Sterling Heights marketer Stella Winkler was fired Friday after her standard poodle disgraced the CEO during a company-sponsored “Take Your Dog to Work” Day.
“We believe in having fun,” said Merit-Weiss HR Director Molly Turner, “but employees must be held accountable for the behavior of their pets.”
Twenty-five employees participated in the event. During lunch, the dogs – which ranged from Chihuahuas to a Great Dane – promenaded through the cafeteria so employees could vote on Most Talented, Best in Show and other categories. The animals also received a personal “meet and greet” with CEO Harry Renaud.
“Most of the dogs were quite appreciative,” said Turner.
But when Winkler presented her poodle, Daisy, the dog promptly lifted its leg and relieved itself on the Renaud’s shoes. As employees started to giggle, the irate CEO stormed out of the room, with his six VPs quickly following.
“A CEO who’s seen getting peed on needs to reassert his authority,” said Turner. “That’s why Mr. Renaud took immediate action.”
Winkler protested that Daisy was just nervous about meeting the boss. “He didn’t mean anything by it,” she told the security guards who led her from the building.
In a secret ballot, meanwhile, Daisy was elected Best In Show.
