Key Club's Cash known for dogmatic work ethic

In four-and-a-half years on the job, Cash has never taken a sick day.

He wakes up at 6 a.m. every morning for his 7 a.m. carpool ride from northwest Bradenton to the Longboat Key Club and Resort. In a nomination for an “Employee of the Month” award, a co-worker praised his work ethic, writing:

“Regularly, rather than take an assigned lunch, he frequently uses the time to move willingly from one post to the other, while only taking a little time out for some fresh air and a snack or two.”

Cash is, without a doubt, the Key Club’s most dogged worker. Since Nov. 15, 2006, he’s been the Key Club office dog and unofficial “ambassadog.”

Key Club general cashier Judy Theoret, who takes Cash home at night and carpools to work with him, said Sarasota Humane Society officials told her that the Labrador retriever/chow chow mix wound up in the organization’s care after he was abandoned and later rescued by a person who couldn’t keep him because of allergies.

But, in November 2006, Cash attended an event that would change his life — not to mention kick start his office career. He was one of two dogs that Humane Society officials brought to a Key Club wellness fair for employees.

“As part of our wellness fairs, we always have pets come out because they have such therapeutic value,” said Mary Kay Ryan, director of sales at the Key Club.

Dogs like Cash are invited to the wellness fair in hopes that an employee might adopt them. As the two-day event ended, a human-resources department employee noticed how well-behaved Cash was and got approval from General Manager Michael Welly for him to become an “office dog.” At first, the human-resources employee took Cash home at night, although Theoret soon took over because Cash became attached to her.

Like any employee, Cash needed a little training. He learned to sit and to extend his paw. (Never underestimate the value of a firm paw-shake.) But, overall, he was a natural for the job.

“He adapted here very, very well,” Theoret said. “He’s very well-liked.”

Today, Cash’s main function is to serve as a morale booster. He makes employees happier when he allows them to scratch his tummy or graciously accepts a treat. In the past, he’s been called in to attend tough human-resources meetings to put people at ease. He also posed for the card that Key Club employees receive on their birthdays.

It’s signed, “From Cash and your Longboat Key Club and Resort family.”

Frequently, employees say to office staff:

“Tell Cash, ‘Thanks for the birthday card.’”

Cash’s work has impacted other pets in need of adoption. Some employees who had never owned a dog have adopted one since getting to know Cash. Ryan said Cash inspired her to adopt two Labrador retrievers, first in 2007 with 8-year-old Tessa, who has since died, and then her current dog, Harper Lee.
But, perhaps Cash’s most important responsibility is just to be Cash. Take the time Key Club staff had gathered for a serious meeting. As they talked business, they could hear Cash snoring from the room next door. Everyone laughed, and it broke the tension.

And although he may be more career-driven than most canines, don’t think this dog’s life is all work and no play. Every year on Nov. 15 — Cash’s adoption date — Key Club employees throw him a birthday party. In the past, he has gotten pricey gifts such as a Coach collar.

Like all Key Club office employees, Cash has his birthday wish listed on a sheet in the kitchen. And, although his birthday is more than five months away, Theoret said he already has a gift in mind.

“He wants Frosty Paws,” she said.

Top dog
Cash was nominated for a special “Employee of the Month” award in May 2007. Co-worker Judy Theoret wrote the following about him:

“ … he has the skill, temperament and good-natured attitude to work in multiple departments. Regularly, rather than take an assigned lunch, he frequently uses the time to move willingly from one post to the other while only taking a little time out for some fresh air and a snack or two. Open to training and well liked by all, his daily enthusiasm spills over to all he encounters. Deserving of more than just a pat on the back, he is an ideal candidate for ‘Employee of the Month.’”

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].