Shop dogs rule

Pets are the best. Seriously. Here at the CN&R, it’s not uncommon to hear the pitter-patter of paws coming around the corner. Then it’s just a matter of seconds before the mystery is solved as to whose little buddy got to come to work that day. I’d be lying if I said seeing a wagging tale and happy face didn’t perk me up just a little every time.

Pretty much any dog lover can appreciate the benefits of a pet-friendly workplace. Studies show that having a dog in the office reduces stress levels significantly and even encourages productivity.

My dog, Oliver, is about the most loveable little Boston terrier you’ll ever meet. But he’s much too curious—mostly about food—to sit still while I’m working. So, while half an hour at the office is doable, anything longer than that and he’s fighting for the freedom to snort through everybody else’s personal space to locate each and every dropped crumb. So, his visits are short and sweet.

Seeing as this is the Pet Issue, I wanted to thank all the local businesses that make Oliver and other four-legged friends like him feel welcome. Because, as those studies show, having a dog around makes life just a little bit rosier.

Here goes: Every time I drive through Java Detour or Dutch Bros. with Oliver in tow, he gets a treat. And he loves that. Same with Tri-Counties Bank—it’s so nice to bring him along on my errands knowing he’s so eagerly accepted inside.

I put out a few feelers to find out about other pet-friendly spots, too. Josh Pitts, aka Dog Guy Josh (www.dogguyjosh.com), says in addition to the local pet stores, many restaurants with outdoor patios (Tres Hombres, Burgers and Brew, The Pour House) welcome dogs. Longtime Butte Humane Society employee/volunteer Heather Schoeppach gives props to B Street Public House for its pet-friendly garden patio. Plus, she says Coffee Ranch and Beatnik’s often have treats for canine companions, and many an owner has ordered a doggie ice cream at Shubert’s Ice Cream and Candy for their furry friend to enjoy.

Also, a shout out to the staff of Century 21 Jeffries Lydon—all 60 of them(!), including “Real Estate Nate,” whose billboard just went up on Eighth Street, and Barbi Boeger, who called to tell me about the office’s Doggy Days potluck this week. Sounds like fun!

An ode to pet-friendly businesses wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Northern Star Mills. Every time I see the new TV commercial, showing Jake in the early days and then more recently, I pause for a second to lament his passing. RIP, Jake. Know that you made me smile every time I saw your sweet face.