The following are stories and questions about them. Each story is followed by a question and answer to a given question.

Story: Pet owners are being encouraged to take their animals to work , a move scientists say can be good for productivity , workplace morale , and the well-being of animals . 

A study found that 25% of Australian women would like to keep an office pet . Sue Chaseling of Petcare Information Service said the practice of keeping office pets was good both for the people and the pets . "On the pets' side , they are not left on their own and won't feel lonely and unhappy," she said . A study of major US companies showed that 73% found office pets beneficial , while 27% experienced a drop in absenteeism . 

Xarni Riggs has two cats walking around her Global Hair Salon in Paddington . "My customers love them. They are their favorites ," she said . "They are not troublesome . They know when to go and have a sleep in the sun ." 

Little black BJ has spent nearly all his two years "working" at Punch Gallery in Balmain . Owner Iain Powell said he had had cats at the gallery for 15 years . "BJ often lies in the shop window and people walking past tap on the glass ," he said . 

Ms Chaseling said cats were popular in service industries because they enabled a point of conversation . But she said owners had to make sure both their co-workers and the cats were comfortable .

Question: Who is encouraged to bring companions to work?
Answer:Pet owners

Question: Why?
Answer:its's  good for productivity , workplace morale , and the well-being of animals .

Question: How can it help the animals?
Answer:they  won't feel lonely and unhappy

Question: Have any studies been done?
Answer:yes

Question: Where?
Answer:Australia

Question: Anywhere else?
Answer:the US

Question: Any notable stats in that one?
Answer:for companies 73% found office pets beneficial , while 27% experienced a drop in absenteeism .

Question: Any anecdotal evidence?
Answer:yes

Question: WHat seeems to be a popular animal un businesses according to these stories?
Answer:cats

Question: DO the patrons like them as much as the business owners?
Answer:yes

Question: Why?
Answer:
because they enabled a point of conversation