D'Art at the Dublin Arts Council's 2016 D'Art Dash 5K
D’Art the gallery cat is a model employee. He greets guests at the door, attends every staff meeting, helps out the marketing team and only rarely naps on the job.
“He serves several different functions,” says Janet Cooper, director of engagements for the Dublin Arts Council.
D’Art, a shorthair orange tabby, has lived at the DAC building since 2010, when a friend of Cooper’s discovered him wandering in her yard.
“From the moment he walked out of his carrier, he was right at home. He just walked out like he owned the place, and he has ever since,” says Cooper.
Employees say D’Art is a friendly, social cat. There are treats and fur rollers in every office, so D’Art spends his days at the gallery meandering from room to room and occasionally sneaking out to the flower beds. He’ll join the artists as they set up their works in the gallery, and isn’t afraid to make himself at home during meetings.
“In true cat fashion, he spends most meetings flopped on top of people’s papers,” says Cooper.
From small businesses to large companies, the bring-your-pet-to-work trend is growing. More employers are seeing the benefits of office pets: Workers are more satisfied, less stressed and more willing to show up to work. In addition to the DAC’s live-in cat, two DAC employees regularly bring their dogs to work; however, the arts council isn’t the only pet-friendly business in Dublin.
Meyer and Oscar. Photo courtesy of Chelsea Borough Home
Christena Wentz, who co-owns Chelsea Borough Home, brings her dogs into work almost every day. When she rescued Oscar and Meyer almost two years ago, they were terrified of people. Now, the dogs feel more comfortable meeting new friends.
“I knew it would be a good training opportunity,” says Wentz. “The customers have been really receptive.”
During their time at the store, Oscar and Meyer have made it their home. Oscar enjoys naps on his favorite rug, while Meyer prefers to lie in the front window and bask in the sunlight. Wentz says the dogs are great for business. They distract children while parents get their shopping done and make the store a little bit cozier.
“When customers see a dog, it feels like a home,” says Wentz. “It really adds to the character of the store.”
Cooper says D’Art’s presence has a similar affect. Having a gallery cat gets rid of the “stuffiness” that may be associated with an art gallery and makes the space seem more laid-back and homey.
“He really feels it’s his duty to greet people,” she says. “He responds especially well to children.”
Maggie. Photo courtesy of Dean Insurance Group
Maggie, a 10-year-old miniature labradoodle, is the primary greeter at Dean Insurance Group.
“Everyone is obsessed with trying to earn her attention when they come into the office. It puts a smile on people’s faces,” says Rachel Dean-Haas, Maggie’s owner.
Office pets also have a positive effect on employees. Amy Conley, a realtor at Conley & Partners in Dublin, brings her 8-month-old King Charles Cavaliers into work almost every day. Milly and Georgie keep the office environment fun and light-hearted: Stressed employees unwind by taking a few minutes to play with the pups. Some even take turns taking the dogs outside, a welcome respite from a hectic day.
“It’s nice to get some sunshine,” says realtor Carrie Everingham. “I think (Milly and Georgie) make things less stressful. We’re all dog people.”
“He’s therapy for all of us,” says Cooper of D’Art. “It’s hard to be stressed when you have a cat purring on your lap.”
Katie Ellington is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at hbealer@cityscenecolumbus.com.
D’Art the Social Media Star
After his arrival six years ago, D’Art became a mascot for the DAC. He is the namesake of the DAC’s blog (the D’Art Board) and annual 5K fundraiser (the D’Art Dash). He also regularly appears on the DAC’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts. Check out some of his best ensembles below.
