Why is it important?

I run a small website and web marketing service from my home. I've got an office set up, but you have to get into a discipline as far as hours are concerned. I'm strict about the hours I keep, and keep reminding myself I'm at work, not at home. As many small business operators will know, the long periods of isolation can mean you don't have a lot of contact with people. I don't think that's healthy; we're social animals. Having a friendly pet around can help combat that. I've had Charlie for 8.5 years. She's a spoodle; they're very bright dogs.

When I need to have a chat to break the monotony, I talk to Charlie. Sometimes I will play with her too. She's also non invasive, and will happily go outside if she needs to. But if there's ever some aspect of business is getting me down, she is right there to console me. I call her my CEO — canine executive officer, she has a say in all the big decisions, like when to take a break. I don't know how I ever got on without her.

What do your colleagues think?

I know some companies where people can take their pet to the workplace, many people love it. Clients coming to my home office mostly like it, but if they're not keen on it, I put her outside or we meet at a local cafe.

Unusual moment?

When I was delivering a webinar recently, Charlie was hanging around my feet, like usual. She did her business [a fart]. I almost gagged. My face must have gone all sorts of colours but I got through it.

How much does it cost?

Roughly $500.