At the Nebraska Humane Society, bringing your dog to work isn’t just a privilege—it’s part of the culture. Employees are encouraged to bring their four-legged companions to the office, creating a pet-friendly work environment that fosters happiness, reduces stress, and boosts productivity. To ensure a safe and structured atmosphere, each office door is designed with a split feature: the top half remains open for easy communication while the bottom section stays closed, keeping the furry coworkers contained. With an abundance of dog toys scattered throughout the workspace, these office pets are rarely bored. But sometimes, they take matters into their own paws to ensure they get the attention—and playtime—they crave.
One of the most determined office pups is Tellen, a lively and intelligent border collie. Unlike some dogs who are content lounging by their owner’s desk, Tellen thrives on activity and engagement. On one particularly playful day, she decided to invite her human coworkers to join in on the fun by tossing her toys over the half-door into the hallway. Again and again, she lobbed her favorite playthings outside her office, hoping to entice someone into a game.
Her plan worked flawlessly. Every time a toy landed in the hallway, it caught the attention of employees walking by. Unable to resist her charming persistence, coworkers instinctively picked up the toys and threw them back into her office. But to Tellen, this was just an invitation for another round of fetch. Each time a toy was returned, she promptly flung it back over the door, proving that she was just as dedicated to playtime as any hardworking employee was to their tasks.
One of the office workers, TikTok user Bluejello22, works directly across the hall from Tellen. Throughout the day, they kept hearing the unmistakable “thunk” of toys hitting the hallway floor. At first, they tried to ignore it and stay focused on their work, but Tellen’s persistence was impossible to resist. Eventually, they gave in and joined the game, returning the toys to the eager pup. Of course, Tellen was delighted, and the cycle continued—each tossed toy sparking yet another playful interaction.
The Nebraska Humane Society’s pet-friendly workplace is more than just a fun perk—it has tangible benefits. Studies have shown that having pets in the office can significantly improve employee morale, reduce workplace stress, and enhance productivity. The presence of dogs provides natural stress relief, as they offer companionship and emotional support that help create a more positive and engaging work environment. Even major corporations like Amazon have recognized the benefits of pet-friendly offices, allowing employees to bring their dogs to work for over 20 years.
For employees at the Nebraska Humane Society, the joy of having dogs in the office extends beyond those who bring their own pets. Even those without a dog of their own get to enjoy the benefits of a pet-friendly environment, with plenty of opportunities for impromptu visits from their coworkers’ canine companions. These furry office mates help foster a sense of community, strengthen bonds among employees, and make each workday a little brighter.
Shortly after being released, he became overcome by rage and frustration and began violently wailing on his poor, trembling, frightened dog. It's clear that this man's violent tendencies didn't decrease after serving his time.
Tellen’s playful antics may have momentarily distracted her human coworkers, but they also served as a reminder of the joy and relaxation that a little bit of play can bring. Her persistence paid off—not only did she get the interaction she wanted, but she also brought smiles and laughter to everyone around her. In a workplace dedicated to the care and well-being of animals, it’s only fitting that the animals themselves contribute to the happiness of the staff.
At the end of the day, Tellen’s story is a testament to the power of workplace pets. Whether they’re offering a comforting presence during stressful moments or simply encouraging a quick break with a game of fetch, dogs in the office make workdays more enjoyable and fulfilling. And for those lucky enough to work in a pet-friendly environment, every day is an opportunity to experience the unique joy that only a four-legged coworker can provide.
Toledo, United States.