Thursday, June 25, 2015

Stories of Working Dogs for #ThrowbackThursday

Since tomorrow is Take Your Dog to Work Day, I thought I'd share some of my family's working dogs from the past. My father and grandfather have worked together and own their own business for more than 30 years. Ever since I can remember, they've brought their dogs to work with them.

Now, their business is simply a nursery and garden center. Many years ago, it was an interesting combination - a pawn shop AND nursery. I know, it's weird. I have no idea how that happened, but they sold their pawn shop and nursery combo back when I was a teenager, moved locations to where I live now, and decided to just stick with the nursery.

Missy stretching in the parking lot after a long day of work. 

Before I was born, my mom and dad acquired a Shetland Sheepdog named Missy from a customer in the pawn shop. I don't know exactly how it all went down, but my dad traded a customer a toolbox that was for sale in the pawn shop for his dog. And that's how he got Missy.

For those of you that don't know, my whole family are Sheltie fans. Everyday, my dad took Missy to work with him. She wasn't leashed or confined. She was allowed to roam free in the pawn shop and nursery. She never wandered off or bothered anyone. She knew her boundaries. My grandfather also brought his dog, Jay, to work every day.

Missy and Jay on the checkout counter in the pawn shop.
After Missy and Jay's passing, there were a few Sheltie successors. Our family got a new dog named Jenny, and she went to work most days with my dad. She enjoyed running along the fence barking at big trucks and motorcycles that would pass by. Like Missy, she was a good dog that knew her boundaries. She never wandered off.

Missy resting in the shade under tables of plants at the nursery. 

My grandfather had two Shetland Sheepdogs after Jay passed. They were Becky and Anna and they also came to work with him most days. Even after the pawn shop was sold and the business moved. Anna passed away at a young age unfortunately, but her sister lived a very long life. It wasn't until Becky became very old that she retired as a working dog.

Now, my dad doesn't have a dog. Maybe I can convince him that he needs another one some day to continue the legacy of the working dogs before. My grandfather has a Shetland Sheepdog named Bear, but Bear doesn't come to work with him. He was born with bad hips and he doesn't get around too well, so he stays home.

Bear the Sheltie. 

I guess when you own your own business, it's easy to make the rules. I'm glad that I am able to work with my pets around me everyday. I can tell Shiner likes it much better than when I traveled to my daily job.

Have you ever brought your dog to work? Will you be celebrating Take Your Dog to Work Day? 

16 comments:

  1. It's nice that you had such great dogs around growing up. We never had dogs when I was kid, my Mom always claimed she had her hands full enough with all us kids (6). My dog will be going to work with me today, as usual. I count myself very lucky that I am able to.

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    1. I have a lot of good memories with those dogs. We always had lots of animals, but my mom only had 2 kids. Although that sure does seem like plenty to me as well!

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  2. Sounds like you've had some great dogs. My dogs love coming to work with me. Of course, I work at home so they are always at work with me, but they sure do like it better than the other way.

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  3. I loved this post. Thanks for sharing it with us. Harley used to travel with me when I was a working out of the house. The conditions allowed him to roam the entire 3rd floor because it only housed me and my boss. Even though we were together - I do believe he prefers this set up best!

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    1. Well, that sounds really cool actually. Shiner came to work with me sometimes when I was commuting. But, she hated it because it was the vet's office. She would howl and howl in her kennel.

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  4. What a wonderful post!
    My dogs come to work with me every day......mostly because I work at home lol
    ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

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  5. I have never heard of any one pawning their dog! That's horrible but it worked out well! Love Dolly

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    1. Haha - I know it sounds horrible. My dad sure did make a good trade for her though. She was a registered AKC doggy and everything. He even had her official papers.

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  6. Mom either has to work from home unless we can go with to the office as she doesn't like to leave us home all day. We have been office dogs and it was fun too.

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  7. shiner....veree nice ta meet yur cuzinz...they bee awesum pupz....therz never been any shelties in de trout family; a couple oh collies tho.....happee earl lee take yur dawg ta werk day even tho ya get ta bee with mom everee day !! ♥♥♥

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  8. Good looking dogs! We wish we could go to work with the mom...but they don't allow pets there.

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  9. I only work outside of the home part time (3 6 hour days), so mostly I get to work with the dogs and Sam by my side.
    I love it when I go to a business, and they have a dog or cat there. It makes it feel so much homier.

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    1. I do too! Of course, it makes it harder to shop because I just want to play with the animals lol.

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  10. That is such a cool family story. It is obvious where your love for pets came from. I hope that your dad gets another, it seems like a perfect nursery mascot. ♥

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    1. He is stubborn and it's been probably close to 10 years now. He likes to act like he doesn't like some pets, but he really does. Case in point - when I brought home a ferret, he ended up REALLY liking it. Which was weird for him. He even built it a little outdoor cage to hang out in.

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