Where I Work: Me, My Dogs and I

I work from home and my three dogs stare at me all day, reminding me just how important it is to stay calm and take breaks.

I will cross the street to say hello to a dog. When travelling, I've been known to go to a dog park, just to play with other people's dogs.

So it may not surprise you to learn that I own three dogs, each about 75 pounds, and that they are often close by when I work. They keep me calm, remind me to take breaks, and make me smile. From left to right...

Dex is a German Shepherd/something. He was found wandering the streets of Brooklyn. Dex was scared of men when we met in a vet's office; I adopted him because he stood up against the door, looked at the door handle, then me, then at the handle again. He was debating whether or not to open the door! Smart dog.

Hadley is a Australian Shepherd/Doberman Pinscher. My son calls her an Aussieman, and claims we invented a new breed. Truth is, she was another rescue. My expectation was that she would be even smarter than Dex. My expectation was very, very wrong.

Dakota looks like the RCA Victor dog. Best guess is she's a Boxer/Hound. She once came in second place in a local beauty contest.

This is what the dogs see when I work. They remain unimpressed, unless I have food or the inclination to go outside.

I set up my office this way because I face Long Island Sound and keep everything - except the dogs - behind me so as not to block the view.

The glass desk is a remnant of my "less is more" phase, but I'd really love to find a handcrafted wooden desk.

_____________________________________________________

Bruce Kasanoff is author of Simplify the Future, your guide to a successful career and a rewarding life.