Dog Walkin’ Wellington
Dogs who Go to Work (in the Western Communities)
By Barbara Phillippi
With a bow to hundreds of “barn dogs,” who report for duty with their humans to a barn of some sort in the Western Communities, every day, this time, I’d like to feature a few canines that actually “work” at local commercial establishments.
“BENJI,” VILLAGE MUSIC
“Benji” is a parti-color white and orange Pomeranian, on duty at Village
Music, 1066 Forest Hill Blvd in Wellington. He’s two, and was there to greet customers when this family business opened it’s doors November 12, 2012. Muted guitar riffs and a drum solo waft from the lesson rooms at the rear of the store, but Benji pays no attention. He’s there to welcome customers, especially children, who immediately seek him out when entering.
“Benji loves everyone,” says store owner Donna Willey. He knows when I’m getting ready to leave for work. In the morning, he’s already primed, as he’s been with me in the bathroom, knows all about the routine. The final straw is when I pick up my bag and keys, and then he goes crazy.”
She and husband Steve are amazed at the affinity that the little dog has with kids. Donna says that “after lessons, as kids wait to be picked up, Benji amuses and keeps them engaged and happy.” I ask, “What is his official job title?”
“Hmmmm,” (Donna ponders for a few moments.) “I think it should be ‘Child Care Director and Coordinator.’” I found that this guy is extremely cute and appealing, and visitors are encouraged to stop in and admire him anytime the store is open.
”JAKE,” FLOOR SPECIALISTS OF WELLINGTON
Readers of this column know that I’m partial to Jack Russell Terriers. And a JRT “owner,” (as if anyone could actually own one of these smart, quirky dogs.) “Jake” minds the back room at Floor Specialists of Wellington, 11154 Southern Blvd, Royal Palm Beach.
He’s 6 years old, and a handsome white and chestnut rough coat JRT.
Cathy and Tom Ferris, the couple that owns the business, met Jake as a puppy six years ago, at a breeder’s kennel in Tampa. “He was the last one,” said Cathy. “When we saw the pups, we didn’t think he was very cute, and that’s probably why he was wasn’t spoken for yet.” He’s a handsome guy now, and looks aren’t everything, anyway. Jake has some medical issues, which make life a little challenging for both Cathy and Jake. “He has a torn meniscus, and dislocated lenses, plus an artificial lens in one eye, which is sightless.” Still, he watches TV with the Ferris family, and gets around just fine.
Terriers are often wary of a laundry list of stuff, including children, loud adults, and noises, and can be quirky when figuring out reactions. But Jake is a people dog, whose outstanding trait is his disposition. When the half door from the back room opens, and he’s “paged” by a customer, Jake approaches quietly with an active tail and happy face. He doesn’t jump on folks, and is very grateful if you scratch his wiry flanks and behind his ears. As people wait for service, he quietly keeps them company until they’re served. I assure Jake that he is very handsome, and that he could surely teach my Jack Russell some good manners. He wags a little harder, and rewards me with a light lick on the hand.
I ask Cathy about Jake’s official job description. She thinks very briefly, then offers, “Peace Keeper.”
“CLUTCH,” WOODY’S of WELLINGTON
Folks in the Western Communities know all about Woody’s, whether they’re bringing in a pair of old shoes that need “just a little stitching’ to keep them usable, or an equestrian who must have a competition boot fitted precisely to his/her foot and leg. Richard Wood, “Woody,” has a website that advertises: “Internationally Renowned Boot and Shoe Repair, since 1987.” Impressive, but I’d heard about the dogs that work here on a daily basis, and wanted to know their story.
I’m met at the door by Mac Thompson, who’s worked for Woody for 17 of the
27 years Woody’s has been open at this location. One of the dogs, “Clutch,” is a 4 1/2 years old Jack Russell Terrier that belongs to Mac. “ Clutch,” I ponder, “What an unusual name!” Turns out that the dog is named after a 90’s Baltimore area rock band that Mac admires. His friend rescued Clutch as a puppy from an abusive situation, and because he was familiar with the Jack Russell breed traits, Mac took him home.
Clutch carries a florescent tennis ball throughout our interview. He has a stockpile of balls both at home, and in the store. And he can find one in the dark! “Sometimes, when I’m home, and it’s pitch dark outside, no lights or moon, I’ll go out and throw a ball. Then I let Clutch out, and don’t signal where it is. It doesn’t matter if I’ve gone around and thrown it in the front yard, in a few minutes, there he is, bringing it back.”
Clutch’s official title is greeter and customer relations. He has a group of fans who drop in at regular intervals to visit, and he loves engaging a visitor in a constant game of “fetch.” In the limited space of the store, no matter how the ball is thrown, he catches it, brings it back, and releases it for another go round. “I wish my Jack Russell would return it and release it like you do, Clutch,” I sigh.
“CHLOE,” WOODY’S OF WELLINGTON
Before we meet Chloe, I’ll explain that her job description is “Queen.” Period. Richard Wood “Woody” speaks with emotion and fondness of the little 7 year
old Shih Tzu, who comes to work with him every day. He and wife Jackie had gone round and round for several years about what type of dog would join the family. Woody wanted a “man’s dog,” more like the Doberman, Bonnie, that he’d had many years ago, but wife Jackie prevailed wanted a smaller breed, and they decided to take look at a some Shih Tzu puppies that a friend recommended. Woody took one look at a champagne colored pup, and said, “SOLD,” without even asking the price. “I thought the color was just right, too,” he says, “my wife likes champagne.”
Chloe began “working” immediately after moving in with the Woods, at first staying in her crate in the back room. But she soon had the run of the shop, where a child’s wooden gate separates the work and customer areas, keeping Chloe and Clutch confined and safe. As I move toward the gate, she meets me there, and immediately sits and poses. She watches as I click off shot after shot, and seems to know just what a camera is; she never needs to be coached to “sit,” “heads up,” etc.
Does she get along with Clutch? “Oh, yes, they’re buddies,” Woody says, “but if she has a choice to interact with other dogs, or people, she’ll choose people every time.”
I admire the coat, soft and medium length, and Woody says she just visited the groomer. He likes her coat left longer, not shaved to the skin as many owners do. Woody lifts Chloe onto the glass counter top. There she sits, quiet and regal, while he takes a few minutes to wait on a customer and finish my little interview. Hmmm, Woody, I think her job description fits her. “Queen.” Perfect.
These four dogs have one thing in common… they have remarkable dispositions. Many dogs are uncomfortable with noisy children, overzealous adults who insist on persistent petting and making silly noises, and a constant stream of strangers entering their “home” and comfort zone. These guys (and girl) have remarkable tolerance, yet each is very different from the others. So, working dogs, we salute you and your savvy owners…pets and people who know how to keep their customers happy, and coming back.
“In a perfect world, every home would have a dog, and every dog would have a home.”
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Over a lifetime, Barbara Phillippi has had mostly “normal” dogs – a few German Shepherds and a bunch of wonderful “mutts,” each with its own wonderful, quirky, qualities. For many years, she taught 4-H dog obedience courses, under the authorization of Cornell University’s Cooperative Extension Services. That terrific program teaches the basics of dog behavior, of every breed, to young dog owners. Today she lives in Wellington with three Jack Russell Terriers – Woody, Gracie, and Buck. “These guys showed me a learning curve that I never knew existed!”