Google, Amazon, Build-a-Bear Headquarters, Clif Bar, Ben and Jerrys Headquarters, SLANT. What do all of these companies have in common? The fact that they allow dogs in the office. In not knowing what to write about for my first blog post, I figured why not begin with an interesting fact about business that I am fortunate enough to experience, bringing pets to work. When I started my job search, my "dream" list consisted of:

being in Charleston
doing something that mixed business with creativity
being able to bring my dog, Clifford, to work.

I consider myself very lucky to have gotten a job that lets me check all three off the list.

Did you know that studies show that being able to bring a dog to the office not only reduces stress, improves employee feedback on their job, but also promotes better teamwork and collaboration?

Clifford is a soon to be 5 year old Newfoundland/ Springer Spaniel Mix. Serving as "Olfactory Intelligence" he is in charge of smelling out good projects and ideas when he's not busy sleeping in his couch-shaped dog bed, looking out the window at shoppers on King St, dressing as a co-worker's cat for Halloween, or trying to intimidate the occasional UPS deliveryman. I like to think he makes the office atmosphere even more playful and down to earth than it already is. After all, who doesn't love a big fluffy smile and tail wag to greet you throughout the day?