Einstein

"Abundant health creates abundant life"

Posted on Wed, Oct. 08, 2003

Way to go, Einstein! At this office, pooch tops charts By SUMMER HARLOW The Kansas City Star

For 10 years he’s worked like a dog — eight hours a day or more, five days a week — without a raise or promotion.

His only perk: A tiny bit of a Beggin’ Strip he gets every few minutes.

His name is Einstein, and he’s a gopher — er, gofer. Well, technically he’s a 10-year-old, 6-pound toy miniature mix black poodle, with the gray beginning to show. But at the Chiropractic Life Center in Gladstone, Einstein’s full-time job is office runner, delivering patient records to the front desk.

“He adds a measure of peace to the office,” said Bruce Rippee, the clinic’s owner. “People come in here in pain, and then they see this cute fluffy dog, and that makes them feel better.”

When Einstein hears a doctor tap a desk with files, he takes off, his short ears flapping and his collar jangling.

Einstein stands on his hind legs and opens his mouth, ready to grab the charts and deliver them to the front desk.

He also comes running when he hears the front door open; part of his job is greeting patients. A quick pat on the head is all he will allow, though. After all, he is working.

“As soon as it’s after hours, though, he wants to be loved,” said Jim Wyllie, who works at the office with Rippee.

But before quitting time, there’s no time for fooling around.

“Want to see him get mad? Watch what he does when I don’t hand him the file,” Rippee said.

Einstein, standing upright, waited as Rippee dangled the papers, only to snatch them away. The tiny poodle leapt into the air and let out two yelps.

“I’m just teasing you,” Rippee crooned, handing him the records.

Unlike his co-workers, Einstein has no formal training. He just likes to carry paper. One day, Rippee discovered that trait and took advantage of it.

Despite Einstein’s blind left eye, Wyllie said, the dog is consistent. And fastidious.

“He keeps the place real neat,” Wyllie said after Einstein picked up a paper cup on the floor. “He’s part of the healing process here,” Wyllie said. “It just wouldn’t be the same without him.”

To reach Summer Harlow, Northland reporter, call (816) 234-5904 or e-mail sharlow@kcstar.com.

Photo by: RICH SUGG/The Kansas City Star