It's not take-your-dog-to-work day; these pups are on that nine-to-five circuit like the rest of us. Meet Zoe, Ike, Hugo and the entire clan at American Hairlines, who are just as comfortable at the workplace as they are at home on the couch. Whether it be greeting patients at the doctor's office, cheering on clients as they sweat on the megaformer or assuring a guest her new do looks fabulous, these four-legged friends mean business, and there are more like them all over the Valley.
Hugo & Ike
barreform
Hugo and Ike are the unofficial trainers, and official lap warmers, at barreform in Bethlehem. These French Bulldogs can be found scurrying around the studio, working the reception desk and retrieving socks off the ground. Customers' eyes light up when they see the duo, and they immediately drop down to get a kiss.
While six-year-old Hugo loves sitting on laps and snuggling, five-year-old Ike enjoys bouncing a resistance ball off his nose until he passes out, chasing squeaky toys and destroying basketballs. Outside of the office, Hugo prefers salmon sashimi and his stuffed hedgehog. Ike, on the other hand, has never met a food item he didn't like, and can't get enough of his wobble wag giggle ball.
202 W. 4th St., Bethlehem | 610.625.5300 | barreform.com
Hugo, Moonay, FiFi, Sissy, Cooper, Pippa, Hugo, Jeeter, Jax, Teddy, Penny, Stanley, Cici, Bitsey and Daisy
American Hairlines
There are a lot of things that set American Hairlines apart from other salons, but one of the most notable is the variety of pups that make themselves at home there. Owners Dave McCormack and Dru Thomas do not just strive to make their team of stylists comfortable and happy, but their pets as well. “No one has to run home to let Fido out,” they explain. “Our stylists are so busy, they wouldn't be able to have a pet if they couldn't bring them.” They go by the names Hugo, Moonay, FiFi, Sissy, Cooper, Pippa, Hugo (yes, there's two), Jeeter, Jax, Teddy, Penny, Stanley, Cici, Bitsey and Daisy. They're mixed breeds and ages, ranging from six months to eight years old, and the customers love them: “It adds to the experience. College students miss their pets and need a dog fix.”
Have an upcoming appointment at the salon? These guys love oatmeal and peanut butter cookies from the Moravian Book Shop, and appreciate toys by the hour.
74 W. Broad St., Bethlehem | 610.882.9848 | americanhairlines.us
Zoe
The Riley Center for Pelvic Health
Meet Zoe, a two-year-old Bouvier de Flanders who spends her days at The Riley Center for Pelvic Health. Though she has no formal training, Zoe acts as a true therapy dog to all patients that enter the office. She brings smiles and laughter to every patient's visit. Her human, Dr. Valerie Riley, says that while many are surprised by how large she is—95 pounds—and some need reassurance that she's not a bear, Zoe quickly wins their love and rewards them with lots of kisses.
It's not uncommon for someone to have reservations about discussing intimate details of their personal life or to feel anxious about an exam at the gynecologist office. Zoe breaks down defenses and builds trust with patients. “As a result, my patients feel more at ease and comfortable to discuss issues that are difficult to express,” says Riley. If the patient is comfortable with it, Zoe will follow them to the exam room and lay on the floor next to the exam table.
Zoe loves to go to work and visit with patients all day. “She literally jumps joyfully with all fours off the ground every morning when I tell her we're leaving for work,” she says. Outside of the office, Zoe loves Waggin' Train chicken jerky strips, walks in the neighborhood and lots of attention.
3445 High Point Blvd. Suite #100, Bethlehem | 610.882.3828
Fred, Lilly & Franky
Dapper As Fluff Richlandtown
Meet Fred, Lilly and Franky, three famous ginger cats living in Richlandtown. Together, they have accumulated more than 20,000 Instagram followers who watch their every purr and pounce. They're almost always sporting the newest fashions from Dapper As Fluff, their human's Etsy Shop that specializes in all things kitten chic. Ranging from bowties and bandanas to trendy emoji sweatshirts, these furballs are certainly dapper as fluff, and, thanks to online shopping, cats everywhere can be too.
More Local Pets at Work
