From guinea pigs to potbelly pigs, it’s clear that people love their pets. For PetZone 2020, we received over 100 pictures of Cook employees’ fur babies, featuring 151 pets! Folks from all over the world sent in photos of their animal companions, including Cook Australia, Cook Ellettsville, Italy, Cook MyoSite, Cook Spencer, Michigan, Cook Vandergrift, Cook Polymer Technology (CPT), the AMER DC Warehouse, Cook Hong Kong, California, Cook Ireland, the Curry Pike Warehouse, Florida, Cook Winston-Salem, Cook Canada, Park 48, Cook Canton, Brown School, Cook Medical Technologies, Ohio, Cook Research Inc., Ellettsville North, Montreal, AMER CSD, and Cook Switzerland. Because of this, we will have two PetZone posts so we can share all of the adorable submissions we received.
Possible health benefits
As I’m sure many of you would agree, “Nothing compares to the joy of coming home to a loyal companion.”1 Whether that’s a dog, a cat, a snake, or a different animal, pets often become an integral part of our lives, and even our families.
But did you know that the unconditional love of your pets can do more than simply keep you company?
Studies have shown that interacting with animals may also:1
-Decrease stress and anxiety
-Improve heart health
-Help people improve their emotional and social skills
-Decrease cortisol levels (a stress-related hormone)
-Reduce loneliness
-Lower blood pressure
-Increase feelings of social support
-Boost your mood
This list is from one of the many pet related articles you can find on the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) website. To access more information about the EAP website, click here. To read the article referenced above, click here.
Photo galleries
Along with the benefits described above, having a pet means you can share pictures of them, and looking at pictures of adorable animals is a stress-free way to relax!
With that, please enjoy the first set of the PetZone photo galleries below!
“I’m not yawning, you’re yawning," purrs Bella.
-Kassi Shelton, Brown School
Shelly, our English Cream Golden Retriever, with her favorite toy first thing in the morning! So very happy to see us, and she made our day like she does every day! How could you ever be “crabby” when you have Shelly in your life!
-Jana Brown Smith, Cook Winston-Salem
My doggo's name is Nubby, and he is an adorable Boston Terrier.
-Hunter Brookings, Park 48
This is Sampson, a very handsome man indeed.
-Darla Trump, Cook Spencer
This is Leela being her silly little self.
-Debbie Cooper, Cook Ellettsville
This is my sidekick Rufus! He’s an Australian shepherd, showing his happy face in his happy place! He’s the best adventure buddy anyone could ask for. He backpacks, bikes, boats and hikes. He carries his backpack like a little fluffy champion and even hauls our first aid kit like a tiny Saint Bernard. He’s only 2 ½, so we have plenty of time to train for all of the mountains we have yet to climb and all the miles we have yet to hike!
-Elizabeth Decarlo, Cook MyoSite
“Keep on smilin’!” has been Rosie’s motto since the pandemic started. Rosie is a “BUG,” half Boston Terrier and half Pug.
-Rich Schmitt, Park 48
This is Dutch, named after Schwarzenegger’s character in the movie "Predator." He is an American Staffordshire Terrier/Beagle mix. And yes, this is his favorite way to lay when he is relaxing with something to chew on! 😊
-Rachel Anderson, Cook Polymer Technology (CPT)
Here is a photo of my 7-year-old cat, Maverick, doing what he does best. Next to him is my 2-year-old boxer, Layla, taking a moment to rest. Clearly, she is annoyed with the photo shoot.
-Tanaya Copeland, Cook Canton
Cooper DeSilva-Rose (left with Lion toy) and Ranger McDanger Danucalov-Elliott (right) may not be blood related, but their friendship is akin to cousins who see each other on holidays and enjoy arguing and one upping each other.
Neither are what might be considered ‘low-energy’ dogs, so their favorite activities consist of chasing each other, puppy fighting, interrupting their parents' virtual happy hours, and making fun of each other’s bandanas and collars that their parents make them wear. They were born on the same day, May 14th. Cooper loves to eat frozen blueberries and doggie ice cream, and Ranger enjoys attempting (and failing) to eat whatever his parents are eating.
-Valerie DeSilva and Danielle Danucalov, Cook MyoSite
These adorable floofs are my beloved Gracie and Tucker.
-Lesley Resler, Cook Spencer
This is Cody. He is a rescue kitty from Kittanning Orphans of the Storm. We adopted him in August 2015. He is the BEST kitty! He plays fetch, listens very well, (thinks he's a dog!) and is the BEST companion ever! I truly LOVE my kitty! ❤️
-Barbara Wolfe, Park 48
These three cute fur babies are Catniss ,7, (left), Rory, 5, (top right), and Louie, 7, (bottom right). They have all enjoyed helping me work from home over the last several months.
-Ashley McGuire, Park 48
My son with our 4-month-old Cavoodle pup, Lucky.
-Jigneshkumar Patel, Cook Australia
This is Pepé. He is an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and enjoys peanut butter bones.
-Marty Weddle, Curry Pike Warehouse
This is Annie, she is a Cavachon. She is sweet, fun, and runs our house!
-Christa Curtis, Park 48
Kovu (left) is a 2-year-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi. He’s full of energy and loves to run around and play with his toys! Kovu’s best friend is Willow (right) the kitten! Willow is an 8-month-old shorthair kitten! She loves chasing Kovu around the house. Her favorite thing to do is hide somewhere higher and jump on his back when he’s running past her.-Katie Crulo, Park 48
This is my Piebald Ball Python, Baby Bean. He is about 6 months old and maybe a foot and a half.
-Makenze Shay, Park 48
My buddy, Gus ❤️
-Angela Myers, Cook Canton
Lucky is the newest addition to the Cunningham family, as of August 4th. She is an 8-month-old lab/husky full of energy whose favorite game is tug of war.
-Jennifer and Robbie Cunningham, Ellettsville North
This is Hank, he's our baby and loves to ride four-wheelers, dirt bikes, and Harley motorcycles!
-Ashley Martin, Park 48
Ivy, left, is a sweet, cuddly, long-haired cutie with a permanent milk mustache. She’s 6 years old and also found her way into my home and heart thanks to the Animal Rescue League. She loves being brushed, sleeping all day on the catio (cat patio), and snuggling up to watch movies.
Ollie is a playful, mischievous, 4-year-old orange tabby. He was found in a shoebox on the side of a road as a kitten and made his way to me through the Animal Rescue League. His hobbies include birdwatching, scratching at the puck on TV during hockey games, and knocking my wireless mouse off my desk while I try to work.
-Liz Danhires, Cook MyoSite
Ares is a 1.5 (ish) year old German Shepard, and Nova is a 5- to 6-year-old (ish) Australian Shepard. They are both rescues and are the best behaved doggos. They both LOVE car rides, meeting new people, and going on adventures. They are the biggest babies and are so loved by us. 😊
-Samantha Sanders, Park 48
Although Ava is an Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler), she is a native of Pittsburgh, PA and has lived in several exotic locations to include Morgantown, WV, Clemson, SC, and Asheville, NC. Her favorite activities are chasing after frisbees, eating ice cubes, and cleaning out peanut butter jars. She is 6 years young and has graduated with a Certificate of Achievement in Outdoor Distractions TWICE!
-Adam Hallet, Cook MyoSite
This is Charlie. He is 9 months old and quite the character. He likes to hide under our bed and attack our feet when we are getting into bed.
-Brenda Mauder, Cook Spencer
My name is Ella, A.K.A Tiny, Little Boots, Bootie Shoes, and Little Shoes. I’m a 10-year young Yorkie mix, and weigh about 10 lbs. My hobbies include eating bones, long walks where I bark at other dogs and people, camping, hiking, being off-leash, and sleeping under the covers. My motivations are treats. Happy Halloween!
-Shannon Johnson, Cook MyoSite
Karma, a two-year-old Pit Bull/Husky mix, is a big baby baby who loves cuddles. She also loves going on car rides to parks and her favorite snack is popcorn or potato chips.
-Deserai Lucas, Park 48
This is my beautiful boxer, Harmony, We adopted her three years ago, and she is a proud Mexican, just like her momma! 😊
-Nayeli Chanez, Cook Australia
Rocco is a 5-year-old pocket American Bully who loves playing in the creek, meeting new people, going on coffee runs with his mama, and stealing treats from his brother, Diesel. This chunky house hippo's favorite things include beef bones from the local butcher, ice cubes, and pepperoni pizza.
Diesel, affectionately known as “D”, is a 4-year-old standard Bully who is anything but! D loves sitting on the couch when he thinks no one is looking, barking at strangers, getting a suntan, and going for car rides. His favorite foods are McDonald’s chicken nuggets, dill pickle chips, and apples.
The non-resident but frequent visitor to our home is my brother, Benjamin, a 13-year-old shih-tzu who is truly a little gentleman. Ben is deaf and has cataracts in both eyes, but don’t let his age fool you, he is king of the castle when he comes for sleepovers and bosses both Rocco and Diesel around! Ben’s favorite things are his stuffed ball, sharing food with sissy, and long naps any time of the day.
-Karie Smith, Cook MyoSite
Rambunctious, sassy, and eager-to-please are all words to describe Riley the Papillon. Her favorite hobbies include going on walks, eating scrambled eggs, and staring out the window so she can let everyone outside know that she’s bigger and tougher than they are. She will be 10 in December. -Tiffini Upchurch, AMER DC Warehouse
My cat, Opossum, is 12 years old. My husband and I rescued him when he was about 6 weeks old. He was born in a hollowed-out branch in a tree next to our house.
-Beth Isbell, Cook Canton
Poulet (which literally means “Chicken” in French) is our 5-month-old puppy that already weighs 62 pounds! He brings so much joy in our lives, while we are waiting for his first little brother or sister! 😊 -Mariko Deziel, Montréal, Canada
Piper is a cute little weirdo. She loves walks and playing with other dogs, but she thrives as a couch potato. You can find her snoozing the day away in a warm patch of sunshine. -Katie Cameron, Cleveland, Ohio
Don’t let the witch costume trick you, Miss Abby is an absolute treat!
-Leah Burns, Cook Ellettsville
Giampaolo, aka Giampi, is the kindest dog of the world, but he is also a big goofball.
Bruno is the latest addition to our home. He’s never home, except when it’s time to eat! Moreover, he likes to sleep in the doghouse. We all live together in Poggio Renatico, near the beautiful city of Ferrara, Italy.
-Giorgia Foschini, Italy
This is my white German Shepherd, Lucy . She loves hiking with me.
-Ram Paul, Park 48
This is Monster, he is a smoke black Maine Coon. He is what happens when you put half a cat brain in the dust bunnies under your bed. At least he is adorable!
-Monica Patterson, Park 48
This is Loki Joe Miller, my best best pal. This is after a long hike out to Ellettsville’s old well site.
-Emily Miller, Cook Spencer
This is Little Bear Miller. His hobbies are digging in the yard, spying on neighbor cats, and eating chicken treats. 🐶
-David and Christina Miller, Cook Spencer
This is LillyAnn. She just had her first birthday in September. We adopted her in July from the Brown County Humane Society. She is sitting at my desk ready to get on a morning call. She likes going to work every day, but is ready to stop right at 5 p.m. She loves going on walks and to the dog park, chasing squirrels up trees, and watching TV. We were told she is a dachshund mix but we have no idea where the spots came from.
-Molly Cunningham, Park 48
This is my Bearded Dragon, Fidget, ready for trick or treating in her narwhal costume.
-Fred Pierce, Cook Spencer
This is my dog, Ginger. She is a 4-year-old Goldendoodle (Golden retriever/Poodle). We got her when she was a month old. She was my husband and I’s birthday gift for ourselves. She is so cuddly and soft, crazy and sweet, she’s a daddy’s girl and she loves swimming in the lake. We love everything about her especially her baby sister.
-Michelle Boyll, Cook Spencer
This is Mabel, AKA Miss Mabel Moo, and she is 11-months-old. She loves her family like crazy!
-Dan Schimpf, Park 48
Our birthday boy, Eli, posing cute for some treats.
-Mason Lyons, Cook Winston-Salem
I love my smiling and loving pups, Earl, left, and Piper, right. Who wouldn't?
-Kayla Crowe, Cook Ellettsville
My cat’s name is Eva Kant. She is named after an Italian comics character who originated in the series “Diabolik.” She came into my life when I lost my mother, in 2008. I went to a local animal shelter and I always say that she “chose” me: among all those cats, she moved towards me and hasn’t left my side since. It was love at first meow!
-Annamaria Borsolani, Italy
This is Bernie (top) and his brother Babbits (bottom). They like long walks in the park and getting tucked in for their naps.
-Melissa Espinoza, Michigan
This is Bailey, a 3-year-old Australian Shepherd. She loves to play fetch/frisbee/and tug-o-war. She is very high energy and requires lots of attention. To say she is spoiled would be a huge understatement. She loves back rubs and belly rubs, and she knows how to sit, backup, shake, high-five, and will wait until told ok to give her treats. She is very intelligent, she knows words like lunch, dinner, bath and go, and she loves to react very loudly!!!
-Denise Frederick, Park 48
This is my dog, Annie. She is a full-blooded wire-haired dachshund. Annie is 10 years old and loves to play!
-Pam Altemose, Cook Vandergrift
This is our pet, Big Dawg. He is completely house-broken, and my grandkids, Abe and Sol, love him!
-Mike Gallimore, Park 48
We have 5 beautiful dogs that live on our farm. They are all mutts, and we love them! Their names are: Miss 10, Lester, (AKA the Boss), Butler, Miss 11, and Daisy, (AKA Lazy Daisy).
-Darlene Smith, Cook Spencer
Lucy and Poppy are 3-year-old Golden Retriever sisters. As you can see, they love getting dressed up and posing for pictures. Two of their costumes are ‘pumpkin lattes’ and lions.
-Vibhuti Harquail, Cook Canada
This is Aspen, and I love her so very much! She is a Chihuahua and currently weighs 5 pounds. She was born on August 4th, 2020.
-Jane Stoltz, Cook Winston-Salem
This is my Ball Python, Lonzo! He is the easiest pet I’ve ever had. He loves being held and slithering around on soft blankets. He also loves climbing up my arm like a tree!
-Samantha Coley, Cook Spencer
Meet Bijou Boudreaux (pronounced bē-ˌzhü), Goldendoodle daughter of Ray and Jackie Boudreaux. Bijou loves peanut butter, her Frisbee toy, and running along the fence (with tail wagging) “protecting” her yard.
-Ray Boudreaux, Cook Research Incorporated (CRI)
Sources
Wein H, Hicklin T. (Eds.). The power of pets: health benefits of human-animal interactions. NIH News in Health. Bethesda, MD: U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). Published in February 2018. Retrieved February 13, 2019, from https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/02/power-pets.
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4 Comments
Gorgeous pictures of some very pampered pets. I want a dog and its making me want one even more……!
From guinea pigs to potbelly pigs, it’s clear that people love their pets. For PetZone 2020, we received over 100 pictures of Cook employees’ fur babies, featuring 151 pets! Folks from all over the world sent in photos of their animal companions, including Cook Australia, Cook Ellettsville, Italy, Cook MyoSite, Cook Spencer, Michigan, Cook Vandergrift, Cook Polymer Technology (CPT), the AMER DC Warehouse, Cook Hong Kong, California, Cook Ireland, the Curry Pike Warehouse, Florida, Cook Winston-Salem, Cook Canada, Park 48, Cook Canton, Brown School, Cook Medical Technologies, Ohio, Cook Research Inc., Ellettsville North, Montreal, AMER CSD, and Cook Switzerland. Because of this, we will have two PetZone posts so we can share all of the adorable submissions we received.
Gorgeous pictures of some very pampered pets. I want a dog and its making me want one even more……!
I know what you mean!! I’ve found myself browsing quite a few shelter sites since I saw these absolute cuties.
Oh I love Pet Zone…..Keep them coming
I couldn’t agree more! We are planning to release the second PetZone post this month. 🙂