A day in the life of Violet, Dovetail’s most friendly, loveable team member.
Meet Violet, she joined the Dovetail team back in April of this year and we think she just might be everyone’s favourite employee. We interviewed Michael Laidlaw, her owner, who had many stories to tell us about a typical day for Violet.
Violet is two and a half years old and lives with Michael and Lisa in Carnoustie and if you haven’t already guessed it she is a dog, a beautiful black Labrador cross and a guide dog to Michael who is severely sight impaired. Dovetail is proud of the role we play in providing employment and training opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged members of society.
Ever wondered what it might be like going to work every day as a guide dog , well here is a little insight for you.
What does a typical day in the life of Violet look like?
We wake up around 5.30am and grab some breakfast, Violet has an opportunity to run in the garden before we are picked up at 7.30am to head to work. We always arrive a little before work starts so we take a wee walk around the area before starting work at 8.30am. At 10am we have a short break which means another short walk for Violet and by lunchtime, Violet is more than happy to get to the staff canteen in the hope that somebody drops their lunch on the floor! My job involves everything from stock takes to working with the sales team, contacting various customers about projects we are working on for them. Violet is by my side unless I’m working in the factory building beds and mattresses. By 5pm Violet is happy to head home and spend some time in the garden before tea time.
What is Violet’s favourite part about working at Dovetail?
Violet loves interacting with people and is so friendly. She loves nothing more than people watching, we’d even call her a people person.
When Violet is in the bedding office, she has plenty of company. Everyone makes a special effort to stop by and say hello. The talented team have created a bespoke mattress bed and half stable door for Violet in the bedding office, so when she is chilling out she doesn’t miss anybody passing by.
(Violet having some down time on her custom made bed)
The whole team will make sure they find a reason to walk past the bedding office to have a little interaction. Did you know, office dogs help reduce employee stress, boost office morale, promote productivity, help improve communication, encourage a healthier lifestyle, improve employee retention and workplace can appear more attractive to prospective employees.
(Michael, Violet & Liz in the bedding office standing behind the half stable door created especially for Violet to have a nosey at the team passing by)
However, her favourite part about working at Dovetail has got to be working in the showroom, interacting with the customers who pop in to take a look at our beds, mattresses, doors and furniture. We make bespoke, made to measure products and Violet is more than happy to show them around everything we have on offer!
(Violet with Michael, Donna and Lorra in reception ready to greet customers popping into the showroom)
When not working and entertaining everyone in the office, what does Violet like to do?
She’s always interacting and up for a bit of fun, playing with ropes in the garden, getting messy whilst running along the beach or visiting the local park. Violet and I have a great relationship, she’s a brilliant guide dog but not as great a guard dog, she’s a little too friendly for that.
(Violet enjoying some play time in the garden with her favourite toy)
If you’d like to meet Violet yourself, drop by our showroom and you just might just bump into Violet. I’m sure she’ll be happy to show you around the Dovetail offerings.
Where to find us:
Dovetail Enterprises
Dunsinane Avenue
Dundee, DD2 3QN
(Free onsite parking available)
Did you know Dovetail was formerly known as Blindcraft and has a history dating back to 1865?
https://www.dovetailenterprises.co.uk/about/our-story/
Dovetail are immensely proud of the role they play providing employment and training opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged members of society.
To learn more about our offering, explore the website or drop in to our showroom and see for yourself. Whether it’s a mattress for your new home or a bigger project, we are on hand to help you find the right fit.
