The Best Co-Workers Have Four Legs

HOW THE PETS WHO SHARE OUR WORKDAYS CAN INSPIRE A GREATER CONNECTION TO ANIMAL RESCUE

They don’t answer emails. They’re not much help with contracts. And their idea of networking usually involves a good sniff.

But for many of us, some of our most dependable co-workers happen to have four legs. They’re beside us in the home office, riding along in the car and providing welcome interruptions when we’ve been staring at a screen too long. Somewhere along the way, the line between work companion and family member disappeared.

At Lang Realty, that affection extends well beyond the pets who share their agents’ days.

Through Lang Cares, the company’s community outreach initiative, associates have volunteered at shelters, collected much-needed supplies and supported no-kill rescue organizations throughout Palm Beach and Broward counties.

Behind that commitment are people—and four-legged friends—with stories of their own.

Miss Roxy: Always on the Job

For Lang Realty agent Joanne Loud, working from home has always included a colleague who never misses a day.

Miss Roxy takes up her post beside Loud each morning—a quiet, steady presence through calls, contracts and client emails. When the hours stretch a little too long, Roxy knows when it’s time to insist on a walk or lunch break.

On office days, she comes along to greet the staff, providing the kind of welcome no conference call can replicate.

She’s hardly alone. For real estate professionals whose offices often happen to be their cars, dogs can be frequent passengers, logging miles between appointments right alongside them.

Four Rescues—and Room in Her Heart for More

For Maria Kovachev, animal rescue isn’t simply something she supports. It has been part of her life for more than two decades.

The Lang Realty agent currently shares her home with four female German Shepherds, all adopted from local rescues. She’s also actively involved in trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs for feral cats and maintains daily feeding stations for more than 30 cats in her community.

Her concern is particularly strong for large dogs that can be harder to place with families. And she has found ways to bring that dedication into her professional life.

When clients are downsizing or relocating, Kovachev regularly connects them with local animal-rescue thrift shops where donated furnishings and other household items can generate funding for shelter operations.

“When we give a little love to these four-legged sweethearts, they shower us with love right back,” said Kovachev. “My pets never disappoint. They are always ready and waiting—to be petted, to take a walk or just to be nearby. Open your hearts and your home to a lifelong, forever fur buddy.”

For Kovachev, it’s one more way to turn a real estate transition into something positive for animals in need.

Teddy: Chief Morale Officer

Lang Realty agent Blake Morris has a co-worker who earns his keep almost entirely through enthusiasm.

Teddy, a scruffy grey-and-white terrier mix with a seemingly permanent grin and a tennis ball rarely far from reach, brings the kind of energy to the day that no cup of coffee can match.

Whether it’s a morning at home or a ride-along afternoon, Teddy is ready.

“Teddy doesn’t know anything about real estate, but he knows exactly how to make a client feel at ease,” said Morris. “There’s something about having a dog around that just lowers the pressure and makes people feel at home.”

Perhaps Teddy knows something about real estate after all.

Turning Puppy Love into Action

Our four-legged friends may provide plenty of personality, but the devotion they inspire can extend to those still waiting to find families of their own.

Lang Realty and Lang Management associates have volunteered at Tri-County Animal Rescue in Boca Raton, installing sod for dog runs, spending time socializing newly arrived rescues and delivering supplies collected through a company-wide drive.

“The dogs in our lives make us better—more present, more grounded and more connected to what matters,” said Scott Agran, president of Lang Realty. “We’re proud to celebrate them, and proud to support the rescues that give so many dogs the chance to find a home like the ones our agents provide.”

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Tri-County Animal Rescue in Boca Raton operates as a 100% no-kill facility and has rescued more than 90,000 animals, founded on a legacy of compassion, providing safety, care, and second chances for pets in need regionally and nationally.

Yet there are still dogs and cats waiting for their own favorite co-worker, walking companion—or simply someone to come home to. Perhaps there’s room in your life for one more.

Explore adoption, volunteer and support opportunities:

Tri-County Animal Rescue • tricountyanimalrescue.org