13
8th Annual People & Their Pets
This year, we pay homage to our conscientious canine companions who hold down a job. The
Port City is a pet-friendly town — there are plenty of people (including us) who take their furry
friends to the workplace in an effort to brighten the office atmosphere, improve the corporate feng
shui, boost employee morale or just have their best buddy at their side.
In most cases, not only do the customers not mind, they actually go out of their way to patronize
such businesses. It turns out almost everyone can use a little pet therapy during the work day, and
few things bring smiles to our faces like an unconditionally friendly wag and warm, understand-ing
brown eyes. Nobody says, “Welcome, we appreciate your business” with as much honesty and
Workforce enthusiasm as a dog. Karen Fuller takes a look at five members of Wilmington’s favorite ...
Name Leo
Workplace Transplanted Garden
Job Title Social director
Owners Tom Ericson (right) and Allen Sabin
If dogs could be called “people persons,” Leo would
be the poster pup. “It’s like he has an obsession about
meeting people,” says Tom Ericson, co-owner with
Allen Sabin of Leo, a British Retriever, and the fabu-lous
Transplanted Garden, where Leo works.
Leo acts as social director (meaning he directs all social
activity toward himself). He is responsible for escorting
customers through the store after a hearty welcome. “He’s
usually quite well-behaved,” Ericson says. “But he can get
a bit jealous if he feels left out of a conversation. Then
he’ll demand some attention.” And, while there are times
when Leo needs to be on a leash during the work day,
please know that’s only to help him rein in his affection
and excitement about people.
A couple of times a day, Leo has rounds to make out-doors.
There are people out there, after all, and Leo must
say hello to each and every one of them — that’s his
strong work ethic kicking in. “While we’re out walking, Leo
is so aware of the people around,” says Ericson, “that he’ll
even keep checking behind himself to make sure there’s
no one there he’s missed.” Leo’s awesome affability is
contagious, and he has regular friends in the neighbor-hood
who come into the store just to say hello to him.
When you stop in to visit, don’t miss Leo’s growth chart
marked on the side of the entry door.
www.wrightsvillebeachmagazine.com WBM
Allison bREINER pOTTER