Parker & Jen

Parker: Lab mix, seven years old

Jen Flanz: Co-Executive Producer

CK: What’s your favorite Parker-at-the-office story?

Jen: Parker knocks on the door of the post-mortem (the meeting to discuss the show we’ve just wrapped and prep for the following day)—she knocks and it sounds like a human. On several occasions, the person opening the door didn’t realize it was going to be her and were shocked to see a dog.

CK: Tips on a dog-friendly workplace?

Jen: I think it is amazing for morale, but you need to be clear with the owners that they are responsible for their dog; the dogs need to be housebroken and good with people. I also suggest letting people know during their initial interview that it is a dog-friendly office, in case they have a paralyzing fear of dogs.

CK: What does it mean to share your life with Parker?

Jen: I love it — she makes me smile every single day. I also love that all of my co-workers know and (most) love her. It makes it a little harder when you actually want to have a social life, since she pretty much goes everywhere with me. When I go out for dinner or something, she gives me that look … ugh!

Ally & Tim

Ally: Pointer mix, three-and-a-half years old

Tim Greenberg: Supervising Producer

CK: What is your favorite Ally-at-the-office story?

Tim: Ally gets very excited if we’re out on the street and run into any of the 100+ people who work here. It’s like she has a huge second family. She also has her own social life here. She’s often visiting her various friends throughout the building, crashing on the most comfortable couches, and she seems to meet an inordinate number of our celebrity guests. I only know any of this because people show me pictures later. She met Betty White and I found out about it when I saw the video on YouTube.

CK: Tips on a dog-friendly workplace?

Tim: Know that the dogs should be introduced carefully and gradually. Don’t want to mess up a good thing with a fight between dogs who’ve been pushed together too quickly.

CK: What does it mean to share your life with Ally?

Tim: They remind you to take joy in simple things. It’s great to have a permanent buddy. And given how gratifying it is to make them happy, it reminds you how rewarding it can be to take care of others (even the fur-less).



Kweli & Justin

Kweli: Golden Retriever, eight years old

Justin Chabot: Artistic Coordinator/DV Shooter

CK: What is your favorite Kweli-at-the-office story?

Justin: We had both only been here about a year, and one day, during Jon’s Q&A with the audience right before the taping, Kweli ran into the studio and directly to one audience member’s feet, then sniffed and sat down. Everyone behind the scenes (including me, of course) was freaking out, because this was a clear lapse in discipline on the part of both owner and dog. As I was going to get him, Jon asked the guy, “What, are your pants made of liverwurst?” and the guy replied, “No, but I do have one Snausage treat in my pocket. Can he have it?” This one tiny Snausage is apparently what caught Kweli’s attention from 70 feet away, through a couple of hallways behind the studio. To much applause, Kweli was awarded the object of his sensory desire.

CK: Tips on a dog-friendly workplace?

Justin: Do it! Your employees will work longer hours, be happier and amazingly, despite all the dog-petting and such, be more productive. I mean, with dogs here, we’ve won “Best Show” Emmys nine years straight. (Well-behaved, adorable dogs only, of course.)

CK: What does it mean to share your life with Kweli?

Justin: Ha! “Share my life” with Kweli? He is my life. Ask my girlfriend.