There’s something special about working in an office where tails wag and paws pad across the floor. At Cromwell College, we’re lucky to experience that joy every week, with four much-loved dogs regularly joining us in the office, and even a guide dog who joins in when he’s not working. It’s more than just cute, it’s a small but powerful part of what makes our community feel connected, calm and a little more joyful.
Why Dogs at Work Just Make Sense
Working in a tertiary residential college, where 248 university students live, learn and grow, means our office is often buzzing with activity. There are Open Days, school visits, student meetings, academic check-ins and everything in between, so having a wagging tail or a soft furry head to pat is a welcome breath of fresh air.
The presence of dogs in the workplace has been linked to reduced stress, increased morale, and better social connection. We’ve seen this firsthand. When the dogs are in, the atmosphere shifts. The mood lightens. Staff gather outside to watch them play, and conversations that might’ve happened over emails instead take place in person, with laughter in the background and sunshine overhead.
Students Feel It Too
Our students love it. We regularly have residents stop by the office “just to say hi”, but we all know they’re hoping to bump into a dog or two. Whether it’s a five-minute break between studying or a walk across college, seeing the dogs brightens their day and reminds them that college is more than a place to sleep and study. It’s home.
One of our regular visitors is a guide dog “Quarry” who lives on campus. Even he knows the office is a happy place. When he’s off the clock, he comes bounding in, ready to join the fun, and the other dogs are just as excited to see him.
A Moment of Pause (and Paws)
In a world that can feel increasingly busy and online, having real-life connections – the kind that come from shared laughter over a dog chasing a ball or flopping belly-up for pats is invaluable. For staff and students, these simple moments help remind us to slow down, to connect, and to find joy in the little things.
At Cromwell College, the dogs aren’t just visitors, they’re part of our community. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.
