof of the happiness and consolation cat coworkers may offer in a work-from-home setting. Chongki’s memory and her new cat’s presence serve as constant reminders of the power of unconditional love and companionship that our furry friends provide.
Paw-sitive Work Vibes: The Benefits of Pets in the Workplace with Kiwi
Rish Mangubat, a proud pet parent, shares her experiences of working from home with her furry companion, Kiwi. Kiwi is a unique mix of Shih Tzu, Terrier, Spitz, and Mini Pin. Although he can be a handful, Rish and her husband find joy and stress relief in Kiwi’s presence while they work.
In a hilarious incident, Rish moved to the bed to work more comfortably, only to find Kiwi taking full advantage of the cozy spot to rest. Rish admits that working from home with pets can be challenging, as they demand attention like toddlers. Despite the occasional noise and distractions, Rish and her husband cherish their “Kiwi breaks” to recharge and relax.
Having pets around while working from home has its advantages and disadvantages. Kiwi can be a stubborn distraction, but he also helps Rish maintain a healthy routine and reminds her to take breaks. Balancing pet care and work involves adjusting personal routines to accommodate the pets’ needs and using mental exercise toys with treats to keep them busy.
The benefits of pets in the workplace are evident in Rish’s story, as they provide a sense of joy, stress relief, and companionship. Even with the challenges they bring, pets like Kiwi make the work-from-home experience a little brighter and more enjoyable.
Pawsome Partners: The Perks of Having a Pet Coworker
As we’ve seen through the heartwarming stories of Bonne, Roselle, Ruben, Marjorie, and Rish, pets truly make a difference in our daily work-from-home experience. Our furry friends provide love, companionship, and stress relief, making them the ultimate coworkers. They remind us to take breaks, cherish the little moments, and find joy in their playful antics.
While there may be challenges in balancing work and pet care, the rewards are undeniable. Our pet coworkers make our homes more lively and our workdays more bearable. Embrace the unique bond you share with your pets, and make the most of the time you spend together.
Discover Pet-Friendly Opportunities with Joblu
As you navigate your career journey, why not explore opportunities that support a pet-friendly work environment? Check out Joblu, a platform that connects job seekers with companies that value work-life balance to help you have more time with your pet. Let Joblu help you find the perfect role that allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds – a fulfilling career and a happy life with your furry friend.
Frequently Asked Questions About National Pet Day
Q: What day is National Pet Day celebrated?
A: National Pet Day is celebrated annually on April 11, giving pet lovers an opportunity to appreciate and show extra love to their furry, scaly, or feathered companions.
Q: Who invented National Pet Day?
A: According to The Economic Times, National Pet Day was founded by Colleen Paige, an animal welfare advocate, in 2006.
Q: How do you celebrate Pet Day?
A: Celebrating Pet Day can be as simple or elaborate as you like. You could spoil your pet with their favorite treats, toys, or some extra snuggle time. A special outing or walk could be a fun way to bond, too.
Q: When is National Pet Day?
A: National Pet Day is celebrated annually on April 11th, so mark your calendars and get ready to honor the pets who brighten our days and keep us company during work hours.
