Why every business should have an office dog

Sam the office dog

Having a supportive colleague can make a real difference to your working day

Love Letters Publishing is a relatively small but successful business with a dedicated, multi-tasking workforce.

While the success of the business so far is down to a mix of hard work and dedication from the talented marketers and copywriters who work here, we feel there is one member of staff who is perhaps more responsible for the relaxed but productive work environment than others – and that is Sam, the office dog.

Sam joined the team, quite symbolically, on 14 February 2015 and immediately stole the office’s collective hearts. So what is it that makes Sam so special, and why do we think that every business should have an office dog?

He never calls in sick without good reason

So far Sam has only missed one day of work. And that was when he had to go in for THAT operation, which unfortunately the majority of male dogs are required to have.

Despite being slightly subdued, however, he was back in work the next day, epitomising the ethos that it was business as usual. Even if it means there is a certain element of doggy business that he is no longer able to take care of.

He often takes one for the team

Working in a small office means you do not get a great deal of privacy. Let’s face it, we’ve all been there when you’re rushing to meet a deadline and you either skip lunch or bolt something down at your desk.

You meet the deadline, but neither your stomach nor your co-workers are thanking you when there is an afternoon of involuntary and inappropriate noises emanating from your digestive system.

Yet with an office dog there is a constant stream of snuffles, snorts, gurgles and (dare we say it) smells to cover your crimes.

He walks the walk

Sometimes even the greatest creative minds seize up and even the most cohesive co-workers can have conflicting ideas, all of which lead to a bit of friction. But what better way to diffuse a tense situation and get the creative juices flowing than a walk round the block with a trusted colleague

Even if he’s just been out for a stroll, Sam is always eager for a breath of fresh air and is a great listener, philosopher and diplomat.

He never takes sides in a disagreement between colleagues and once you’ve spent ten minutes in his company away from the office, the solution to your creative block or disagreement generally presents itself.

He makes everyone feel welcome and appreciated

It doesn’t matter how much you love your job, there are days – whether it’s due to a bad night’s sleep or a touch of the lurgy – when you would much rather be at home in bed. Fortunately, those feelings immediately fall away when Sam rushes to meet you at the door.

He can be relied on, throughout the day, to put a reassuring head on your lap, have a cuddle, or give you a brief lick to the face when none of your other colleagues are prepared to go that far to make you feel better.

And that is why every business should have an office dog.

If you would like to arrange a meeting with Sam or would like to find out how Love Letters can help your business then please get in touch.

For monthly news about the entire Love Letters team (and content marketing hints and tips) please sign up to our newsletter here.