Woman Says She Must Work From Home Due to Dog\’s Severe Separation Anxiety

The Story of Jackson: A Mutt Who Changed Everything

Jackson, a scruffy Cavapoo-Basset cross, has become the center of Ann Lowe’s life. His floppy ears and anxious nature have made him both a challenge and a joy for his owner. Every time he is left alone in a room, Jackson becomes a ball of nerves, which has led Ann to work from home. This decision, while necessary for Jackson\’s well-being, has also impacted her professional life.

Ann first met Jackson when she saw an advertisement for a dog in need of rehoming. She and her wife Lyn had been looking for a pet for some time, and when they saw Jackson, they knew they had to take him in. However, they quickly realized that something was wrong with him. He was not just shy or nervous; he was severely traumatized.

Jackson\’s early life was harrowing. Ann believes he came from a puppy farm and was transported across the Irish Sea in a car boot. During this journey, another puppy died beside him. This trauma has left lasting effects on Jackson, making it impossible for him to cope with being left alone, even for a few minutes.

The Impact of Being Alone

Leaving Jackson alone triggered severe anxiety and physical illness. Ann tried various methods to help him, including leaving him in the bathroom with the radio on, but nothing worked. Every time she returned home, she found a mess, with food bowls thrown around and Jackson in distress. This situation made it clear that Jackson could not be left alone at all.

As a freelancer, Ann was able to adjust her schedule to accommodate Jackson’s needs. She works with an artisan food firm, Spice Kitchen, who have been supportive of her decision to work from home. Ann now ensures that she is always present, especially when Lyn is at work. They have even decided not to renew their passports, limiting their travel to the UK so that Jackson can always be with them.

The Role of Family and Support

Ann\’s mother plays a crucial role in helping care for Jackson. She lives nearby and can look after him during emergencies or special occasions. However, due to her age, Ann only asks for small amounts of time. Despite this, Jackson trusts and loves her more than anyone else, and she buys his favorite treats, which helps him feel safe.

Overall, Jackson has come through the worst of his difficulties and is now a loving companion to the family. He is friendly with visitors but can become withdrawn if people stay for a night or more. He also barks at deliveries but quickly becomes friendly once he meets people.

The Importance of Flexibility in the Workplace

Ann believes that work policies need to be more inclusive to accommodate pets. Blue Cross is calling on businesses to embrace more compassionate and flexible work arrangements, including remote or hybrid flexibility and dog-friendly offices. This would prevent staff from having to choose between their dog or their job.

According to research, nearly six in ten business leaders (59%) believe dog owners should be given similar flexibility to parents. More than half (58%) of dog-owning employees say they would spend more days in the office if they were allowed to bring their dogs with them.

The Future of Pet-Friendly Workplaces

A quarter of applicants actively look for firms offering pet-friendly offices with doggy daycare (26%) and hybrid flexibility arrangements (46%) to accommodate their four-legged friends. However, companies reluctant to make allowances for pets could ultimately pay the price, as 15% of dog-owners would put their pooch before their pay cheque, insisting they would quit if they were ordered back into the office full-time.