The allergic reaction is not to the pet itself, but to the dander.
Removing the pet from the room will not make any difference to someone
with a severe allergy. 

Martha Harrison
Administrative Assistant
Zoning Administrator
Town of West Windsor
P.O. Box 6
Brownsville, VT 05037
(802) 484-7212


-----Original Message-----
From: Vermont Municipal Government Discussion Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Laura Wilson
Sent: Saturday, April 05, 2008 12:10 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: pets in office

Here in Guildhall, I just try to be sensitive about it.  I have three
dogs, 
and sometimes I bring in one or the other of them during office hours. 
Once, however, one of them--surprisingly--started barking when people
came 
in.   Having a dog bark at customers/citizens wasn't good, so I don't
bring 
that particular dog in anymore.

I do bring one of the others, though, and they are a nice presence and a

good way to start conversation!   Also, if anyone shows any fear of
dogs, or 
any allergy-related issues, I'll put the dog in the other room...

Prior to me being town clerk, I understand the former TC had a parakeet
he 
kept in here!

Laura