CityView Magazine

48 | October/November • 2009 It's not always easy to retire gracefully. Especially if you're a 130-pound Great Dane named Jake. And Jake certainly made a significant first impression on customers at The Bronze Fox and The Art Gallery on Yadkin Road. Owner LuAnn Oliva began taking the rescue dog to work so the two of them could become better acquainted. Jake soon endeared himself to everyone else, even when his preference for female customers became obvious. A male customer once came into the gallery to place an order when Jake leaped onto the counter, blocking Oliva and coming eye-to-eye with the man standing there. "I like dogs," the man said calmly as he continued to place his order. "I really like dogs." The two of them became fast friends. But at 14 and after 11 years of going to work every day, Jake has retired. He developed a condition called degenerative myelopathy, which makes it difficult for him to walk on his back legs. Now he lives the good life at home though customers continue to ask about "the big dog," happy to hear that he is still alive. "I miss not having him here every day," Oliva says. "He is a great companion, so you never feel alone. It's too bad, I think, that more businesses can't allow pets at work. It's not practical in many situations, but in our situation it's been very nice." Sure don't want a goldfish, can't pet them." Judy Robinson lost her own dog and found healing with Munchkin. So do the customers who walk into her shop, Sacks Consigned Designs in the Holly Walk shopping center. The golden Pomeranian can usually be found perched on a small stool by Robinson's side. His brown eyes immediately draw in everyone who sees him, but it's not until he jumps from the seat and walks on his hind legs that customers are mesmerized. Munchkin no longer has his front two legs. "His story's heartwarming and sometimes people cry when they hear it," Robinson says. "A lot of people have fallen in love with him." Munchkin came from a family in Wisconsin where he lived in a second- story apartment. The family's small child pushed Munchkin off the balcony, crushing his two front legs and forcing him to walk on his hind legs. Munchkin did not receive immediate medical treatment and once he did, the family was unwilling to pay for such an expensive operation. Although the family sent him to live with relatives, Munchkin was once again unable to have an operation. The new owners gave him up for adoption. That's when the Robinson family stepped in. After a successful operation, Judy began bringing Munchkin to work. Even though both of his front legs had to eventually be amputated, Robinson said he adapted quickly and anticipates going to work every morning. He entertains and greets customers from his crate or his seat by Robinson's computer. "It tickles me," she said. "He's so much a part of the store now that people will ask to see him. What started off as a tragic beginning has ended up beautifully." CV JAKE Left | Newcomers to Sacks Consigned Designs are usually amazed by Munchkin, a Pomeranian who makes his way around the shop on just two legs. Owner Judy Robinson's family took Munchkin in after a fall left him badly injured.

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