Chief Joy Officers: Meet Pepper + Tilly
NATIONAL PET DAY AT VERMONT FLANNEL
Let's start simple. What are your official job titles here at Vermont Flannel?
Pepper: Honestly, our titles are a little unofficialābut we like to think of ourselves as Chief Joy Officers. Wherever we go, smiles tend to follow.
Tilly: Our main responsibility is keeping spirits highāweāre compensated in treats, belly rubs, and the occasional āgood boy/girl,ā so itās a pretty sweet gig.
What does a typical āworkdayā look like for you both? Be honestāhow much of it involves napping?
We waddle into the office and immediately get to workāafter all, weāre herders, so greeting and keeping everyone together (and properly supervised) is kind of our specialty. Itās a big responsibilityā¦ which is why we have to nap. A lot. Pretty sure our contract requires at least five naps a day.
Pepper: I prefer cozy, tucked-away spots. They even set me up with a crate made from a jumbo shipping box, which is basically my dream office.
Tilly: I like to stay close to my coworkers (and especially Dad). If there are feet nearby, thatās where youāll find me. Iām what youād call a people Corgi.
Whoās the better employee: Pepper or Tilly?
We like to keep things competitiveābut honestly, weāre a pretty strong team. We just have different specialties.
Pepper: I bring the energy. Iām the muscle and the voice. I keep everyone engaged with hands-on activitiesāusually by delivering a toy and politely (but persistently) requesting a game of fetch. Itās great for morale. Keeps people sharp. They love itā¦ eventually.
Tilly: I focus more on wellness. I specialize in cuddles, quick check-ins, and general stress relief. No one should have to relax aloneāthatās just not good workplace culture. I also supervise lunches very closely. Someone has to make sure every bite is handled safely, and I take that responsibility very seriously.
How do you feel about flannelāstrictly for humans, or have you claimed a few pieces as your own?
Pepper: Oh, definitely not just for humans. With a double coat, I have to be strategicāfull flannel might be a bit much, but a bandana? Perfect. Keeps me looking sharp without overheating. I like to think it adds a certain professionalismā¦ especially on my walks down Church Street.
Tilly: I wear mine purely for the fashion. People stop and ask what Iām wearing, and as a Vermonter, thereās really only one answerāflannel, of course. Iām especially into the new Earth plaid bandana right now. Itās very on-trend for the seasonā¦ and I like to think I wear it better than most.
Whatās your go-to move when you find a freshly folded flannel blanket?
Weāre both completely aligned on this one. The first step is to politelyābut immediatelyāunfold it. Then we do a little front-paw shuffling to get the mound just right. After that, a few careful circles, a final inspectionā¦ and then we collapse onto it for a well-earned nap. We assume thatās what freshly folded flannel is for.
If you had to describe Vermont Flannel in three words, what would they be?
Pepper: Playful.
Tilly: Stylish
Both: Paw-some!
Whatās been your biggest workplace challenge so far?
Pepper: Staying focused when thereās just so much to sniff. Every corner has a new smell, every desk has potential treasures, and honestlyā¦ naptime calls too often.
Tilly: Balancing āprofessional herderā duties with ācurious corgiā instincts is harder than it looks.
How do you contribute to team morale around here?
Pepper: I keep the energy high. Toys, games, and the occasional bark help everyone stay alert and entertained. I like to think of myself as the teamās unofficial hype corgiāno one can resist a quick game of fetch or a playful nudge.
Tilly: Iām more of the calm support. I dish out cuddles, check-ins, and moral support when deadlines get ruff. If someoneās stressed, Iām right there at their feet, ready to help them relaxā¦ or at least provide some adorable supervision.
If you could design your own flannel pattern, what would it look like?
Pepper: Mine would be all about adventureādeep forest greens, trail browns, and a dash of maple syrup amber. Kind of like Earth! Maybe throw in a few tiny paw prints sneaking through the pattern, so everyone knows whoās really exploring Vermont.
Tilly: Iād go for something cozy and cheerfulāsunset oranges, cranberry reds, and soft snowy whites. And of course, little corgi silhouettes prancing around, celebrating Vermontās charm and the perfect cuddle vibe.
Final question: Any advice for humans looking to improve their work-life balance?
Pepper: Nap more. Seriously. Even the busiest day gets better with a few good rest breaksāand donāt forget to check in on your coworkers along the way. Play a little, stretch a lot, and never underestimate the power of a well-timed belly rub, or do they prefer shoulder rubs?
Tilly: Slow down and enjoy the moment. Sit with friends, savor small joys, and rememberāsometimes the best productivity boost is just a little love and comfort at your feet.