We’ve all experienced those Zoom calls where a furry friend steals the spotlight by prowling across a desk or barking at delivery drivers. We are thrilled to introduce NextUp Member Gaby Neves and her WFH co-worker, Sergeant Bowie, as part of NextUp’s Paws for Mental Health series, created in partnership with Purina!
Gaby Neves is the President of Factory360, one of the largest minority-owned experiential marketing agencies. She is committed to mentorship, inclusivity and sustainability and has been recognized as Chief Marketer Top Women in Marketing “DE&I Champion” and United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce “Hispanic Business Leader of the Year.” Gaby has been a NextUp member since 2023 and serves as the Programming Officer of the NextUp Florida region leading the Miami area events. Join us as we delve into how Gaby and Sergeant Bowie navigate the work-from-home routine, providing insights into the unique bond between people and their pets.
How did you become a pet parent?
I became a dog mom when my sister, who is a veterinarian, adopted a Frenchie and sent my family a photo of her new dogs’ littermate. As soon as we saw Sergeant Bowie’s photo, we immediately fell in love! That’s how Sergeant Bowie became a part of our family, and we can’t imagine life without him.
How has having a pet influenced your daily routine, especially in relation to your work schedule? How does your work arrangement (in office, remote, hybrid) affect the time you spend with your pet?
I work from home, so I spend a lot of time with Sergeant Bowie throughout the day! After having my morning coffee, Sergeant Bowie follows me into my home office where he spends the day by my side, mixing it up between sitting on my lap in my work chair and finding patches of sunlight where he basks in the sun. We regularly go outside and take sun and walk breaks during the day.
Can you share any memorable or funny anecdotes about how Sergeant Bowie has interacted with your work environment or colleagues?
My colleagues love to see Sergeant Bowie! He’s popular for his Zoom appearances. During the work day, he is either sitting peacefully in my lap or in the sun, or is alerting everyone that we are getting a delivery, even before anyone is at our door.
What is it about your pet that contributes the most to your overall happiness and sense of well-being?
Sergeant Bowie is my companion and is by my side during stressful times, always providing me comfort. He is such a calm and snuggly guy, and it’s my favorite thing about him. Many times, he senses when I am stressed and will come sit extra close. No matter how I’m feeling, just looking at him brings a sense of tranquility and calmness.
Tell us about your most cherished memory with Sergeant Bowie? (For example, adoption/gotcha day.)
My most cherished memories with Sergeant Bowie are when he wakes my daughter up every day! He’s always extra playful in the morning, and I love watching him jump onto her bed with so much happiness and spunk. It’s so heartwarming seeing how she loves Sergeant Bowie just as much as I do!
Click here to read more profiles from NextUp’s Paws for Mental Health series, created in partnership with Purina. We’d love to hear from you! Share your story on how your furry friends are PAWSitively impacting your mental health on social media. Be sure to tag @NextUp and use #PawsforMentalHealth!
