Cody the convenience store dog

 Cody, a chocolate Labrador Retriever, is up for Employee of the Year because the customers love him.

His owner Karim Manour started bringing Cody to work the early shift about five months ago at a gas station and convenience store in Clearwater, Florida. Since then he’s been promoted from store pet to valued employee.

He even has his own little company shirt and name tag. He attracts a lot of new customers and delights children when he puts his paws on the counter. Source

I don’t know how things are in Florida, but I have a feeling that when the bureaucrats hear about this, Cody will get his termination notice.

Except for guide and service dogs, almost everywhere dogs are prohibited from coming into stores that sell or serve food. And it isn’t just food stores.

In Ohio, Franklin, a Basset Hound, accompanied his human, Matt Schwendiman, to work each morning at his one-chair barber shop. He greeted customers and kept order in the shop. Everyone loved Franklin.

Then a state inspector visited the shop and decreed that animals are not allowed in Ohio barber shops. Franklin was banned from his owner’s shop.

After Franklin spent a few lonely months in exile, his supporters were able to get him reinstated at the barber shop. A state law had to be changed to allow Franklin to take his rightful place. Franklin’s story

Maybe Cody could start lobbying Florida lawmakers now.

Comments

[Khyra]

We Amerikhan khanines are soooo challenged -

I'm sure we are much better at khustomer service than most hoomans -

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

[J]

You are SO right. Humans never do face licking or butt sniffing.

[mb.]

things are pretty lax in Florida. My husband once brought our two little dogs into the grocery store in the cart. He truly had no idea this was not OKay & never would have if I had not told him; he is originally from another country & most of Europe is not so uptight about this as we are). The employees at the store said "Hey Mr. R" just like they always do, a few even petted the dogs.

I have a long funny story about a faux service dog at the local movie theater I should blog one of these days.

[rosemary]

laws, smlaws....I bet there will be a huge protest if Cody is banned.

[Dog Fan]

Dogs live by the laws of nature. They have no regrets.Here is proof.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MICQZrdM8I

[jackie]

some times common sense should over rule laws...

[Jimmy]

Happy belated/left over Turkey Day

[Becky]

You have a really interesting blog. I enjoyed the visit.

[Steve Bartlett]

We have the same issues here in Ontario. I like to take my cats and dogs to my local pub, where they're allowed to roam around and visit. The other customers love it, and no one has ever complained (at least to my knowledge), but we're all afraid that someone will rat us out to the local health department. Also, I remember an incident in Toronto a number of years ago where a bookstore owner's cat was banned from the store. That didn't last long, but it was a fine example of bureaucratic stupidity (not that there's any risk of that becoming endangered).

[Col]

Let's hear it for dogs in the workplace!!! How I would love to be able to do this.

[MH2KE]

This is not government of the people, by the people and for the people. It's small minded people in positions of authority. No wonder people hate the goverment at every level.

[Lynn Sinclair]

A few years ago, someone (with allergies) complained about the resident cat at our local hardware store. The store received hundreds of letters of support (mine included), and soon, the cat was once again greeting customers. All the problems in the world, and ousting pets from stores is what some folks get up in arms about. Go figure.