When the country packed up offices and headed to work from home back in March, many of us had no idea how long we'd be working remotely.
Pandemics are finicky that way.
But as the days turned into weeks into months, Atlanta tech companies and startups had to adapt to a remote working space, which comes with its own challenges and perks.
We like to think one of those perks is having our furry friends as temporary co-workers. Who doesn't like snuggling a dog or a cat for a break from work?
One of the most sought after perks for Atlanta startups around town is a dog-friendly workspace. Our dog-friendly Office Envies are some of the top performing stories on our website.
It was no surprise when we asked Atlanta Inno readers to send in pictures of their pets at their remote working space, we saw a majority of canine submissions. We do have a few cats in the mix, and even a pretty gecko.
Our pets have been there for the Zoom meetings, the snack breaks and even those special moments. Stacy Sutton's daughter, Katy Sutton, graduated from Eckerd College in May. Her cat, Gaia, was right there alongside her.
"Gaia goes everywhere Katy goes, including college (Eckerd allows pets)," Stacy said in an email. "She 'graduated' as well last week. Eckerd had an entire Zoom pet graduation ceremony and they mailed her a certificate, red bow tie and Eckerd tag for her collar. So I couldn't resist including a picture of Katy holding Gaia right after Gaia's graduation ceremony (Katy made the mortarboard hat)."
You can check out the pets of Inno contributors, readers and community members in the gallery below.
Gallery
Koko, a Shorkie (half Shih Tzu, half Yorker), is the coworker of Leon Hounshell, chief product officer with EarthLink. Image Credit: Leon Hounshell
Sharon Goldmacher's mutts, Cristo and Layla, don't like all the WFH walks. Image Credit: Sharon Goldmacher
Dale Sizemore's 18-year-old kitty has seniority at this WFH office. Image Credit: Dale Sizemore
Essence Lofton's pooch isn't into sharing seats. Image Credit: Essence Lofton
Elizabeth Fairleigh's leopard gecko Leona – age 10. Image Credit: Elizabeth Fairleigh
Elizabeth Fairleigh's cat Cookie, age 14, loves taking up space on the office chair. Image Credit: Elizabeth Fairleigh
This reader's dog is clearly late for his virtual lunch meeting. Image Credit: TB
BELL TERRY
All home offices should include great artwork. Image Credit: Jerry Hogan
Barry Etra's dog McKinley wants you to apply for the RAISE Forum. Image Credit: Barry Etra
Javacinno a.k.a Java, family pet of WorthPoint CEO Will Seippel. Image Credit: WorthPoint
Bella the Rhodesian Ridgeback from WorthPoint CTO Antoine Lyseight. Image Credit: WorthPoint
Crosby, a 5-year-old dalmatian, is the LaunchPad2X mascot. Image Credit: Christy Brown
Kaylee and Blu are a dangerous duo in the office. "Okay, so I might have eaten your spreadsheet..." Image Credit: Kristin Hogan
Gaia wouldn't let a pandemic stop her from celebrating her graduation. Eckerd College held a pet graduation ceremony for her and other animal students, certificate and all. Image Credit: Stacy Sutton
Gus knows that Zoom meetings can be a little intimidating. Image Credit: Lauren Watt
Maureen Carroll clearly shares the home office with the cutest companions. Image Credit: Maureen Carroll
Jenny Catherall and her dog are constantly fighting over the standing mat
Behind the scenes, Cosmo edits the Atlanta Inno Beat from time to time. Image Credit: Madison Hogan
Carmela is also a contributor to the Beat. Image Credit: Madison Hogan
Elle is pawsitive she sent you that email. Image Credit: Dana Buskovitz
It's company policy to take as many belly rub breaks as you can. Image Credit: Dana Buskovitz
