This morning a dog war has errupted at Fazeley Studios. Due to some anonymous complain(s) the landlord decreed that dogs are to be barred from the building. A procession of emails have come forth, mostly from outraged dog owners protecting their constitutional right to bear dogs, as well as some people supporting the ban. I expect this to run on to biblical proportions, but I would suggest:

1. Dogs in individual offices - OK
2. Dogs in communal areas, such as reception and courtyard - NOT OK

Begs the question, should Dogs be allowed in the workplace, and if I had a monkey, could I bring that in?

“Dogs at Fazeley have become an issue.  A number of occupants and visitors have expressed disquiet at being faced by four legged friends, and hearing barking. I think I have to ask you all not to bring dogs in any more.  I know those of you with dogs love your animals and I am sorry to be a kill joy.  But I think it is fair enough for people to expect the place to be dog free.  I wish there was a way of accommodating everyone on the issue, but I can’t see that there is in this case. I hope the dog lovers amongst you understand”

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“Hi - I have to say that those of us who do bring our dogs into work do so not for fun, but because we have to. One of the things that attracted us (and many tenants) to Fazeley was the relaxed, creative atmosphere - where a reasonable work/life balance could be maintained.Put simply - to comply with this request, would mean that those of us with dogs would not be able to come here to work.Speaking personally, I have not had any complaints made to me about my own dog’s presence here - nor has this issue been raised within the Tenant’s meetings. Certainly issues such as electricity charges, insufficient heating, poor air circulation, the inconvenience of a reception that closes at 5.30 pm and the absence of a brasserie are all things that have been of main concern to the tenants.I would suggest that these are perhaps more pressing issues than the desirability of tenants bringing their dogs to work (because they have to).I find it difficult to see how it will be possible for us, or other tenants to comply on this request.”

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“Having dogs in the office was a condition of moving to Fazeley and I will not stop or I will pay no rent. Ever. “

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“i’ve had staff barked at and approached by dogs in the corridor. now those of you who own them may think your lovable little pooch is only playing but if you don’t know the dog or are afraid of dogs, this can be quite terrifying. add to this we came to fazeley for a more professional environment (previously at the custard). now while i appreciate that we wanted to balance this with a creative atmosphere i don’t think we need dogs running around the place to complete the effect. i now bring clients (both current and prospective) here on a regular basis and although they appreciate the ‘whacky world’ that is our industry, they are really impressed by the building and the surroundings but i don’t want some dog slobbering on them, barking at them or generally undoing all the hard work that has been put into making this office give a great (first) impression. it could seriously cost us business, we deal with a lot of traditionally minded and austere clients.”

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“I am unlikely to make the meeting regarding this, but I speak for all here (in 27) that we support dogs in the building and would be sad to them go. If dogs are kept on a lead when not in their owners office then I don’t see why there should be a problem. There are plenty of other distractions around and in this building that could create impressions ranging from dress codes, bikes, ping pong, smokers, models and so on. This is a building where pretty much anything goes, so to pick on the dogs would seem highly unfair.”

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“Does this mean I have to get rid of my fish tank?
I honestly don’t mind either way and see the situation from both sides of the coin. All the clients we have had here liked the idea of the dogs being here but to be fair they are less traditional in their own work ethic than most. Shouldn’t we talk about this on Friday. It’s a personal thing for dog owners so I think would be better placed to discuss face to face rather than on email.”