May 7, 2015 - PETS - The Verona Press - 11

Paws in the workplace

Pet
Profile

Local employees find joy in bringing their animals to work

Owner shares story of

his beloved pet

Max

Max
Owner name: Mike Franklin
City/Town of Residence:
Verona
Pet name: Max
Pets age: 13 years old
Breed: Black lab
How long have you had
your pet? 13 years.
What makes your pet special? Max is a sweetheart. He
never does anything wrong.
He is very well behaved. He
is shy but loves everybody.
I wouldnt trade him for
anything. He has also had a
twisted stomach and Lyme
disease, so he acts older than
his age but still wags his tail
all day long.
Funny story about my pet:
I got Max to be a pheasant
hunting dog and discovered
the first time we hunted that he
was gun shy. Oh well, it was
too late to give him back, so he
became a couch dog.

Samantha Christian
Unified Newspaper Group

After your dog or cat

wakes you up in the middle of the night wanting a
snack or potty break, the
last thing you might think
of doing is bringing them
along with you to work.
Yet thats exactly what
some local businesses are
allowing their employees
to do.
Depending on the breed
and temperament, animals
can actually help reduce
stress and increase productivity at work, making the
daily grind more enjoyable.
Dr. Brian Hoelscher,
associate veterinarian at
the Animal Hospital of
Verona, said animals can
be a stress reliever for
employees, as long as the
pet is comfortable and at
ease in the workplace.
Although some work
environments are not safe
for animals, an office typically can be.
Dr. Sarah Kalstrup of
True Veterinary Care said
pets are known to reduce
blood pressure, especially
in sick kids or the elderly.
She added that the chances
of a pet actually creating
more chaos and stress in
the workplace can likely
be avoided if the animal is
well-trained.
Right across the parking
lot on Kimball Lane is a
business that proves having animals at work does

Photos by Samantha Christian

Above, Rocky Mandt, the office cat at Mandt

Sandfill along Hwy. MM in Fitchburg, wears a
Badgers jersey and sheriff hat while propped up
by his Packers cheesehead.

On the web
See more photos of Rocky Mandts outfits:

facebook.com/RockyMandt
Pictured in front of an enlarged magazine cover
at BRAVA Enterprises, LLC. are editor Kate Bast,
left, with her 3 1/2-month-old labradoodle, Clio,
and publisher Michelle Reddington, right, with
her 5-year-old lab/beagle mix, Jasper.

just that work.

BRAVA Enterprises,
LLC, is home to more than
just copies of BRAVA
Magazine. It is also a second home for two dogs.
Publisher Michelle Reddington has been bringing
her lab/beagle mix, Jasper,
to the office for the last
four years. Jasper started
coming to work with her
out of necessity, since he
has separation anxiety.
The drive from Waunakee also made it difficult

for Reddington to let him

out for bathroom and play
breaks.
Just a few weeks ago,
editor Kate Bast also
started bringing her 3
1/2-month-old labradoodle, Clio, into work.
Jasper is still adjusting
to sharing attention and
office space with Clio, but
the two are getting along
for the most part. They are
also keeping their barks in
check.
People light up when

they see (the dogs), Reddington said. Its a happy

place to work.
Bast and Reddington
said they are considering
starting walking meetings
outside for the staff. The
dogs will come along to
get exercise and perhaps
make a stop at the dog park
to play while their humans
discuss business and ideas.
At the end of the day,
the dogs will go home with
their owners. But thats not
the case at a business in

Your pets health is important to us!

In honor of National Pet Health Week
Mention ad for free initial exam!

office@lakelandvet.com

Shop our excellent selection of gifts

while we fill your prescription

Yes, we have pet supplies!

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Sat 9am-1pm
Closed
Sunday

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Family Owned for 44 Years

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608-877-8800

Turn to Work/Page 13

Your Hometown
Hardware Store

At Lakeland Veterinary Care

www.lakelandvetcare.com

Fitchburg, where a cat has

made an office his permanent home.
Jim Mandt, owner of
Mandt Sandfill, said his
daughters found a cat they
wanted on Craigslist three
years ago, but he didnt
last long in their house
because of his shedding.
Now weighing in at 27
pounds, give or take a
treat, Rocky Mandt is the
full-time office feline at

Crabtree & Evelyn Products

Milkhouse Creamery
Candles
Caren Soaps & Lotions
Willow Tree and More
(HSA cards accepted)

202 S. Main Street, Verona 848-8020

Check out www.myhometownrx.com
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DONT MISS OUR BIG SALE!

Saturday, May 30 9 am-6 pm both locations

All Pet Food 10% off!
Tabby & Jacks Cookies 10% off
Storewide Sales!
FREE playgroups! (Must show current vaccination)
Vendor Giveaways
Free Samples!

(608) 835-0551
Oregon, WI
www.countryviewvets.com

2970 Cahill Main, Ste. 102

Fitchburg 608-277-5900
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6925 University Ave.

Middleton 608-841-1133
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12 - The Verona Press - PETS - May 7, 2015

Chalet Veterinary Clinic Puppy walk raises

Family Pet Care at its Best
1621 E. Main St.
Stoughton
(608) 873-8112

Puppy Up! Madison held its second annual walk at McKee Farms
Park on May 3. The 2-mile walk promotes awareness of canine cancer and raises funds for cancer research to benefit both pets and
people. The event surpassed its goal of $100,000 by about $12,000
as of press time.
Top right, Annie is an energetic 6-month-old labrador.
Right, three-legged friends were also invited to walk the trails.
Photos by Evan Halpop

On the web

Stoughton Veterinary Service

Animal Hospital

1900 U.S. Hwy. 51/138 Next to Wal-Mart 608-873-8022 Stoughton, WI

stoughtonvet@gmail.com

puppyupmadison.
kintera.org

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Preventative Care Medical Examinations Surgery

Dentistry X-rays including OFA In-House Laboratory Diagnostics
Chiropractic Treatment & Boarding
** In-House Pharmacy

For more information about the walk:

Mon.- Fri. 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sat. 7:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Sun. Boarding Pickups

Old Stone Pet Lodge

We make our guests feel at home.
For reservations, call 608.455.2324 or
visit us online at www.oldstonepetlodge.com

Services Include...

Pet Boarding, Doggy Daycare & Training

Guest Amenities Include...

Daily personal care with home like accommodations
Family friendly atmosphere
Large indoor dog kennels and private suite
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Where your
loved one
receives our
hometown
care.

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Mon.-Fri.
7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Sat. 7 a.m.- p.m.

funds for cancer

4353 Old Stone Road, Oregon

Ron & Teri Paltz, on-site owners/operators

purrrrrsonal matchmaking for every family!

There are many aspects to caring for others.

At Four Winds we recognize that health care is multifaceted.
Sometimes the best therapists have four legs.
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Four Winds isnt just about care. Its about living.

Better Care. Better Living.

309 Schweitzer Drive . Verona

(608) 845-6154

www.fourwindsmanor.com

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www.AngElSwiSH.ORg
Pet Adoption Microchipping Retail Store
Educational Resources Volunteer Opportunities
Pet Adoption and Resource Center, 161 Horizon Drive, Verona

May 7, 2015 - PETS - The Verona Press - 13

Adopt A Pet From

Angels Wish

Work: Pets can be a plus

Miller & Sons Supermarket

Little Bear
Male 6 years old
Great Office Cat
Gerlach Wholesale Flooring, Inc.
112 Janesville St., Oregon
835-8276

The Sows Ear

210 S. Main St., Verona

845-6478

Conant Automotive

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125 S. Main St., Verona

848-2755 www.knitandsip.com

Meeka
Female 2 years old
Playful and Cuddly

Danny
3 year old male
Shy and gentle

Goochi Poochi

Verona Hometown Pharmacy

105 S. Main Street, Verona

271-3647

Frosty
2 year old male
Outgoing and affectionate
1324 Hwy. 51-138, Stoughton
873-8800
adno=407457-01

Animal Hospital of Verona

Twill
1 year old male
Gives kisses

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Lovebug
7 year old female
Loves kids and playtime

203 W. Verona Ave., Verona

845-6700 www.vetcor.com/verona

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Alex
2 year old male
Laid-back and friendly

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Additional information about these animals available for

adoption can be found online at: www.angelswish.org
161 Horizon Drive, Verona, WI 53593 (608) 848-4174
These pets are sponsored by the following businesses:
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the trucking and excavating company. Since the

office is also open on Saturdays, Rocky spends every
day and night there. He
will jump (or roll) off the
counter and greet you at the
door, if he feels like it.
Jims sister-in-law, Debbie Mandt, enjoys working
in the office with Rocky.
She believes that he helps
reduce stress in the workplace.
I look forward to having him in the office every
day, she said. All of our
employees love him. Hes
kind of like a permanent
fixture here. This is his
home.
Debbie is also responsible for dressing him up in
a variety of outfits, including scarves, sunglasses,
sports team jerseys, bunny
ears and numerous hats
and not just for holidays.
They are still searching for
a construction hat in his
size. In fact, a friend from
Tennessee sent a package addressed directly to
Rocky Mandt with a Packers cheesehead inside.
His ever-changing wardrobe and go-with-the-flow

disposition have gained

him more than 170 followers on his Rocky Mandt
Facebook page, which is
populated by photos of the
8-year-old gentle giant and
his friends who come to
visit.
According to his bio, If
Rocky is not cat napping,
you will find him wandering around outside the
office (when weather permits). Some of his hobbies
consist of eating, passing
out in his catnip dish, begging for treats and looking
for a nice belly rub.
And does he ever get rubs
and ear scratches.
Burly, bearded men with
cracked, dirty hands immediately soften when they
come into contact with
Rocky.
(Rocky) kind of brings
out their personalities,
Debbie said.
Many of the contractors
who enter the office look
forward to petting the cat,
giving him a treat or even
talking to him. Rocky will
often return the favor and
lick their hands.
They talk to him, like
hes a grandkid or something, Jim said.

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Continued from page 1

Sweetie
5 year old female
Loves other cats
Verona Ace

202 S. Main St., Verona

848-8020

119 W. Verona Ace, Verona

845-7920
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We Have

EVERYTHING

for Your Other Kids Too!

Little Bear

Little Bear seeks employment

On the web
To see a video of Little Bear:

petfinder.com/
petdetail/31884649

- Compiled by
Angels Wish Pet Adoption
and Resource Center

Monday-Saturday 6:30 am-9 pm

Sunday 6:30 am-7 pm

049
06
=4

608-845-6478

01

210 South Main Street, Verona

no

have any dog experience,

but brings such skills as
looking handsome and
encouraging life-work balance.
If you are looking to hire
a new assistant, Little Bear
is ready to apply. He has six
years of human supervisory
experience.
For more information,
call 835-3024, email
LoisL@angelswish.org or
stop by Angels Wish, 161
Horizon Dr. Suite 106.
For profiles of all
available animals there,
visit angelswish.org/adopt.

ad

Times are tough these

days. Little Bear was
recently laid off from his
job as an office cat. It
wasn't his fault; unfortunately the humans also all
lost their jobs, too.
So, Little Bear has joined
the unemployment line and
is doing his best to interview for a new job.
Hes been spending his
time working out (he lost 3
pounds already!) and updating his resume. Hes hoping
to get the call/email soon that
someone wants to hire him.
His previous co-workers
think the world of him and
have provided him with
excellent references. Let's
get down to business Little Bear is a guy's cat. Not
that he doesn't like women,
but he was definitely one
of the guys at work ... as in
there were only guys in the
office.
He will be very happy
to be your office assistant
in your home office. Little
Bear does not currently

14 - The Verona Press - PETS - May 7, 2015

Try taking your pet along camping this summer

For those who enjoy the great outdoors, camping during the springtime can be a perfect weekend getaway. However, if you dont want
to leave your four-legged friends
behind while setting out on your
adventure, try bringing them along.
Many campgrounds allow pets,
with certain rules and regulations,
said Dr. Mark Stickney, clinical
associate professor at the Texas
A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.
Often, the rules regarding pets
can be seen posted on their website,
and if not, questions can be easily

answered over the phone. However,

it is not advised that you show up
with your pet without prior research
and consent.
Most rules will include things
such as having your pet on a leash,
making sure they are supervised at
all times, and requiring proof of vaccinations, Stickney said.
Just as you need to pack food and
other essentials for yourself, dont
forget to pack necessities for your
pets as well. Some items youll need
to bring are plenty of food, a pet
first-aid kit, a harness, and a leash.
Even if the campsite has natural

water resources, such as streams or

lakes, you must still bring plenty of
water for your pet to drink throughout your stay. There are many different diseases they can catch by
drinking from a pond or lake.
Coming into contact with wild
animals is a definite risk when you
are out in a national forest or grassland. Although most of the wildlife
you run into wants to keep away
from you as well, you should have
a way of containing your pet just in
case.
If your pet does get into a tussle
with a wild animal, you do not want

to get into the middle of it, Stickney said. Your best method of action
is calling off your pet or to try scaring away the wild animal.
In order to prevent such situations
in the first place, it is a good idea to
keep your pets close to you throughout your camping expedition and to
have a leash or harness available at
all times.
Before setting off on your camping adventure, make sure your pets
are up-to-date on all of their vaccinations, especially rabies. Depending
on the campsites location, you may
consult with your veterinarian about

any other vaccinations that your pet

may need, as well as discuss appropriate flea and tick control.
To make camping with your pet
an exciting experience for the both
of you, be sure to research the campsite ahead of time, take note of any
restrictions or regulations, and bring
the essentials along with you.
- Submitted by College of
Veterinary Medicine &
Biomedical Sciences,
Texas A&M University

Adopt A Pet From

Dane County
Humane Society
View all of our animals and detailed descriptions at Giveshelter.org

Animal Hospital of Verona

Miller & Sons Supermarket

125 S. Main St., Verona

848-2755 www.knitandsip.com

adno=409320-01

adno=407465-01

Tabby & Jacks

2970 Cahill Main, Fitchburg

277-5900

The Sows Ear

210 S. Main St., Verona

845-6478

Samuel - 25338185
Male, Pig
Located: Dane County
Humane Society
Keith & Kinsey Schulz, Real Estate Team
Great Rock Realty, LLC
492-2272 kschulz@keithAndkinsey.com

Bentley - 20321998
Male, Labrador Retriever
Located: Dane County
Humane Society

Springers

3097 Sunnyside St., Stoughton

205-9300

adno=408798-01

Joey - 25306217
Male, Guinea Pig
Located: Dane County
Humane Society

Mollie - 24395727
Female, White/Black Dwarf
Located: Dane County
Humane Society
Diamonds Direct LLC
139 E. Main St., Stoughton
608-873-3529

203 W. Verona Ave., Verona

845-6700 www.vetcor.com/verona

McFarland State Bank

207 S. Forrest St., Stoughton 873-6681
3162 Cty. B, Stoughton 873-2010

210 S. Main St., Verona

845-6478

Forrest - 16592492
Male, Brown/white Domestic Shorthair
Located: Dane County
Humane Society

Animal Hospital of Verona

Doodle Bug - 25332813

Female, Orange/white Domestic Shorthair
Located: Dane County
Humane Society

adno=406493-01

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Miller & Sons Supermarket

Chalet Veterinary Clinic

1621 E. Main St., Stoughton

873-8112

adno=407689-01

Kathy Bartels
Coldwell Banker Success

Atticus - 27680451
Male, Labrador/Hound mix
Located: Dane County
Humane Society

The Sows Ear

125 S. Main St., Verona

848-2755 www.knitandsip.com

adno=408793-01

adno=409321-01

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Trix - 25241156
Male, Rabbit
Located: DCHS Mounds Fitchburg

Carlos - 26970006
Male, Boston Terrier
Located: Dane County
Humane Society

203 W. Verona Ave., Verona

845-6700 www.vetcor.com/verona

The Larson Family

Oregon, WI

adno=407596-01

In Loving Memory of Sammy

Ramses - 27680564
Male, Labrador mix
Located: Dane County
Humane Society

adno=408790-01

Conant Automotive

1324 Hwy. 51-138, Stoughton

873-8800

Victoria - 27680659
Female, Labrador mix
Located: Dane County
Humane Society

adno=406488-01

Sahara - 27680090
Female, Hound Mix
Located: Dane County
Humane Society

Blanche - 25210882
Female, B/W Domestic Shorthair
Located: Dane County
Humane Society

235-2927 kbartels@cbsuccess.com

adno=406489-01

Helena - 27680756
Female, Labrador mix
Located: Dane County
Humane Society

adno=407691-01

The Sows Ear

125 S. Main St., Verona

848-2755 www.knitandsip.com

Fido - 25061197
Male, Chihuahua
Located: Dane County
Humane Society

adno=408955-01

Herman - 26876866
Male, Pit Bull Terrier
Located: Dane County
Humane Society

adno=409317-01

adno=407694-01

adno=407714-01

These pets are sponsored by the following businesses:

Taylor - 25332490
Male, German Shepherd
Located: Dane County
Humane Society

Loki - 27682016
Male, Parakeet
Located: Dane County
Humane Society

The Sows Ear

Radio Shack of Stoughton

125 S. Main St., Verona

848-2755 www.knitandsip.com

*Some animals may have already been adopted by the time of print.

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DCHS Main Shelter 5132 Voges Rd., Madison, WI 53718 838-0413

2384 Jackson St., Stoughton

877-9548