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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Kitty Dann

Picture purrfect: your home working companions

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Rescue rabbit Rudolph is “floor manager” at Cottontails Baby, as that is where he spends most of his time. Owner Charlotte Evans says his role extends to unpacking boxes (cardboard shredding a speciality), product testing and marketing. “He features on our social media pages and has fans around the world.”
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Melanie Mackie, owner and managing consultant at Scarletta Media, rescued Billy and Lola from a pet sanctuary last year following the loss of her cat Alfie. Melanie says: “Having two means double trouble but they are brilliant company and are occasionally featured on my Instagram and social media.” Photograph: /PR
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Ashley Sheets, editorial consultant for Ethical SEO, says her dog Bruce’s main contribution to her day is making sure she stops working for a bit. “He loves a good afternoon walk, which is a nice way to break up my work. Other than that, he gives lots of cuddles while I type on my laptop - I didn’t get that in my last office job.” Photograph: /PR
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Benson and Tillie are part of the team at Tracey Bird Marketing & Accountancy. Tracey says: “Benson and Tillie bring a unique sense of realism and purpose to my business life. When things get tough, or a bit of thinking time is needed to make decisions or solve problems, I find the answers by going for a walk or jog with them.” Photograph: /PR
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Although fluffy duo Cookie and Willow need plenty of walking, Zoe Ross says this is the perfect time for creative thinking. “I know that when my mind is in a fuddle, getting out on a dog walk will bring clarity and perspective - in fact some of my best decisions have been made with the help of Cookie and Willow.” Photograph: /PR
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Here’s Bartleby the beagle, whose hobbies include “football, climbing and shouting at inanimate objects”. Pete Clark, from Clark CX Web Design, says: “As a web designer I spend a lot of time staring at a laptop screen; our beagle Bartleby forces me to take breaks I otherwise wouldn’t.”
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Founder of Conversation Creation, Sam Espensen, says mini dachshund Shecky has transformed her working life. “Having to regularly get up from my desk to let him out means I stop staring at my screen, drink more water, stand in the garden for a few minutes or simply stretch my legs.”
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Jane Binnion fostered Miffy when she started working from home. She says: “Miffy is great for me. I walk her every morning before I start work and every evening when I have finished. Having three legs means that is plenty for her. Every now and then she comes and gets me and makes me leave my desk and stretch my legs which is good for me.”
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Annette Morris, owner of Mattie and Skype, says: “As an online marketing consultant and web developer it’s dangerously easy to get glued to a keyboard. Going for a dog walk can be good thinking time - a time to get perspective, plan, prioritise. Watching two young dogs hurtle about together is a real tonic on a stressful day.”
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And finally... we couldn’t resist Maurice, office puppy at JAMpr. IT is one of his specialities.

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