Melanie Montenegro
PEOPayGo | [email protected]
Oscar Montenegro
OCMI Workers Comp & Professional Services | [email protected]
Tell us about your dog.
Sunshine: She started as the runt of the litter, and 10 years later, she runs our office. Sunshine is a 10-year-old chocolate Lab and our Chief Happiness Officer. She works double duty. She has a loving home, and she found a second calling in her dog years: Making our office happy. She does not bark. She reads the room, sits in front of you, and rests her head beside you when you need comfort. The runt of her litter grew into the queen of the throne, and the whole team treats her like royalty.
What’s your dog’s quirkiest habit or personality trait?
Two things stand out. Barking is not her style, and silence suits her better. She also wants nothing to do with pools or water. Bone dry and happy, every single day of the year.
How do you juggle your work or personal life with your dog?
Easy. She comes to work with me every morning. If I am out of the office, there is always someone willing to pick her up and drop her off. She even has a PTO calendar. What’s ironic is that Oscar, my brother and partner, is not a dog person, or so he claimed for years. Sunshine changed his mind. The moment she hears his voice she turns into a puppy again and runs straight to him. People across the office offer to pet sit or take her home for the weekend. We keep her right where she belongs, spreading calm and love between meetings, deadlines, and long days.
What has been the greatest blessing your dog has brought to your life?
Happiness. True to her name, Sunshine fills our days with joy and reminds us why we show up. Ten years in, she remains the heart of my family’s home and our office. Everyone she meets falls a little in love with her. She earns her keep as everyone has wonderful healthy snacks for her.
