So...this week's question is brief and to the point:
Do you bring your dog to work?
From Jennifer, who blogs at An Orientation of Heart:
I have an eighteen month old golden retriever, who came to work with me as a puppy, because she was recovering from heart surgery at the age of eleven weeks. I kept her confined to my office.
Lucy makes small appearances now and then, and only outdoors at work. I do not bring her to work because a.)she is not well behaved enough and b.) we have staff and church members who are allergic to dogs.
I think bringing one’s dog to work depends upon the breed of dog, his or her good manners, and the feelings of those with whom I work and serve.
From Muthah+, blogging at Stone of Witness,
Dear Dog lover:
I am NOT a dog lover and those clergy I have met who do bring their dogs to the office often convey a "love me; love my dog" message, IMHO. One sister cleric allowed her dog to pee on the carpet--totally poor form! And it was a point of contention in her parish. I find that there are more women who take their animals to the office than men. If it is for protection, that is another matter--or if you are taking a service dog on visits at the retirement home.
Since I am a cat lover and I know that there are many out there who are allergic to cats, I did not bring my cats to the office--except when my office was in my home in my first parish. But the cat was banished from my office during those times when parishioners were present. And if your dog is providing protection, I would suggest that it be trained to protect outside of your office when doing counseling or administration work with parishioners.
I think that bringing your pet to the office takes away from the clear one-on-one relationship that a parishioner desires with their pastor / priest. It means that all too often your attention is drawn to your pet rather than the single mindedness you want to have when giving pastoral care, or adminstering your parish. It also provides a way to avoid entering fully into the discussion with parishioners. Constantly having to worry about your dog's needs takes your attention from the work at hand.
There is something about boundaries that I have not quite thought through in this question, and it is something that perhaps you need to think on. Beasties tend to be a part of my home life that I really don't feel is a part of my parishioners' privy.
In my experience, it is off-putting to have to deal with another person's animals. And while I am not afraid of dogs, I don't appreciate much of doggy behavior. Some people are afraid of dogs and would not come to visit if they knew your dog was with you. I don't think it is a good idea.
And Sharon, blogging at Tidings of Comfort and Joy, writes that she does not have a dog, and would not bring a dog to work.
Do you have a bone to pick with our matriarchs? Join in the conversation by posting a comment below.
With prayers for all those facing the aftermath of this Spring's vicious storms,
rev honey