Man’s best friend moonlights as his business partner

By Perrin

A cheeky stray reserves a table at an Istanbul hookah bar.

I embarked on this trip with a few goals. One was to explore “career options and business opportunities.”

As far as the latter goes, I found a cheap labor force largely untapped by the Western world: house pets. PETA, lower the picket signs. The entrepreneurial dogs and cats voluntarily attend markets. Dogs guard vendors’ merchandise and cats attract pet-lovers to the stands, in return for food. Their gourmet diet ranges from pad thai to shrimp to onions – all items that I myself would labor for.

Below are my favorite employees.

This Bangkok mutt barked like a seal when I attempted to photograph a pottery stand in the owner’s absence. It was one of the only times I’ve run from a dog.

Thought you had to dine solo? Not while this Laos hostess is on duty! Just obey the puppy eyes and share your stir fry.

We visited “Cowboy Mama’s” Chiang Mai food cart entirely for the company (and entirely at my request).

Hong Kong’s battery-operated animal squad rampaged an entire department store lobby. They sell themselves, theoretically, but this was the second time I found myself running from a dog.

Many animals leverage a laid-back sales strategy.

This Bangkok mutt begs a closer look.

Two tabbies languidly guard a table of lucky amulets in Chiang Rai, Thailand.

Refrigerated cats on Ko Phi Phi attract attention to the refreshments. The cats open the door at whim, but rarely do so, as Southern Thailand is steamy! I envied their abode.