news-record.com

When Tomi Watson decided to go into business for herself, her dog factored strongly into the equation.

“One of the top three reasons I wanted to buy a business is that I could take my dog to work,” Watson fondly remembers. In her previous job, taking a pup to work wasn’t an option.

Four years ago Watson purchased Capitol Medals, 108 Chestnut Drive, High Point, and, ever since, Jewel, a West Highland terrier, has been a fixture at the shop.

To call Jewel a “shop dog” implies that she’s a lazy hound that lounges in the doorway, occasionally rolling over to let a customer give her a belly rub. While that’s not a bad thing, that’s not Jewel.

The impish, 18-pound pooch is so much more than a dog that just hangs out at an office. Jewel has a title: public relations director for the custom trophy and engraving shop. She also has her own business card.

Walk to the front door of Capitol Medals and you’ll see little smudges on the full glass front door and window from Jewel’s petite nose. Just inside the door is a puppy pillow where Jewel maintains vigil watching for customers, the FedEx delivery van and the UPS truck.

Beside Watson’s desk in the administrative office is Jewel’s faux wicker kennel (envision her own private cubicle). And like the other four employees who share the room, she also has a chair — conveniently perched at a window. While the four humans work at their desks with their computers, the room’s sole window belongs to the corporate canine.

The director of public relations needs to keep an eye on the public. Even if she is only a foot or so tall.

When Watson and her husband, Henry, went puppy shopping six years ago, they found Jewel online from a breeder in Iowa. An Iowa native, Tomi Watson instantly felt a connection to the dog. So did Henry Watson. “I’ve got one girl from Iowa so I might as well get another one,” he said.

The Watsons flew Jewel to Greensboro on “Puppy First Class” with Delta Airlines. The terrier was just 8 weeks old and a ride in cargo wouldn’t do.

Originally the pup was named Tiffany, and though the Watsons didn’t think Tiffany suited her personality, the name inspired them. Henry Watson’s grandmother was Momma Jewel. The rest is history.

Wearing a rhinestone-studded purple collar, Jewel naps lightly between customers, keeping her eyes half open for business. With High Point University being one of Capitol Medals’ best customers, Jewel likes to sport the school’s colors and insists on helping with deliveries to the school. Plus, purple is a regal color and looks awfully smart with her snowy coat.

Jewel puts in 50 to 60 hours a week at the shop and is keenly aware when it’s time to go home. Like the rest of us working stiffs, Jewel also knows when it’s Friday.

And if Tomi Watson doesn’t start wrapping up business by 5 or 5:30 p.m., Jewel reminds her that it’s time to go home by heading to the door on her own.

Recently Watson had a particularly long day and didn’t respond to Jewel’s gentle nudges to shut down the office. Frustrated that no one was paying attention to her, Jewel picked up an empty box and promptly shredded it. Watson said the message was crystal clear: “It’s time to go home.”

But this occasional display of strong will is not the norm for Jewel. Instead she lives up to her public relations persona and specializes in customer service. In her repertoire are a number of tricks to entertain customers — especially the youngest ones.

“Give me five,” Watson asks and Jewel hops up and raises her left paw to meet Watson’s hand. Watson says “shake,” and Jewel offers her paw.

Then Jewel follows Watson’s commands “down,” “over,” “over the other way” and rolls one way and then the other in perky delight. Anything for the job.

Well, treats are strong incentives, too.

After four years on the payroll — figuratively speaking, of course — Jewel has developed a loyal following. Customer Mary Lou Brinson loves the pup so much that she even brought paw-themed plates and napkins to Jewel for her birthday. Another customer called Watson and said, “I drive by your door every day going to work just to look for Jewel at the window.”

The sound of Paul Lessard beckoning “Where’s my girl?” lets Watson know the High Point Community Foundation director has entered the building.

With each chime of the door and greeting from a customer, Jewel’s ears perk up and she trots over for a proper welcome.

While she’s perfectly content with her job, Jewel isn’t resting on her haunches. She and Watson are exploring the notion of adding “therapy dog” to Jewel’s resume. If Capitol Medals’ customers are any indication, Jewel will earn those credentials and be on that job, too.

Virtually visit Jewel at Capitol Medals’ website: www.capitolmedals.net .

Office pets, shop dogs, therapy animals. Tell me about your working pets and I’ll come see them on the job. Contact Cathy Weaver at CWeaverNR@gmail.com