Long Island office 'requires' workers to play with puppies

NEW YORK (FOX5NY.COM) - A "ruff" day has a different meaning SUNation Solar Systems in Ronkonkoma, Long Island.

CEO and co-founder Scott Maskin started rescuing pregnant dogs from kill shelters three years ago.

"My whole team at SUNation has puppies crawling around all day long and we get to save lives," Maskin said. "So we did one, and we did two, and then we just kept going."

The nonprofit Last Chance Animal Rescue sends him the dogs from South Carolina. His most recent rescue is Ellie, a Lab mix who gave birth to nine puppies in his home six weeks ago.

The adoption fee for a dog is $400, said Jenny Adams, a volunteer with Last Chance.

"That dog will come fully vetted, up to date on its vaccinations, spayed or neutered, and microchipped," Adams said. "And loved."

There is lots of love. When it comes to caring for the puppies, Maskin enlists the help of his employees, who happily pitch in until they are ready to be adopted.

Maskin said the company's employment manual basically says, "Hey, if you want to come work here, you get to play with puppies, too."

"You can't have a bad day when suddenly something is tugging on your foot and you look down and it's a dog who wants to fight with your pant leg," said Rob Carbone, the digital marketing coordinator.

Maskin called it a win-win. A dozen litters later, he said this has added value and purpose to the company.

Employees don't disagree.

"I don't own a dog and it was a great chance for me to have some dog time," Gina Carrara said. "It fits in really nicely with the culture."

The latest group of pups will be ready to go up for adoption in two weeks. As for the next rescue, SUNation plans to take off for the summer and pick back up in the fall.