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Willie Marmion, Chihuahua/Jack Russell Mix

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Willie is the first dog my family has ever owned. When he joined our family in early 2021, we were still in the midst of a global pandemic, virtual work, and virtual school for our three elementary school-aged children. Willie gave us hope, solace, and a reason to get outside through an isolating winter. During this time, we also discovered that one of our children was suffering from a challenging condition. Willie can always tell when any one of us needs help or an extra snuggle. He has helped us through many a tough moment. Technically, we rescued him, but we firmly believe it was the other way around.

- Therese Marmion

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Ethel, Lucy, Jack, Will, Elizabeth, Galaxy, Comet, Nebula, Eclipse, Sharky, Bruce, Lily and Magnolia

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Ethel, Lucy, Jack, Will, Elizabeth, Galaxy, Comet, Nebula, Eclipse, Sharky, Bruce, Lily and Magnolia

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When I'm feeling stressed, all I need to do is take a 5 minute break and watch them swim and chase each other. It's soothing and they always look like they're having fun.  If I approach the tank, they come see me, which makes me feel special. It relieves tension and helps me refocus.

- Emily Romanello

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Prancer, Dasher, Cupid, and Vixen, Domestic Shorthair Cats

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Keeping up with these 10-month old kittens makes me happy and energetic.  They bring joy and laughter to my home and elevate everyone's mood. They have greatly contributed to my well-being.

- Elizabeth Featherman

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My partner and I could not have survived COVID without our cats.

Chop in particular makes sure that I [take breaks]. Unfortunately, he does this by sprinting and leaping full speed at my desk and knocking over everything on my desk including my webcam and microphone, trying to bite my hands while I'm typing, and yelling at the top of his lungs when he's bored...

- Randy Kitchens

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We adopted Clover during the first week of the pandemic shutdown and I often say I could not have made it through without her. I have never had a cat before, so the first several months were endless joyful surprises over the cute noises she makes, the goofy sleeping positions she finds, and discovering how much she loves to explore outside on a leash. Clover reminds me to take breaks, slow down, take a stroll outside, and enjoy fresh air and sunshine. I spend a lot of mornings before I start work reading on my porch with her, and it's very good for my soul.

- Lauren Colby

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My dog has contributed to my work-life balance by making the time I spend at home feel like a vacation. My pooch also has joined me at work once and not only did it have a positive affect on me and my coworkers, but my participants were elated to be able to pet and dog since most of them are experiencing homelessness and substance use disorder which means most don’t have furry friends of their own.

- Nicky Adams

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Ginny has been like a mamma dog for me and my husband during the uncertain times of the pandemic.  She fills our home with love and caring, and always has a snuggle to spare.

- Jonathan McCabe

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Hank has quirks that make our family laugh every day. He loves to snuggle up on the couch which is the perfect antidote for a stressful day.

- Rebecca Fairchild

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There are so many facets of the work-life balance, but, there is nothing that feels 'extra' about Deke. No walk is too much work, and no play time is too inconvenient. When I can't force myself to step away from the clock or my tasks, a soft nudge from him is all I need to get up and engage with some serious play and snuggle time.

- Margie Chavez

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It's nice having a pet who is always happy to see you or just know you are there.

- Krysta Halye

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The two-way unconditional love that I share with Regina has taught me a lot about patience and selflessness, which has in turn had a positive effect on my interpersonal relationships.

- Genevieve Diorio-Markle

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Snowball has provided companionship and love. Petting him and hearing him purr also calms my anxiety. Owning a cat ensures that I take time to appreciate the small things in life and don't work myself to death. Even though his basic needs are easy to meet, he also requires love and cuddles. He keeps me on a schedule!

- Ashley Bush

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She is such a character and makes me laugh every day!!!

- Donna Graber

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Moose is always there to provide stress relief and encourage a break, especially if it involves going outside to throw a ball. All I have to do is give him a pet or look his way and he will be there to provide a sense of peace and unconditional love. If I’m stressed after work, I only have to look at his goofy face or rub his belly to take some stress down a notch. A long work day is no match for Moose kisses!

- Chelsea Adamonis

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My puppy, Dewey, encourages me to wake up early and get outside as often as possible, keeping me active even on days when the weather isn't too enticing for a walk.

- Katarina Suwak

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Cats know the importance of rest. They're really good at it! Our nightly routine includes relaxing on the sofa together before bedtime. We both look forward to this quiet time!

- Jessica Bolton

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The unconditional love of a pet adds joy to every day and having a puppy keeps me active!

- Kelsea Reel

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He makes sure I keep to a reasonable schedule of waking up, sleeping, coming home from work, and taking breaks.  He also keeps me on my toes and makes sure I get up, get out, and get some fresh air.

- Jeff Ballentine

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Adventure has helped me manage the stress in my life. He is always ready to play with our family when we get home, and he is more than eager to walk across my laptop anytime I send emails.

- Carmen Perez-Fisher

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Luna is a high-energy dog that need a couple of good walks and/or play sessions each day to be happy. This has forced me to get outside and be active even on days when the weather would normally keep me inside.

- Kate Carangi

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They never complain when I vent to them, and they keep me sane and my blood pressure down.

- Muriel Whiteside

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She helps me relax and gives me something to look forward to when I get home. She also keeps me alert and active!

- Christine Monigle

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Jane, Arabian Village Dog-Rescued from Oman in the Middle East

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Jane sits with me quietly when I'm at the end of the day, meditating a bit.  We take nice long walks, which is good for my health and hers, and then at night, rests peacefully with me at the foot of my bed, sometimes cuddling close.  Very calming after a hectic day.

- Joan Plonski

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She keeps me company, makes me laugh and emotes the perfect balance of love and disinterest that reminds me it’s not all about me!

- Katie McCarthy

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Jada came to us when she was 10. She is now 13 and a big part of our family. We take Jada for a long walk to our community park every day, which provides us time to relax and talk about our day. Through our daily walks, we have met so many more neighbors and increased our connection to our community.

- Karen Kelley

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She's my absolute best friend! So loving, loyal, and always so excited to see me when I come home from a long day in the office (or sits in my lap when I WFH)!

- anonymous

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I am mostly an introvert and do not live with any other humans. She (along with my other cat) provide me with just the right amount of companionship on weekdays.

- Sarah Nachmias

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Our dog Maui is always making my husband and I smile with her antics.  She loves the smell of fresh laundry and loves to rub up against laundry vents on our walks in the city.

- Danielle McKenna

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Having pets reminds me to log out and take care of them. As a bonus, I'm also taking care of myself.

- Stephanie Brown

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Every day she makes me smile with her quirky cat behavior. She is the master at sneaking up and trying to scare me (all 9 lbs of her).

- Rebecca Schept

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Through the Covid lockdown, I spent most of every day in front of my computer. Even now, when I'm home from the office, I probably sit down at the computer to complete something work-related before I even think of making dinner. My cats have always reminded me that I need to take a few minutes here and there for myself -- and make no mistake, responding to their insistent pleas for attention is definitely a way of taking a few minutes for myself! They remind me that there's more to my life than just my job.

- Linda Grabner Travis

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These elderly girls get me up and involved in their excitement to face the world each day. They make sure that I am up and engaged each day as well.

- Laurie-Ellen Shumaker

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Rufus has been an important addition to my life and keeps me entertained and on my toes. I think laughing and being amused by his antics has surely helped me with with work life balance. Plus, if I am not home by a certain time (if in office) or shutting down my laptop when remote, he reminds me it's soon his meal and laser playing time.

- Chuck Watkins

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I am more active because this little guy (6 months old) has a lot of energy and requires 3 -  4 walks a day.

- Marianne Contino