PAGE 16 — Addison Independent, Monday, April 20, 2015
Addison Independent, Monday, April 20, 2015 — PAGE 17
Animal Families a special section of the Addison Independent
Pets bring joy to local workplaces and increase productivity By CHRISTY LYNN MIDDLEBURY — Animal lovers will often describe time spent around their beloved pets as therapeutic, calming, uplifting and stress-relieving. For folks that leave their pets at home during the workday, there’s often a sense of hurry when leaving the office so as to give a friendly hello to that familiar face that’s waiting to greet one at the door. Increasingly, however, workplaces are opening their doors and their policies to pets at work and are seeing some positive results. According to national research conducted by the American Pet Products Association, pets in the workplace help reduce stress, increase cooperation and encourage employees to work longer, more productive hours. It is estimated that approximately 20 percent of businesses in the United States allow pets in the office, including some of the largest companies such as Google, Amazon, Proctor & Gamble Pet Care, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Clif Bar and Ben & Jerry’s. Many would not be surprised to hear that Vermont ranks highest when measuring the percentage of households that own dogs, at almost 71 percent. It’s hard to miss the dogs when wandering the streets, hiking the trails, visiting households, or even at shops and offices. The same holds true in Addison County, where many offices have canine or feline visitors that greet you when you walk in the door. Here at the Addison Independent office in the Marble Works, 23 of our 27 employees have at least one pet at home. Five dogs regularly come to the office with us, though we’ve seen upwards of 12 to 15 different dogs come through the office for a visit with their owners on staff. The dogs encourage our deadline-driven office to take breaks, laugh together, share stories and give us the perspective it is so easy to lose sight of when in a stressful environment.
shelter in Vancouver, British Columbia, where her owner Christy Lynn (associate publisher and sales manager, aka me) lived prior to moving back to Vermont. Trudy is a bit shy, but loves to lounge in the sunny spots on the floor of the office or under the desks of her favorite office mate, Anna Harrington.
Middlebury last spring and he quickly became a beloved member of their household as well as the office community.
Think of Agway when you think of your pets!
Are your animal companions a central part of your life?
We help you provide quality care for all your pets! ASK ABOUT OUR
Pet Food Club
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Custom Engraved while you wait. Choose from a variety of styles. Beautiful brass Equine & Stable Plates, too.
Toys & Treats
Walter
Elvis and Spike
Elvis and Spike are shih tzus belonging to Laurie Wedge, who has been the bookkeeper at the Addison Independent for over 20 years. Elvis is eight and has been comfortably perched on Laurie’s or Vicki Nolette’s desks since he was a tiny puppy. Perhaps regretfully for him, Elvis was joined last year by Spike, the newest puppy in the office. Spike’s floppy and giddy personality can crack a smile on anyone’s face.
Walter joins the dogs at the Addison Independent once or twice a week, accompanying circulation manager Lisa Razo at her desk. Walter is a dorgi — a dachshund/corgi mix who waddles around the office with a friendly nose in the air and tail that looks like a flag waving him along.
Lots of fun items to keep your pets playful and rewarded!
Cody Addison County Chamber of Commerce — Golden retriever Cody joins chamber President Sue Hoxie about two or three days per week at the visitor’s center in Middlebury, welcoming folks as they come and go. “Golden retrievers (See Workplace pets, Page 21)
Our
Self-Service
BIRDS
Dog Wash is OPEN EVERYDAY!
Birdfeeders, Seed & Suet, Sunflower Seeds (Black Oil, Blend & Striped) Houses, Accessories, Fire mix & more! Enjoy your bird-friendly yard!
Washing your pet has never been easier!
Collars • Leashes • Harnesses High Viz Protective Wear Food Dishes & Storage Bins • Beds Crates & Carrying Cases
Everything you need for pet support & safety.
Horses
Compare our prices & switch to one of the fine feeds we carry.
Thor Thor is a poodle terrier mix who’s name and initial bark (if you’re a man with a hat or have a swagger or sideways stare) portray him as a few calibers tougher than he is on the inside. Jessie Raymond (columnist and typesetter) and her family adopted Thor from Homeward Bound in
EVERY OFFICE NEEDS A PET! “Office pets are a warm and welcoming part of every office.” – Dr. Mark “Loving dogs and cats since 1940!”
20 Main Street • vergennesanimalhospital.com • 877-3371
Join our email list for preferred customer savings!
Accessories
Enjoy the pleasant atmosphere in our beautiful spa-like space.
Feed • Supplements Training & Grooming Equipment
Addison Independent — Trudy is a four-yearold border collie mix who was rescued from a
We love to have your pet visit. Come in & let them help you choose a new collar, toy or other accessory.
Pet I.D. Tags
Dogs in the community Below is a brief survey of our office pets as well as some of the other office pets you may see in and around the Middlebury area. We encourage you to go out and visit them on your trips around town, share stories and make connections with these dogs and their owners, and feel free to let us know about what you find. We have this little theory that you may come away a little bit happier than when you started.
Trudy
We Welcome Your Pet
& Grooming Supplies
Small Animal Products
• Cages, Foods, Treats & Pine and Cedar bedding for your hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits and ferrets. • Bird food, toys and cages • Basics for fish, too!
Brushes, shampoos, skin treatment ointments to keep your pets’ coats healthy and problem free!
MIDDLEBURY AGWAY 338 Exchange Street, Middlebury
388-4937 • www.MiddleburyAgway.com
Open 7 days M- F 8-6, Sat 8-5 • Sun 9-4
YOUR YARD, GARDEN AND PET STORE
PAGE 18 — Addison Independent, Monday, April 20, 2015
Middlebury
Pet Contest Winners! as chosen by Addison Independent readers
presents
T
his spread displays the culmination of a two month long pet photo contest, where we invited our readers and members of the Addison County community to submit their best photos in six different categories. More than 125 photos poured in over email, through our web form and through the mail, submitted by proud parents advocating their furry or feathered friends’ adorable expressions. Winners were chosen by popular vote through our website where more than 450 responses to our survey were completed this year. Each first place winner will receive not just the title badge of champion pet in
their category, but also can go on a shopping spree to Agway with a gift certificate to the Middlebury store worth $25. Here at the Addison Independent we have also selected “publisher’s picks” in each category — naming one photo from each category that we think is the strongest in terms of photo composition and expressiveness. We would like thank each of you who have participated in our pet photo contest this year. Whether you submitted a photo, sent in a vote, or just enjoyed browsing the photo albums and seeing these cute faces within our pages, we appreciate your support.
Funny Faces
Best Pals
Addison Independent, Monday, April 20, 2015 — PAGE 19
Each top prize photo will win a $25 gift certificate from Middlebury Agway
Publisher’s Picks
Lello stealing snacks
Action Shot
Lello is a 5-year-old golden retriever who sometimes gets away with robbery thanks to his undeniably adorable face.
Best Pals
Submitted by Judi Fisher, Panton
Runners up
Fenway
Model Shot
Quincelet llama
Smudge
Funny Faces
Chevy red bow tie Chevy’s sincere gaze and dapper tie make him one heck of a subject for a photo shoot.
Submitted by Laura Brace
Chevy and Diesel in bow ties penny cat balloon
Runners up
Penny was wildly motivated to catch and destroy the balloon. She was eventually thwarted by her lack of opposable thumbs.
Chevy and Diesel show off their matching camouflage bow ties. These best buds are 3 years and 14 weeks, respectively. Submitted by Laura Brace
Submitted by Jonathan Berg
Hooligan
Diesel Runners up
Couch Potato
Couch Potato
Runners up
Action Shot
Reese
gazoo
Work Companion
princess peanut at counter “Excuse me, but could someone please wait on me?” Peanut is a Homeward Bound adoptee. He has become the love of many people with his warm and loving personality.
Lello and Hooligan snuggling Hooligan is a 4-year-old Havanese and Lello is a 5-yearold golden retriever. They are also known as the “Panton Publicity Hounds.”
Submitted by Judi Fisher, Panton
Sadie and Frankie
Model Shot
Lila
Work Companion
Submitted by Jane Steele
Bruno
Runners up
Runners up
Leo
Bruno
Hans
Hooligan and Lello
prince Fancy pants
Rowan
peanut
For a slideshow of all photo entries, please visit addisonindependent.com.
PAGE 20 — Addison Independent, Monday, April 20, 2015
Animal Families
Compassionate veterinary care delivered by a team of professionals dedicated to the love of animals. Dr. Julie Moenter Dr. Betsy Meinhardt
Workplace pets
Affiliated With
Dr. Rich Armstrong Dr. Kurt Kenney Dr. Marv Greenberg Dr. Ellen Foster Dr. Ben Hale Dr. Patrick Leavey 205 Commerce St., Hinesburg • 802-482-2955
hinesburgbristolvet.com
Unleash your dog’s full potential with
Good Dogs Vermont Dog Training Services
middlebury Animal Hospital — One may expect an animal hospital to be a pet friendly environment, and Middlebury Animal Hospital is no exception. Cheddar, a large orange cat, lives at the office all the time, perched on any surface and aware of every nook and cranny. Oscar and Tyson are a father and son pair of boxers who can be found curled up together behind the desk many days at the center. Ladybug is a twoyear-old pug with a sweet, dark face and soft demeanor. Ladybug sits guarding the pet files, with her bed at the base of the wall filled high with information on hundreds of pets that come and go from the office.
Homeward Bound calls first Dog Jog a success Think of Agway when you think of your pets! Proud to help you provide quality care for all of your pets, we know your animal companions are a central part of your life!
PET FOOD
ASK ABOUT OUR
Pet Food Club
Earn rewards for your purchases!
Quality Brands Including:
MIDDLEBURY — The Dog Jog for Homeward Bound was a wet and windy success at Wright Park in Middlebury on Saturday, April 11. The idea was the brainchild of Middlebury Parks and Recreation director Terri Arnold and secretary to the town manager, Beth Dow. The event developed as a part-
Caroline Engvall www.GoodDogsVermont.com
453-7817
Homeward Bound
Everything you need for pet support! TOYS & TREATS Accessories & Grooming Supplies
SELF SERVE
TWENTY RUNNERS AND their dogs take off on soggy trails in Wright Park on Saturday, for the first-ever Dog Jog hosted in partnership by Homeward Bound, Middlebury Parks & Recreation, and Vermont Sun Fitness Center.
Leashes • Harnesses Collars • Clothing Food Dishes Storage Bins Beds & Baskets Brushes, shampoos, skin treatment, ointments to keep your pets’ coats healthy and problem free!
Join us . . . Know the Joy of Finding a Forever Home for a Shelter Cat
RuSTY mcLeod kredell Architects — Brittany spaniels seem to be the choice breed among architects in Middlebury. Rusty comes with owner John McLeod to the architecture office most days and has also been known to visit students in John’s design studios at Middlebury College. “Everyone loves to see dogs around, especially the students, many of whom have dogs at home they miss very much,” John says.
middlebury Sweets — Many people know of the beautiful and exotic parrots that can be found at Middlebury Sweets in East Middlebury. Owner Blanca Jenne adores her three birds: Savanna, a green wing macaw; Quincy, an African grey; and Coqui, a blue and gold macaw. All three take turns coming to the shop and playing in their bird room, separate but visible from the shop. They are majestic and commanding of attention, leaving quite an impression on visitors who thought they were just coming in to find a chocolate or sweet treat. (See Workplace, Page 23)
bury Parks and Recreation Scholarship Fund. In addition to the runners, Homeward Bound alumnus Mr. Man and his dad were on hand to cheer folks on and Homeward Bound volunteers Sandy Chicoine and Julia Johnson brought adoptable Homeward Bound dogs, Bell and Heidi, to run.
• Private Lessons • Group Classes held in Bristol • Walking/TrainingService • 100% Positive Reinforcement Training • Experienced Trainer with Practical Advice
Addison County’s Humane Society
CoQuI
nership between Middlebury Parks and Recreation, Vermont Sun Fitness Center, Middlebury Area Land Trust, and Homeward Bound. The event, a fun five-kilometer run for dogs and their people, drew 20 (human) participants who braved thawing ice to come out and support Homeward Bound and the Middle-
Be the Leader Your Dog Needs!
LADYBug
Champlain valley equipment — Owner Brian Carpenter brings a large, four-year-old boxer named Boomer to work every day at the Exchange Street business. Boomer has his own leather couch in the office, but spends the majority of his time sharing an office chair with his pal Cheryl Gordon, resting his wide chin on her shoulder as she works away at the computer. “This right here is the reason I come to work every day,” Cheryl says with a wink at her pal. “I’m kidding, but it does make a real difference.”
Animal Families
167 Monkton Rd., Bristol • 802-453-2191
(Continued from Page 17) LOVE everyone,” Sue says. “Yesterday he got to lick some kids’ faces, got a belly rub, and brought back memories to an older couple who no longer had dogs.”
BoomeR
Addison Independent, Monday, April 20, 2015 — PAGE 21
Become an Adoption Ambassador for a Homeward Bound cat through the “From My House to Yours” adoption program! Take an adoptable shelter cat into your home—the staff will help you pick a good match—and put all your social media skills to work! Post, Pin, Tweet, and Click about his or her antics until you find a couch your foster cat can permanently call his own! All expenses paid by Homeward Bound. Curious to learn more about this fun and unique volunteer opportunity? Contact Homeward Bound at 388-1100, ex. 223
236 Boardman St. • Middlebury • 388-1100
AIR PET REP N AI PE Since 1995 R
O
388-8303
Kennels, Dog Houses & Carrying Cases Come in and check the variety we have in stock!
Wild Bird Large & Small Animal Products Supplies
Patty Pruitt, DVM, CVA
• Feed • Supplements • Training & Grooming Supplies Feeders, • Cages, Foods, Treats & Bedding Seed & Suet, Houses & • Bird food, toys and cages Accessories. • Basics for fish, too!
MIDDLEBURY AGWAY Join our email list for preferred customer savings!
338 Exchange Street, Middlebury 388-4937 • www.MiddleburyAgway.com Mon - Fri 8-6 • Sat 8-5 • Sundays 9-4
Open 7 days
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Located in the Marble Works Middlebury, VT Like us on facebook
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Homeward Bound, Addison County’s Humane Society 236 Boardman Street, Middlebury, VT www.homewardboundanimals.org
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PAGE 22 — Addison Independent, Monday, April 20, 2015
Addison Independent, Monday, April 20, 2015 — PAGE 23
Animal Families Workplace
PETS IN NEED HOMEWARD BOUND
Addison County’s Humane Society Meet Arrow! Arrow is a young, outgoing guy who came to Homeward Bound after being surrendered by his owner. Arrow loves to explore and play. When he is in an unfamiliar area, he will bounce all around to see what’s there. He gets along well with other cats and loves to play with them as well as an array of toys. If you’re looking for some spice in your life, come meet Arrow today!
(Continued from Page 21)
Meet ET! ET is one of our beautiful senior cats here at the shelter who was surrendered by her owner. She’s very mellow and loves getting attention and being pampered. She has a hyperthyroid condition which is treated with medication that she’ll need to be on the rest of her life as it’s critical for her health. If you think your home’s the perfect place for ET to relax and be loved in, meet her today!
Meet Onyx! Onyx is a sweet, loving 10 year old Lab/Hound mix that recently came back to Homeward Bound. She’d been adopted out for 2 years, but due to major life changes, her owners could no longer care for her. It doesn’t take much to please Onyx. She’s a laid back girl who likes to go for walks and follow her nose! She also loves to be around people and being pet and scratched under her chin!
Sammy Optics Ltd. — Sammy, an adorable furry wheaten terrier and spaniel mix joins Mahmoud “MJ” Hayyat in the office at Middlebury Optics a few times a week and especially during times when the office is a little quieter. Sammy was the runt of his litter and is a little shy, perhaps because of early intimidation by his siblings. Despite his shyness, Sammy is a sweetheart who is adored for his floppy ears and friendly face. “He’s definitely my little buddy,” MJ says.
Peanut Round Robin — “I think Peanut is the mayor of Middlebury,” says the dog’s owner, Jane Steele. Peanut works with Jane at Round Robin and has made countless friends both in the store and around town. Jane describes Peanut as a “designer mutt” who she adopted from Homeward Bound in Middlebury last June, but he has made himself popular very quickly with his loving personality and eager-to-please temperament.
Meet Patches! Patches is a 10 year old Beagle who arrived at Homeward Bound after being surrendered by his owner. Patches is a very mellow, laid back guy. He is housebroken and loves to relax on his bed. He also really likes to go for walks and follow his nose! Patches recently visited with schoolchildren and a group of seniors and did great, loving all of the attention! He would make someone a loving, loyal companion.
Meet Peter! Peter is a super cute 6 month old white & butterscotch Angora. He came to Homeward Bound after being surrendered by his owner. Prior to coming to the shelter, Peter was very well socialized with people. He can easily be picked up and petted and has an overall great personality. He’s also litter box trained and loves getting veggies (especially carrots!). Due to his breed and thick fur, Peter will need to be groomed.
Izzy
Cassie
State Farm Insurance — Izzy is a pit bull working hard to change the negative reputation that others in her breed have earned. She is a sweet and docile gal who joins owner Jim Soriano a few days each week in the office and is beloved by all who visit. Officemate Catherine Howland says many insurance agencies will not insure pit bulls or other breeds thought to be aggressive, but considering three out of four of the employees at State Farm have pit bulls at home, their coverage is open and available to all.
Vermont Integrated Architecture — Cassie is an athletic Brittany spaniel that joins her owner, Ashar Nelson (principal architect) at VIA most days of the week. While Cassie’s preferred routine involves more running or biking or skiing than she gets in the office, she can also be found lounging in the most hilarious places around the office, offering the team of designers an excuse to look up from the drawing boards and screens at least once in a while.
Meet Winnie! Winnie came to Homeward Bound in February 2014 after being surrendered by her owner. The household became too stressful for her and she began having litter box issues. Because of this, she’ll need to be the only animal in her new home. She is a very sweet and affectionate girl and loves being around people. She also enjoys having her belly rubbed! Although she’s declawed, the staff believe she’d benefit being an indoor/outdoor cat.
Call or check our website. We may have a pet for you ... 388-1100 • www.homewardboundanimals.org 236 Boardman Street, Middlebury