Dogs Go to Work in Apalachicola.
Many Florida towns are dog friendly – bowls of water, a fake fire hydrant here and there. But Apalachicola takes it a step further with many business owners bringing their dogs to work, and that changes the daily dynamic. Mike and Kelli Boxberger bring Sweet Pea and Daily to work every day at the Funky Fiddler on Market Street. The dogs don’t have far to go. “We live upstairs,” Kelli said. “We come downstairs. They get into their crab beds and they are ready to greet people. There are so many animals here. It’s to make people who travel with their pets feel welcomed. Here, all pets are treated like family.” Throughout the day visitors love having their pictures taken next to the dogs in their crab beds. Artist Bob Lindsley brings his dog Paco, a Havanese, to his Gallery on Avenue E. “He hangs out. Loves to sit in the window and watch people and dogs go by,” said Bob, who confessed that, “Honestly more people know Paco than know me.” Bob encourages visitors to come inside with their dogs and be off lead in the big warehouse gallery. “Paco will play so well with a dog, the owners will ask me if their dog can stay for 30 minutes or so while they go shopping.” Edgar is a 12-year-old Cardigan Welsh Corgi who is deaf. He sits inside the Bowery Art Gallery, regal in his element. People and dogs flow around him all of the time. “It is a joy to have him come to work with me. He is my shadow, and such a great anti-depressant,” said Leslie WallaceCoon, co-owner of the Gallery with Ann Seaton. WallaceCoon does sculptures of dogs, cats and birds. Annie does quilting. More than 30 artists display their work at the gallery on Commerce Street. “People take Edgar’s picture,” said Leslie. “I always tell them to bring their dogs in and not to worry. That is why there are tile floors.” Captain works with Sharon and Tom Morgan at Apalach Outfitters on Avenue E. “Captain comes to work with us daily,” said Sharon. “He is used to his routine, sitting out front waiting to greet visitors. This is our third year here. We invite people to bring in their dogs. Captain has become a little idol. We