The GDC dogs are a canine ying and yang: Lilly, the reserved, gracious glossy black Labrador and Scout, the cheeky, gregarious white retriever. Together they help to keep the office harmonious and in a state of balance, not to mention bringing delight to returning customers and their children.

Lilly: A field trial black Labrador retriever from Sun Valley, Idaho, Lilly likes to say hi to people as they enter the GDC offices. But after a quick hello, she is likely to scamper back to her corner, where she'll wait, patiently, until she's petted. She brings a calm, graceful air to a buzzing workplace.

Scout: The same can't be said for energetic Scout, who is best friends with everyone from the postman to returning La Jolla socialites who drop in to see him whenever they're in the village. Scout's a fan of high-jumping and sometimes on the weekends he'll join Pancho and Scott for a body whomping session at Marine Street Beach. If you're in the office, ask to see Scout's party trick: When he's excited, he'll ring the bell with his nose.