During these Corona times, Burda’s office dogs are also mostly working from home. How do they like this change? Today, Danish–Swedish farmdog Danska from corporate HR tells us all about it.
Dogs are good for the office atmosphere; they keep us moving, promote communication and make us laugh. According to a Statista study, dog owners who are allowed to take their animals to work are less stressed, and their colleagues also enjoy greater work satisfaction. As long as colleagues and superiors have nothing against it, there’s a lot to be said for taking our four-legged friends into the office.
At Burda we have many ‘woof-tastic’ co-workers. Some have an Instagram account, and one of them was even the inspiration for Burda's first dog magazine. In this series, a few Burda dogs introduce themselves personally.
Who are you and where do you come from?
My name is Aylin and I come from Au in the Hallertau, the largest hops-growing region in the world. My dad was a beautiful white poodle called Boomer, and my mother was a black Labrador. That's why they call us puppies ‘Labradoodles’.
Where does your mistress work and what is her name?
My owner Christiane Soyke has been working for Bunte for twenty years, and is a member of the editorial staff. As a journalist she’s often on the road, but this week I was lucky. I was allowed to go to my mistress's office, and I took the opportunity to look at the Christmas market, and the beautifully-decorated tree in the foyer.
How often do you come to the office and what does a typical day look like for you?
I accompany my mistress, because my young master moved to another city to study. That's all right with me though, because I get plenty of attention here. My mistress sits on the fifth floor in a glass office, and I like to relax under her desk. When I’m there and she has to go to the graphics or photo editing department then I have to stay in her office, but I get visitors all the time, coming for cuddles.
Sometimes I'm also allowed to go up to the 6th floor and sneak some treats there, where my colleague Casper works in the graphics department. Her mistress Sonja always has something hidden in her pocket. And Rolf Hauschild, Chief Subeditor at Bunte, always has treats, since he is also a proud dog owner.
Where is your favourite place at Bunte?
Wherever my mistress is. And in the Burda Bar with Sebastiano, who probably makes the best pasta in Munich. I always wait for him to finally give me a plate. After all, I have no problems with eating carbs.
What makes you howl or growl?
Mostly when I’m going for a walk, and a male dog sniffs at me cheekily. I don't like that so much. If my mistress has a long conference call then I have to remain calm and not be annoying or noisy. All the same, I am happy when she finishes the call. She usually takes me for a walk through the park during my lunch break, which is quite a change for me as a country dog.
Who is your favourite person in the office and why?
Oh, they're all great, but I like Nadine Estermann very much. She’s the clever person who took these great photos here - as a blogger she has a really good eye.
Are there any other office dogs besides you, and if so, who?
Bunte graphic designer Sonja Wohner brings her dog Casper to the office almost every day. When we're both here, we enjoy romping through the park together during lunch break. But the graphics department is her territory. She doesn't like visiting other dogs, which is okay. Dogs should respect each other’s territory.
Paw on heart: what the naughtiest thing you’ve ever done in the office?
I’m a lady, and I’m very well-trained. You can see how beautifully I posed for these photos. I obey my mistress’s every word - as long as there aren’t any cats nearby. Then, there is no stopping for me - cats and dogs are natural enemies, but luckily they aren’t allowed in the office anyway.
What do you look forward to the most after work?
Going for a walk! I want to go out in the fields and romp about. Then I really go for it, and I run after every bird that I can see. Even if I never catch one...
And what are you looking forward to at Christmas?
A huge bone! And the fact that my young master Nicholas is coming to visit me, so I can cuddle up with him on the sofa.
Do you have another wish for next year?
Yes - a Hund im Gluck magazine subscription, so that I have something beautiful and exciting to read! Let's see if Father Christmas brings me one...
