At the Fairmont Dallas, a hotel in Texas, the traditional happy hour takes on a unique twist. It lasts all day with the hotel’s Chief Happiness Officer, Bondi, an 8-month-old shelter dog. Bondi was recruited a few months ago as a means to boost workplace morale and consequently enhance guest satisfaction. Bondi can often be found stationed in the lobby, where she happily divides her time between drinking from her water bowl, playful toy chasing, and receiving affection from departing guests.
Shelter dog finds forever home in Fairmont Dallas
Director of Talent & Culture at Fairmont Dallas, Yoke Yong, recounted how Bondi became the hotel’s Chief Happiness Officer, as NBC 5 News reports. “We recruited Bondi a few months ago,” he said.
Additionally, he explained, “When I joined this hotel I thought it would be a great thing to add to make people happy at work. When people are happy at work, guests would be happy, too.”
One of the hotel guests, Zack Forgrave from Raleigh, exclaimed, “Cutest dog ever … Just brightens up the environment, makes everybody happy, so yeah. I mean, look at her! Perfect.”
Moreover, another guest from Boston, Ruben Ramos described how amazing it is for them to step out of the room and encounter a dog in the lobby. In their words, “It just makes the experience 100 times better!”
According to Yong, Fairmont Dallas is the sole hotel in the vicinity to have a resident dog. “Fairmont is all about turning moments into memories.” Continuing, he added, “So I think Bondi is really here for that purpose of creating special memories for our guests.”
Bondi came from Operation Kindness Animal Shelter in Carrollton, where Yong adopted him.
In addition, Yong remarked on the dog’s kind nature, calling her a “gentle dog.” He further added thoughtfully, “There’s just so many beautiful [dogs] that are out there that need a home.”
Hence, while guests check in and out, Bondi has found her permanent place, bringing joy to everyone at the Fairmont Dallas.
