Dog Lover

I’ve always been a lover of all animals, but I’m definitely a “cat person.” I’ve had a cat in my life for as long as I can remember and I’ve been so fortunate to have them live to ripe old ages. I got my one cat, Gus, when I was in fourth grade and had him for two years after I was married. My other cat, Lacy, lived to be 20, and my current cat, Rascal, is 11. I can only hope and pray that I’ll have him for many more years to come because he’s my “furry son.”

It’s not that I don’t like dogs, I do, but for some reason I have a fear of some breeds and have always found dogs to be high maintenance. And, with my busy lifestyle, cats are just so simple – they’re loving/loyal companions, yet independent and don’t require the “maintenance” that dogs do, allowing me to come/go as I please -- fill up their water/food bowls, make sure the litterbox is clean and you’re good to go.

Then, I entered the offices of Bordas & Bordas and have now discovered three new passions – Caroline and “the boys,” Barley and Guinness…dogs. My friend and co-worker, Crystal, and I sit in the workspace where the dog crate is located, so we get to enjoy the company and shenanigans of the dogs on a daily basis.  For me, having them in the office creates a sense of peace/relaxation, makes for such a homey environment and always brings a smile to my face. There’s nothing cuter than when they come barreling in the office in the morning and make a bee-line for Crystal and me, tails wagging, tongues out, as if to say “Good morning, friends, I’m so excited to see you!” Now who can say they get that special treatment at work?

Caroline is a chocolate lab and just the sweetest girl. She’s just like my cat – give her a good belly rub and a loving pat on the head and she’s happy. Barley and Guinness are brothers, Wheaten Terriers, and, like human siblings, couldn’t be more opposite in personality. Barley is sweet, timid, a bit on the nervous side and lower-energy, while Guinness is outgoing, high energy and a lover of the great outdoors. He can be quite the escape artist when left to his own devices, so we have to make sure the doors are secured when he’s around. When I need a break, I find solace in taking them out for brief walks around the grounds.  And, on the rare occasion when they don’t come into work, I miss them. I guess I’m officially a dog person now, too.