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HOT SPRINGS - Pets play a big role in the lives of many Hot Springs residents, which is also why a number of local business owners and managers bring their pets with them to work.

This story is part one of a two-part series on pets in the workplace, prompted by the film, "Marley & Me," which aired at the Hot Springs Theater last weekend.

In fact, Hot Springs has its own Marley, a goofy two-year-old blond canine with an infectious smile who sniffs, wags, and greets everyone who enters Pine Hills Retirement Community.

The first sign of joy you see on his face is when he crinkles his nose and bares his teeth, but if you're expecting a snarl, you're in for a pleasant surprise. That's Marley's way of saying hello, with a jowl-to-jowl grin, all teeth showing proudly.

His owner, Barry Epstein, Executive Director of Pine Hills, said he named his pet after the now famous Labrador retriever with a tempestuous personality. Epstein's Marley, however, is a little better behaved. "He doesn't jump on people and he won't go in the dining room," said Epstein, adding a caveat, "Unless the aromas are irresistible."

Marley has captured the hearts of residents and visitors alike, and provides a therapeutic effect to residents.

There are proven studies of the effect of pet therapy in nursing homes and assisted living centers, in hospitals and day care settings, for people of all ages.

According to pet therapy experts, these studies have shown that when dogs and cats come to visit a care facility, there is more laughter and interaction among residents than during any other therapy or entertainment time. In an in-patient setting, the presence of animals encourages socialization. Staff members have reported that it is easier to talk to residents during and after animal visits. Family members often come during the animal visits and some have reported that it is an especially comfortable and pleasant time to come.

"You can see the calming effect Marley has on the residents when they are stroking him and loving him," said Epstein. One resident in particular, Patricia Lillie, who arrived in August after a house fire left her displaced, said, "I adore him. He's such a lovely and kind dog and I am glad to have at least a little bit of dog." Lillie lost her own dog to that fire and was devastated. "I was so glad that Marley was here," she said.

At Y-L Saddlery, Buster, a five-year old Corgi mix rescue dog, is the meeter-greeter to everyone who enters.

Owners Lacey and Doug Pirnie said it's Buster's job to check everyone and everything out. "He's the official wiring inspector of the U-Haul trailers," said Lacey. When you arrive at nap time, however, you get barely a sniff, as Buster knows his priorities. "Unless you're going out to look at the trailers," Lacey said. Then he's on the move, racing outside for his inspector duties.

In addition to the U-Haul rentals, Y-L builds custom saddles and offers horse and other animal products for sale at the retail level.

Dogs aren't the only pets at work in Hot Springs.

Two felines, Joey and Willie, greeted visitors to Black Hills Books & Treasures since owners Rich and Diane Gross opened the store. Willie unfortunately disappeared a few years ago, never to be found, but 17-year old Joey remained until his recent departure from this world.

"Joey was a social cat," said Diane, "he always liked people and when they came in, especially kids, he would run to them." Joey especially loved flute music, which calmed his gregarious nature.

"He liked to sit next to the musicians when we offered a musical event here," she said. "Come Relax With Us," became the Gross' advertising theme, with Joey as a focus. "Cats and books just go together," she said, wistfully recalling his ways with customers and visitors. Joey was often a visitor's surrogate cat, providing tourists with a connection to their cats they left at home. "Joey will be sadly missed," said Diane.

A short way down the street to Uptown Hair & Nails will net you a meow-y greeting from Mister Toes, a six-toed, 17-pound feline adopted by owner Wendee Pettis.

"He's in charge of greeting and reception," said Pettis, who pronounced that Mister Toes also provides relaxation techniques by offering to lap-sit while clients get cut, colored, permed, and styled. Mr. Toes, a stray she found one cold, snowy night, comes complete with his own wardrobe and his own lounging sofa. "He has a sombrero and poncho, a Playboy jacket, a beach outfit, a James Brown outfit, and a super cat cape," she said, as he modeled his favorite outfit from Mexico. "He takes his job seriously, said Pettis.

In addition to these work pets, you can see canines Lucky Charm and Willow at The Wild Burro, and Ruff at Wanda's Finds, just to drop a few names.

Watch for next week's story on more Hot Springs business's pets in the workplace.