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McKinney's pet-friendly stores let Rover have the run of the place
City's dog-friendly workplaces give shoppers animal therapy, and Rover some extra love

10:53 AM CDT on Friday, September 28, 2007

By J. LOUISE LARSON / Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News
 

At Accetera Antiques in McKinney, one lovely piece is not for sale: a Shih Tzu canine resting meekly under a vintage chair.

More than one customer has reached out to stroke the luxuriant fur and inquire about its price, only to be surprised when it shifts position. Brion is a live dog who can sit so still, so quietly, that she is often mistaken for a fake.

"A lot of people think she's a stuffed dog," said owner Rebecca Federico. "They come up to her and ask about her, and she moves."

Ms. Federico is one of several dedicated pet lovers who bring their pooches to work in historic downtown McKinney.

It isn't a strictly local idea. Pet stores, humane societies, groomers and vet offices rank at the top of the list of places to bring animals to work. But local branch offices of real estate and retail outlets are becoming more popular as havens for hounds and other pets, according to www.dogster.com, a site devoted to dogs and their owners.

According to an American Pet Products Manufacturers Association survey, a pet-friendly workplace has its advantages, improving morale and productivity, reducing absenteeism and contributing to a more creative work environment. And 96 percent of those surveyed said pets created positive work relations.

At Reigning Cats & Dogs on West Virginia Street, Lisa Day sells pet paraphernalia and promotes pet rescue through local groups. She generally has a cat on hand that needs adoption and three dogs that rotate their shifts, each with its own day to come to work.

"They like coming to work; they like the attention," she said. "I can't look at their little faces and not bring them. And in a dog store, customers kind of expect it."

Down the street at Cynthia Elliot Boutique, the masculine touch is provided by 4-pound Chico, a long-haired Chihuahua with a pleasant temperament.

"We have husbands that come in and want to pet him and hold him," said owner Cynthia Van Landingham. "He has his own little fan club."

Customers respond positively to Chico; he's a bit of a lapdog, so he likes to clamber up to get extra affection, she said.

"A lot of people have pets, so it's a nice thing to have Chico here and he looks forward to it. He loves the people," she said.

One of the prime characteristics of dogs who can make the move into retail is their ability to sit and stay when necessary.

Buddy is a mixed-breed terrier who roams the aisles of home furnishings and antiques at Chase Hall. The place is a favored after-school stop for kids stopping by to see Buddy, who sits obediently behind the till when required.

"He pretty much runs the place. He's a fixture," said owner Terry Rogers, who noted that Buddy does double duty on security patrol. "He lets me know if anyone comes in."

When Mr. Rogers is out of town on a buying trip, his staff swings by the house to pick up the shop mascot. "It's just part of his daily routine," Mr. Rogers said.

A canine with a literary twist, Fitzwilliam Darcy is a miniature schnauzer who roams the stacks at the Book Gallery. She was named after the hero of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice, and she has been featured in several publications, said proprietor James Parker.

At Accetera , Ms. Federico said Brion provides fabulous company while promoting community good will.

"She's companionship for me, and it's better than leaving her at home," she said. "She greets people; everyone knows her. People come by to just say hi to her whether they're shopping or not."