And They Even Get Medical

Impressive resumes and networking skills are fine.

But some workplace pets land their positions because of sheer animal magnetism.

Consider Cougar and Cordy, a couple cats holding down jobs in Spokane.

About three years ago, Cougar was a stray doing time in a cage at the Spokane County Animal Shelter. But there was something about her pride and dignity that caught the eye of a shelter staffer. “She got to me,” said Cindy Taskila.

So Cougar was hired to be the shelter’s chief mouser.

The short-haired black cat soon proved adept at more than rodent control. “Cougar has a certain spark to her personality,” said Nancy Hill, director of animal control for the county.

During a typical work day, Cougar greets visitors and consults with the shelter staff about a variety of issues.

And at a place where barking is the background music, it helps that this feline is not intimidated by dogs.

She has excellent conflict resolution skills, said Hill.

But the thing that makes her the ideal shelter pet is the fact she is affectionate and easygoing, said Taskila. “She’s a very sweet cat, and it’s just nice having her around.”

(If you are looking for a workplace pet for your own business, Cougar can help you arrange for an animal adoption. Call her at 477-2532.)

Cordy, the office cat at the Coalition of Responsible Disabled, was a malnourished stray that got hit by a car one year ago.

A CORD staffer found the mangled cat near the nonprofit agency’s North Side office. And after a stay at a veterinarian’s office, the orange feline was hired as a receptionist/greeter at CORD.

“Everybody loves him,” said Elaine Edwards.

Cordy walks with a decided limp, a reminder of the accident.

“A lot of the people who come here have disabilities of one sort or another, and they can really relate to him,” said Edwards.

Some of them bring treats and toys.

Though friendly in his way, the regal-looking Cordy is not the sort of cat you just walk over to and scoop up.

“But it’s funny,” said Edwards. “He’s really good with children. Kids come up and pull his tail and he does nothing. If I went up and pulled his tail, I’d be history.”

Like Cougar at the animal shelter, Cordy doesn’t usually go home with anyone at night. He lives at the office, as they say.

“He sleeps in a box,” said Edwards.

The downscale sound of that notwithstanding, Cordy apparently ranks himself right up there on the CORD organizational chart.

Said Edwards, “He pretty much thinks he’s the king.”