Getting to know so many pawsome pups and kitties in our pets in ticketing series has been an unforgettable experience. From tail-wagging ticket office helpers to purrsonable feline friends, each has added a touch of charm to the ticketing world and our weekly INTIX Access newsletter. If you haven’t already read the first three parts of our series, furrtunately, we’ve got you covered:
Part 1 — Tails and Ticket Sales: What If Dogs and Cats Ran the Show?
Part 2 — Wags and Whiskers: Unleashing Talent in Ticketing
Part 3 — Fur-real Talent: Meet More Adorable Pets of Ticketing
Now, let’s paws for a moment, saddle up and unleash the stories of more four-legged ticketing stars!
Dash — Ticket Taker
This apricot toy poodle just turned 12 on Oct. 19. He loves living life more than working life, says his mom, Jamie Kramer, Senior Client Support Specialist for Ticketmaster. “Dash is a chill old man, so smart, detail oriented and loves routine,” Jamie says.
In his earlier years, that routine included taking in the action at Atlanta Braves baseball games. “Dash was the first dog to have a mobile ticket for Atlanta Braves Bark in the Park at Turner Field in 2014,” Jamie recalls. “The Braves even tweeted about him.”
If Dash had a job in ticketing, what would it be? “Dash would be a ticket taker because he likes repetition and visiting with humans,” Jamie predicts. “They have shorter shifts and would not interfere with naps too much.”
Jamie adds, “He enjoys the work-from-home life. He is not a big fan of commuting to the office but loves all the pets and making people smile.”
Dash as office chair supervisor at the Ticketmaster office.
Dash also values good work-life balance. And no wonder! With a trip to Starbucks for a pup cup in his future, he has to wear shades to the lake because his future looks pawsitively bright!
Uno — Guest Experience, Supervisor
Andrew Bragman got Uno when he was living in Washington, D.C. Five years ago, the pair made the cross-country move to California when Andrew became Vice President of Ticket Operations for SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. “He enjoys the weather much more out here compared to the east coast,” Andrew says.
Uno, center, with friends.
When Uno was a puppy, he wanted to play with every single person and dog. He has since matured, which means taking a step up the ticketing career ladder.
“He probably would have started off working in guest experience. He was concerned about everyone being happy and excited. As he's matured now, he's more like a supervisor. He likes to sit on the side, watch everybody and make sure everything is going well, but he is happy to step in.”
Although Uno hasn't spent much time in the ticket office at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park, he did get to experience it (and some games, too) while Andrew was with the Washington Nationals.
Andrew continues, “I lived about three blocks from the stadium in D.C. I would usually run home during the game and bring him back to the ticket office to hang out. He very quickly figured out that sitting on the corner as a cute little French bulldog puppy with a bunch of people streaming out of the baseball game having enjoyed the evening, was pretty much the best thing ever. He would sit there and get attention from every single person walking by.”
Uno at his first Washington Nationals game.
Uno was, however, in the ticket office in California during COVID.
“During COVID, we had football games with no fans. The Rams made cutouts of season ticket holders. It was a charity thing that went to their foundation. Anybody could go and get a picture of themselves, and [it would] sit in the seats. If I could have one of a staff member, of course, I had to have Uno there. He got number one for his jersey to match his name.”
Uno’s best friend is a German Shepherd, and he used to be friends with a Great Dane, too, so he thinks he’s a much bigger dog than he is. “He's very gentle because he thinks he's going to hurt everybody,” Andrew says.
See more photos of Uno on Instagram @uno_the_frenchie/.
Alice Roosevelt — Subscription Manager
At two-and-a-half years old, Alice Roosevelt has been the cherished companion of Dori Daniels, Director of Ticketing, Box Office Operations and Customer Care for Club Fugazi Experiences, for about a year. A bit timid yet affectionate, this beauty is protective of her space. Although she takes her time to warm up, once she decides to love you, she’s furever by your side. Her favorite spot is right next to her human, stretched out and pressed against Dori’s thigh, soaking up all the warmth and love.
“If Alice had a job in ticketing, she would be the Subscription Manager,” Dori says. “She does not want to be in charge, but she definitely wants a role where she can be queen of her own domain. She is happiest doing her own thing at her own pace, with consistent patterns and routines, seeing the same people over and over.”
Dori continues, “Alice has the most expressive ears I've ever seen in a cat. We can have entire conversations across the room with her ear twitches, the way longtime lovers can ‘speak’ across a room with just a glance. She is also an incredible huntress. I am always safe from flying bugs in this house, as she jumps and flips and stalks them down!”
Moose — Ticket Office Manager
At just 15 weeks old, Moose is an adorable French bulldog with a pawsitively cuddly demeanor, though he can also be really stubborn at times. He loves leaves, tug of war and cheese. Just like Alice, he loves to be close to his people, proving that sometimes it’s good to be a little bull-headed about snuggles.
“He is curious and loves to explore, as long as I'm not far away,” Jamie Leisner, Director of Client Services for TicketLeap, says. “His favorite toys are sticks, leaves and his Lamb Chop stuffed animal. He likes to give kisses, play fetch and nap. I think he's happiest when he's eating or snuggled with me or the kids.”
If Moose were in ticketing, what role would he take on?
“I think Moose is the enforcer in the box office,” Jamie says, laughing. “He's going to be the ticketing manager who handles unhappy customers or unpleasant situations. He is just very unimpressed and won't sugarcoat things … For example, if there are no seats available to exchange for an unhappy customer who knowingly bought obstructed view, there are no seats, and the attendee is just going to have to accept it. Moose would have no problem delivering that news.”
Jamie adds, “Moose is really fun. He is very happy overall and makes us all smile. He'd make any box office a fun place. No one could be in a bad mood around him!”
Simon — Usher
This mane attraction would surely bring a unique perspective to the ticket office.
Simon is an off-the-track Thoroughbred who began his career as a racehorse before being put up for adoption after retirement.
“Simon is my very first horse and afforded thanks to a ticketing side hustle working as an Assistant Box Office Manager at Austin City Limits,” Amanda Reeves, Risk Manager at TicketLeap, says.
This goofy guy is currently overcoming his fear of the spooky Halloween decorations at the barn. Incredibly treat-motivated, he often mistakes his mom’s messy hair buns for hay.
And if he worked in live events and entertainment?
“Simon would be an usher,” Amanda says. “You know those announcements that tell you to silence your phones and unwrap your candy before the show starts? He'll be asking all the theatregoers for a peppermint, a fave treat!”
Squish — Fetcher
Blue Heelers are the best adventurer dogs, loving hiking, swimming, running and jumping. “They’re just little balls of energy,” says Jessica Bartet, who was working at the Tivoli Theatre in Chattanooga, Tennessee, when she got Squish in 2016.
“I took him to work one day when I got him,” Jessica recalls. “One of the lighting designers was there working on some lights, and we just happened to sync up and make this photo magic.”
“If Squish worked in the ticket office, he would be a fetcher, the person who is at the window and going over to security to help someone, [then going] back to the window, [then] going to the ticket scanners, troubleshooting that, [and then] back to the box office. That was my job when I was at the theater, and I can totally see Squish doing that same job because he loves to play fetch.”
Bob — Retired
“Bob the Dog” has retired from his earlier work in customer service. Still somewhat famous in ticketing circles, he is helping Mom Mardi Dilger enjoy her retirement life.
“Bob is living his best life,” Mardi says. “He is retired but travels more than most humans. He (we) miss our ticketing peeps but still mentor quite often.”
Lucy — ANGEL OF TICKETING
Editor’s Note: Lucy passed away on Oct. 27, 2024, as this article was underway. In announcing her passing, Mom Liz Baqir said, “My sweet angel, I will miss you with every breath I take.”
“Lucy [was] a super mutt!” Liz Baqir, Associate Director of Ticketing Services for Cal Performances, says. “Her DNA tests showed Cocker Spaniel, Lab and Rottweiler, but she [looked] like a basset-terrier cross. [She had a] long body, stumpy legs, [was] fluffy and [did not] shed. She [had] personality for days.”
If Lucy had a job in ticketing, what would it have been and why?
“Lucy [was] 15-and-a-half years old, so she [was] the ‘old school’ member of the ticket office team, always reminding the youngsters how easy they have it now,” Liz says. “But she [was] also super smart, so she would help other older guests figure out how to find their tickets, and she [was] sassy, so she wouldn't take any crap from anyone.”
Liz adds, “Lucy … worked several festivals and she [could] tell immediately when someone [was] lying. She was trained by hippies.”
Bailey — ANGEL OF TICKETING
Editor’s Note: Bailey passed away following a brief illness on Oct. 28 as this article was underway. He was home, warm and surrounded by love, just as he was his entire life. RIP sweet boy.
Bailey entered into rest just shy of his 19th birthday having retired from his earlier dream job as a runner and envelope sealer. What had Bailey been up to since being featured in the Top Dogs in Ticketing article in 2018?
“Bailey [was] living in Maryland, taking advantage of his grandma’s backyard, and hanging out with his dog cousin and best friend, Buddy the Beagle,” says Tammy Enright, IT and Office of Visitor and Guest Services for the National Museum of African American History and Culture. “He [was] in remarkably good health — his fur [continued] to change from brown to grey to white, but he [was] still engaged, happy, and playful. He [would have turned] 19 in December.”
“Bailey [had] retired from [being a runner and envelope sealer]. At 19, he still [had] a spring in his step but [preferred] his zoomies for personal pleasure, not work. In ticketing, he [was] a mentor, a consultant, and a consumer.”
Tammy adds, “Bailey [was] a proud American and a native Washingtonian. His favorite part of being an American [were] the hot dogs on the Fourth of July, and [he had] visited the Washington Monument, the FDR Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial (where yes, he got in trouble with the Park Police). Now that he [was] of age, he would like to remind everyone else who has reached their 18th birthday to vote.”
Daisy — Angel of Ticketing
Though Daisy has sadly passed away, her mom, Jacqueline Eaton, formerly of TicketsWest, cherishes this photo of her lounging on the Boca printer. “And yes,” says Jacqueline, “she did step on the test print button.”
Jacqueline says, “The photo was taken in 2020, just after we shut down with COVID. I was working from home and Daisy became my new supervisor.”
Sly-Boi and Maya — Angels of Ticketing
The two beautiful boys have also sadly passed away. Lis Sinniger, who keeps busy working a variety of part-time jobs, primarily as a call center rep for Spectrum Services and more recently as the interim Ticketing and Customer Experience Manager for Orchestra Lumos, remembers them fondly.
“They were bonded Siamese cats that I adopted as adults, Sly was older by approximately five years, but they had always lived in the same household, and the woman I adopted them from thinks they have the same parentage.”
Sly-Boi and Maya.
Maya loved to help Lis while she was working.
“While Sly-Boi was pretty good about not interfering with my keyboard skills (once I learned how to type with one hand and pet with the other!), Maya preferred to lay across the laptop keyboard or pin down my arm while on the desktop keyboard, making sure I knew she was the one doing the hard work. [She was] definitely the CEO of my office,” Lis says.
Maya
Maya
As we wrap up our pawsitively delightful pets in ticketing series, we celebrate the unforgettable companions who bring joy and furtune to our lives. From Bailey, the former envelope-sealing superstar and now angel of ticketing, to Simon, our resident ticketing Thoroughbred overcoming Halloween spookiness, these pets remind us that love comes in all shapes, sizes and species. With hearts as big as their purrsonalities, whether they’re in the ticket office or at home, they always know how to bring the best in show to our ticketing adventures!
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