If you’ve ever visited the GreenField offices, you’ve had the opportunity to meet our dogs.  They’ve been a fixture since 2006 when I first started bringing my golden retriever, Tigger, to work.  This all started when the GreenField team was in San Francisco for a biotech customer call.  We were visiting all the boutique companies we could find in various places throughout the Bay area. We came across one company that had a golden retriever greeter in the reception room.  It was the CEO’s dog, and it came up, in typical golden retriever fashion, and greeted us as we signed in.  From that moment, we vowed that our dogs were coming to work with us.

Tigger was the first, and even though he crossed the Rainbow Bridge a few years ago, others have followed.  Dogs are a constant fixture at GreenField and an integral part of our workday. We’ve even encouraged clients to bring their dogs whenever they visit. Some might think it’s strange, but the benefits are tremendous!

Stress Reliever Retrievers

Workdays can be hectic, especially during a pandemic.  Having dogs at the office takes all that away. They are extremely therapeutic.

When you need a break, there’s always a 4-legged buddy to play a game of fetch.  Nothing clears the cobwebs like tossing the tennis ball to a willing retriever.  They’re always happy, content and not burdened by a day full of meetings and deadlines.

Studies have shown that simply petting a dog lowers stress hormone levels (cortisol) and increase “feel good” hormones (oxytocin). Nothing gets me over the “blahs” better than looking under my desk to see a content dog snoring away.

The GreenField pups get us up and moving around. We go for walks in the neighborhood to clear our minds and get the blood flowing- and if you’re a step tracker- it adds to the daily tally.

The Happy 6-Pack

Our dogs, ALL 6, are as much of a fixture for GreenField as Frank, Rosina, Nathan and myself.

As pack animals, being with their group makes them whole and being with us makes them just as happy. The dogs are better behaved when we get home.  We have our routine.  They know it and it gives them stability and structure. It also gets them used to meeting new people and being comfortable around them.  They’re less jumpy when they’re in new situations.  All of that is good for them.

If you’re ever in the neighborhood, stop by. I guarantee, you’ll leave with a wagging tale!