Every burgeoning organization should have someone overseeing the happiness of its team – team, meaning everyone from employees to customers to vendors to beyond.

For us, that overseer holds an important title: Chief Happiness Officer. And our Chief Happiness Officer is a cuddly little French bulldog called Larry. (Who, yes, is a girl.)

But who is Larry?

Let’s learn about the Frenchie who’s at the heart of our operations.

From Humble Beginnings

Larry’s been with Blue Summit Supplies since the very beginning – since our company consisted only of our CEO, Owen Franklin, selling envelopes from his sofa in his bathrobe. She kept Owen’s spirits up day in and day out as he worked out the early-days kinks of starting up an eCommerce business, cuddled up in his lap.

Now, Larry keeps Owen company in the office – Owen, and the rest of the Blue Summit Supplies team.

She embodies the crux of our values, which is to improve as many lives in as many ways as possible. While we choose to do it through low-cost, high-quality office supplies, Larry does it through cuddles and cuteness.

French Bulldogs 101

1. Frenchies aren’t actually French in origin – they’re English! They’re bred down from English bulldogs.
2. This sweet, docile breed used to be used by lace makers in England, who would use their Frenchies as lap warmers to stay toasty while working.
3. French bulldogs can’t swim. That’s right – their short muzzles mean they have to tilt their faces up to breathe, and this tips them backwards. If you’re taking your Frenchie out on the water, make sure to outfit her with a Frenchie lifejacket!
4. Frenchies are playful, tiny, and loving, which makes them a great puppy for a family with kids of all ages.
5. Unlike most dog breeds, French bulldogs are a sedentary breed, meaning they need very little exercise. In fact, taking your Frenchie on a long walk is inadvisable; if she’s anything like Larry, she’ll wind up being carried home halfway into it anyway.
6. French bulldogs are sensitive. They respond well to positive reinforcement and can become mopey or sulky when scolded. (Yep. Sounds like our sweet Larry girl.)

Behind the Name

Around the office, Larry goes by many, many names. Here are a few of the most common: 

But while most of these are self-explanatory, you may be wondering why, exactly, she’s named ‘Larry.’ We get it; we’ve all wondered the same thing. Larry isn’t exactly the most ladylike name, and Larry is undeniably a precious princess puppy.

The story is pretty straightforward: Owen Franklin, Blue Summit Supplies’ CEO and Larry’s dad, grew up around animals. His mother was a veterinarian and because of this, he often saw the more difficult aspects of pet ownership firsthand: sick animals, hurting animals, animals in their final days. He was never particularly keen on adopting a dog because of this and had no desire to have pets of his own, but had always thought ‘Larry’ would be a great dog name.

And then he fell in love with a girl. (A human girl.)

Tiffany, his wife, had always wanted a dog – a French bulldog. When she learned of Owen’s naming stipulation, she agreed, and promptly found and fell in love with the teeniest, sweetest Frenchie puppy in the world. And Larry was christened Larry, and everyone lived happily ever after.

As for Owen’s stance on pets now?

“Best money I ever spent,” he grins, before rethinking his words and adding, “Well. After the engagement ring.”

Larry’s Favorites

Food: Cheese!

Pastime: Cuddling. Or napping.

Color: It depends on the day.

Holiday: Halloween.

Person: Tiffany, her mom.

Office supply: The classic double-window #8 self-seal security check envelope. She’s a Frenchie of fine tastes.

A Day in the Life of Larry

So, what exactly does a Chief Happiness Officer do?

At our office, Larry’s in charge of morale.

She’s the bright sunbeam of happiness who runs into our office every morning, taking time to greet everyone in turn. She definitely plays favorites – I’m looking at you, Megan, our Director of Financial Operations – but we forgive her, because have you seen that sweet face?

Larry’s days are busy. They’re full of sleeping in laps during meetings, resting in her favorite patch of sunlight, falling asleep in the crook of our Graphic Designer Jess’ elbow as she works, and patiently waiting for someone to drop a scrap or two during lunchtime. She also guards the door every time Owen steps out, and excitedly alerts us to newcomers – especially our UPS guy.

She reminds us to stay positive. Larry’s constant, cheerful presence is the embodiment of the warm, friendly attitude we hope to have when we interact with others – each other, our vendors, and you, our customers.

Good job, Larry.