From boosting morale to offering endless cuddles and comfort, these adorable office mates have become an integral part of the workplace. Let’s celebrate these four-legged friends who bring smiles and a whole lot of love to the daily grind. Discover why having a furry friend in the office is pawsitively wonderful!
George, MaltiPoo (Maltese and Poodle), Age 8
Since Abalabix books opened to the public in October 2021, George has been going to work with his owner. Known for his variety of bow ties, George is the epitome of a lap dog. While this sweet and gentle soul prefers cuddles over being chased, he LOVES kids and is happy to help parents teach their kids that not all dogs are scary. He has been known to comfort grief-stricken people, such as one woman whose daughter brought her to Abalabix shortly after her husband died. George sat in the older woman’s lap, bringing to her face a smile that hadn’t been there in quite some time.
Read a book with George at Abalabix Books, Downtown Crystal Lake
Rookie, Golden Retriever, Age 4
When the owner of Smith Physical Therapy considered adding a therapy dog to her staff, she sought out a breeder and met Rookie - independent, playful yet laid back, and compassionate. Rookie loves to play tug-of-war, hide and seek, and all treats (especially ice cubes, watermelon and strawberries), and prefers walking or running through town over a car ride. He greets each patient with a tail wag and senses when someone may need a little extra attention; such as when he laid his head in the lap of one patient who was crying in pain and calmed her down for the rest of her session
Visit Rookie at Smith Physical Therapy+ in Crystal Lake
Dottie, Pointer/American Staffordshire Terrier, Age 8
When her owner, the office manager at Black Diamond, brought Dottie in for a quick visit two years ago, she made such an impression on the owner and staff, she was “hired”. Now she has a spot under everyone’s desk for a nap after one of her “zoomies” around the office. This sweet and silly girl gets along with everyone. She is SO loved, that she was the guest of honor at last year’s company holiday party where she arrived in her festive sweater and made her way to excitedly greet each employee in the room. A testament of mutual love and respect.
Meet Dottie at Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical in McHenry
Bailey Lin, Goldendoodle, Age 6
From the age of six weeks, Bailey has been going to work at FASTSIGNS with the owners, and has established herself as the greeter. From the UPS driver (whom she loves) to the steady flow of customers toting treats, she makes her way to meet them at the door for a pet and a scratch. Her parents and co-workers describe her as loving, smart and sweet. While she enjoys going to work and steady activity, she is, ironically, not a fan of big signs. She prefers to interact with visitors, leaning her weight into them for a big, Goldendoodle hug.
Visit Bailey at FASTSIGNS in Crystal Lake
Roy Kent, Beagle, Age 1
Roy has been a fixture at Pucci Law since he was 8 weeks old. A pampered pooch, he has his own built-in crate, toy box, and food and water bowls. He loves car and shopping cart rides and attending his human brothers’ hockey games. He’ll carry his own leash on a walk. He buries his favorite bones, even indoors in places like the couch, but if he sees you notice them…he’s on a mission to find a new spot. It is always a good laugh when he “buries” ice cubes and wonders where they went when he goes back to dig them up.
Meet Roy at Pucci Law in Huntley
Grimlen, Pitbull/Retriever mix, Age, 3
One day, 2 years ago, The Break Teen Center’s building and member-engagement manager brought Grimlen in for a visit. He has been a staple since. Grim, a bundle of joy and a lover of humans and animals, can be high energy, but he can also read the room and find his restraint so others are comfortable. He loves to be outdoors hiking, meeting friends or at the beach. Hot dogs and Frosty Paws are his (not so) guilty pleasures, but his practical side refuses to eat his kibbles without a healthy dose of salmon oil on top. Grim knows what he likes!
Visit Grimlen at the Crystal Lake Teen Center in Crystal Lake
Stella, Pure Bred Boxer, Age 6
When the owner of Gallant Construction took over the company in 2020, Stella began coming with him to work. Nicknamed ‘Chief Happiness’ because of the positive effect she has on everyone who meets her, Stella is sweet, friendly and gets along well with other dogs as well as humans. A thoughtful and emotionally intelligent co-worker, she is hyper-aware of others’ feelings and leans into them for a hug but also gives space when she senses someone needs that. Stella dislikes cold weather and missing a day of work but cannot get enough meat and cheese, ice cubes and walks with friends.
Meet Stella at Gallant Construction Co. in Crystal Lake
Trudy, French Bulldog, Age 7
As a member of the Reprographics team, Trudy takes her job (watching her co-workers work) very seriously. She is the boss and happily lets you know it while maintaining a watchful eye over the staff, keeping everyone on task. Not a fan of dogs bigger than her or small children (some were too rough with her in the past), this quirky pup keeps her distance when uncomfortable but will show you her soft side if you happen to have a treat in your pocket. Most days Trudy alternates between chasing her tennis ball down the aisles or napping on the job.
See Trudy at work at Reprographics in Crystal Lake
Vinnie, Yellow Lab mix, Age 13
Habitat for Humanity’s Event and Marketing Coordinator started as a volunteer, bringing Vinnie to the build sites. So, it was natural that both became official coworkers. Vinnie loves all people while he’s more selective around other dogs. He has an uncanny ability to sense when someone is grieving and offers his support. He is food-motivated and never turns down a cookie (or someone’s lunch if they leave it unattended). An expert napper and sun lounger, he enjoys laying in the grass and rolling in the snow. While not a ball retriever, he WILL forget all his training when he sees a chipmunk or squirrel.
Meet Vinnie at Habitat for Humanity in Crystal Lake