Put the pandemic on paws

Published November 04, 2020

Since the onset of the pandemic, it’s been a year like none other. In July, the American Psychological Association’s Stress in America 2020: Stress in the Time of COVID-19, Volume Three reported, “As infection rates continue to increase in a majority of states, just under 2 in 3 Americans (66%) say getting COVID-19 is a significant source of stress in their lives, which is significantly more than said the same in May–June (61%).” Times are certainly tough, but pets can often be a source of comfort during strained times. Both in the garden center and at Garden Center magazine, pets are taking on the coworker role. Take a break from the unending news cycle and check out some of these carefree pets for a serotonin boost.

Perino’s Garden Center

At Perino’s Garden Center, pets are not only welcome into the IGC, but encouraged: “I used to have a little doggy door for them, but we renovated. That was really neat. The customers love coming in with their dogs,” says Tucker Bantom, general manager.

Allisonville Nursery

Ivy

At Allisonville Nursery, Ivy takes a snooze on a haystack. “She’s lived here her whole life, and was really shy at first but now loves to pick a chair to sleep in all day and get loved on by every customer that walks by,” says Scott Bardash, store manager.

Chloe

“Chloe is 10 years old and a rescue dog. She used to come to work with me every day because she didn’t like staying home alone when we first adopted her last summer, but she’s happy to snooze the day away at home now,” Bardash says.

Staff pets!

Abby

Vincent

Bishop

Uno

Our cute coworkers have been working tirelessly alongside us during the pandemic. Here are our star employees of the month. And while they may not have bylines or know how to edit a story, we’re happy to report they all deserve a promotion.

Invest in experiences

Explore the November 2020 Issue

Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.

Put the pandemic on paws