WHILE MANY OF US leave our pets at home when we head to the office, a few local shop owners bring their furry friends to work with them. And why not? Pets are proven mood-boosters.
1.
Milo
SPECIES: Cat | AGE: 17 years | LOCATION: Downtown Books, 624 N. Broadway
“The owner’s daughter brought him in the store when he was a kitty, and he kind of just never left,” employee Mark Perez says. “This has been his home for 17 years. During the summers, we leave the doors open and he’ll walk in and out leisurely. He doesn’t run away.”
2.
Cricket • Toby • Silver
SPECIES: Dog • Cat • Rat | AGE: 11 weeks • 18 years • 2.5 years | LOCATION: Small Animal Hospital, 2340 N. Newhall St.
“[Cricket] is very bouncy and happy,” Dr. Nancy Vogel says of the newest addition to her family, who can often be found bounding through the halls of the veterinary hospital with his older, feline, brother. “Toby’s personality is sassy and entitled, but he’s also a sweetie.” Dr. Vogel isn’t the only staffer whose pet works alongside her either. Hospital manager Sheila Veksler has a pet rat named Silver who hangs out with her during the work week.
3.
Nala
SPECIES: Cat | AGE: 8 years | LOCATION: Sip and Purr Cat Cafe, 2021 E. Ivanhoe Pl.
Founder and owner Katy McHugh says that all of the cats at this cafe, which partners up with the Lakeland Animal Shelter, deserve to find their forever homes. But Nala, who survived breast cancer, is especially sweet.
