Much-loved four-legged friend, Big Beauty, is only non-human to get an actual salary from pet supplies firm. Internet interest in the salaried canine explodes after her February payslip was published on social media platform Douyin. — SCMP
A Chinese company which has put a dog called Big Beauty on its payroll has spread delight on mainland social media.
The firm – which specialises in pet products and is based in southern China’s Guangdong province – employs the dog as a “security captain” on a monthly salary of 3,000 yuan (RM1,949 or US$420).
The salaried pooch went viral after the company posted her February payslip on the social media platform Douyin.
That month she suffered a financial setback and only received 1,200 yuan (RM779) after her pay was docked for “inappropriate behaviour”.
The deductions were imposed for running around, bullying a cat as well as barking at people, blocking the door and digging through toilet garbage.
An employee responsible for Big Beauty told Jiupai News that the dog’s salary was paid via him in the form of a reimbursement, adding that the firm also fed the dog well.
He said the February salary deduction was punishment for Big Beauty causing damage to company property and an attack on a cat belonging to another firm for which they demanded compensation.
The unnamed keeper added the company kept other dogs and cats, but only Big Beauty – who has been with the firm for seven years – was paid a salary.
The canine was the pet of a former doorman who had passed away and the company felt a responsibility to take care of her.
The keeper said Big Beauty was good at watching the door, catching mice, and sometimes served as a public relations “model”, trying out the firm’s new products.
Loved by fellow employees, Big Beauty also received a special gift of chicken soup when she was pregnant with five puppies earlier this year.
Many people reacted to the heartwarming story with humour.
“She might be the only employee ever not to complain after an employer deducted her salary,” said one.
“The only part of my job which is better than Big Beauty’s is that I have social insurance,” said another.
“A company that treats animals well must be a good one,” added a third.
Mainland social media is constantly amused by cute animal stories.
In April, many people marvelled at the story of two pet dogs in southwestern China which reportedly “ran away from home” to hang out with each other at an Internet café.
Many said it reminded them of their youth, when they used to skip school with their friends. – South China Morning Post
