You might see dogs or cats at several businesses, but what you might not know, is that some of them are famous. People don't stop by to shop, they stop by to see them.

Smudge, Gizmo, Ms. Jingles, and Chica are three animals you'll see at businesses around Grand Junction. "She's very popular," says
Julie Frederick, manager at True Value in Grand Junction. Smudge is the 13th year mascot of their pet friendly business. "The customers come in sometimes just to see her," says Frederick. The company allows customers to bring their pets in anytime. "We have treats for the dogs when they come up to the register, we give them a little dog bone."

Down the street at the Atrium, Gizmo is one of several fun pets you'll find. "He keeps us company and makes us laugh," says Atrium resident Kay Herren. Heren says Gizmo brings unspeakable joy to their lives. "He rolls over and sits up, and I think he understands every word we say," explains Herren.

Then downtown, you'll find a sacred painting at the Working Artists Gallery and Studio. "People would actually come in around the world to see her," explains owner Jackie Moore. Moore will forever remember Ms. Jingles, the mascot cat who would sit in a blue bowl in the window. "It's very representative of people caring, and how much we love our animals. A painting was sent to Jackie by a woman in Georgia who would visit once a year. "She felt a loss for an animal she experienced a few hours a year," says Moore.

The studio's new mascot is Chica. One thing pets like Chica and all the rest of them have is they make owners, customers, and employees happy; and that's not only good for them, it's good for business. Chica is becoming as popular as Ms. Jingles. "Chica is just as spoiled as any other dog in the world, and she gets lots of love," says Moore. Customers love to come in to see her. "That's the way it's supposed to be, because some people are really great pet lovers," says Moore.

Because animals like Smudge, Gizmo, Ms. Jingles, and Chica remind us of our pets, waiting at home for us. There are many other businesses in town that allow employees to bring in pets, including KKCO NBC 11.

We'd like to thank everyone who responded to our Facebook question of do you bring your pet to work. Many responded saying they do, and they love it.

You won't find pets at businesses that serve food. For all other locations, officials tell us it's the business owner's decision if they want to allow pets in the building.