I work mindnings (10:45 pm 'till 7am) at Boone county/Columbia PD in Missouri as an emergency dispatcher. We handle all the emergency and non-emergency phone calles for the county. We also dispatch for five seperate police agencies, two fire districts and two ambulance services. It's not a nice or fun job. There is zero appreciation, arguing between shifts and people, massive amounts of gossip, stressful calls and way too many hours of overtime. Most of the workers have a very warped and jaded sense of humor but you have to because if you don't laugh or mock you end up crying. Also, a lot of us have depression or anxiety issues.
Tonight I got called in early to work a 12 hour shift (6pm-7am)
Staurdays are usually a busier time but because of the recent snow (less than a quarter inch. Lame, I know) tonight was quieter.
My husband Scott brought Noolde to visit at around 9pm. Noodle stayed and worked the rest of the shift with me. ('till 7am)
Most of the time Noodle was on my shoulder, knees or on top of her cage. Normally Noodle is slightly snarky towards other people. Tonight she behaved EXTREMELY well!
She let officers, troopers and co-workers hold and even pet her!
She was so sweet and didn't bite anyone! She even "helped" dispatch a police call! (she beeped a couple times while I was broadcasting a call)
Everyone enjoyed having her there with us and loved it when she climbs the wall. (our walls are carped for sound reasons I guess.)
She loves climbing the wall, she gets to the top and beeps and makes happy Senegal noises.
We don't have high ceilings and I'm tall enough to get her down without using a chair or step stool.
I think her presence there made everyone feel better, less stressed and less anxious.
It was a great night!
Are any of you allowed to take your bird to work with you?
If you could would you?
What would the reason be that you wouldn't take your bird to work with you?
Does anyone take their birds on outings?
What are your thoughts about workplace stress? Do you think having a pet there (of any sort) would lessen or cause stress?
If you have taken your bird anywhere and something interesting or fun happened let us know your story!