Illumio Pet Patrol: Meet 6 More of the Cybersecurity Pawfessionals Behind Our Team

‍In this ongoing series, we’re shining the spotlight on the pets of Illumio, celebrating our pet-friendly culture and our Pet Patrol employee group.

At Illumio, we believe that a pet-friendly workplace leads to a happier, healthier team. Whether they’re providing comfort during busy workdays or joining us on exciting adventures, our pets are a huge part of who we are.  

Our office is not just open to people but also to their furry friends, making Illumio a place where everyone feels at home—including our four-legged family members.

A big part of this pet-friendly culture is Pet Patrol, an employee group and message board for all kinds of pets. Members share adorable pet photos and exchange advice with fellow pet owners. With team members working globally, Pet Patrol has grown into a community that brings Illumineers together through their love of animals.

We recently asked some Illumineers to share the stories of their pets and how they brighten their lives, whether at work or play. Get ready to meet some of the adorable “pawfessionals” who are part of the Illumio team!

Shane Grandle + Crab Cake

The bond that Senior ADR Shane Grandle and his 2-year-old rescue, Crab Cake, have formed over time is a testament to the power of time, patience, hard work, and love.

"I adopted a very shy and timid puppy that wouldn’t even leave his dog bed," Shane recalled.  

Now, two years later, Crab Cake is a different dog altogether. "He’s so confident and playful now! It just goes to show that with time, patience, and hard work, you can achieve great things," Shane said.

Crab Cake couldn’t agree more: "When my dad first brought me home, I was scared of everything! Now, he takes me on walks, likes to play rough, and takes me to meet new friends all the time!”  

We couldn’t be happier that Crab Cake has found his furever home with Shane!  

Mitch Morice + Sonny and Sammy

Senior Sales Engineer Mitch Morice’s house is always full of energy, thanks to his two beloved dogs, Sonny and Sammy. A longtime dog lover, Mitch recently made the leap from a one-dog household to a two-dog household, and it’s been an adventure ever since.

"Sonny is our mini sheepadoodle, and Sammy is a golden retriever," Mitch explains. Sonny, the newest of the pair, is the playful, high-energy one, always bouncing around, while Sammy is more laid back, enjoying his routine and watching the chaos unfold.

Sammy gave us insight into his daily routine with Mitch: “Although I wasn’t thrilled when they brought the little guy home, I’ve come to tolerate him. I get lunch meat or cheese when dad makes his lunch which is a highlight of my day. And I still get my morning butt rubs. So life’s good."

Sonny agreed, "I'm always ready to run around, play with Sammy, chew on the chairs, and just have a blast!” ‍

Andree Winter + Durango

For Staff Technical Program Manager Andree Winter, the best days at work are the ones where she can bring her four-year-old Shepherd Mix rescue, Durango, with her to the office! Illumio’s pet-friendly culture allows Andree to enjoy the company of her and other coworkers’ pups while staying productive.

"I love the fact that dogs are welcome at Illumio,” she said. “I enjoy and get a lot of motivation from seeing my co-workers' dogs at Illumio.”

Durango shares his own excitement about being part of Andree’s “pack”: “I love life! I love the mountains, the beach, the park, and our neighborhood! My family takes me almost everywhere and sometimes I can even come and spend the day at Illumio! Woof!”

Joe Jimenez + Yuki

Senior Web Developer Joe Jimenez’s five-year-old American Bulldog, Yuki, is his loyal companion both at work and at play. Yuki has become an integral part of Joe’s daily routine. “She provides love, companionship, and motivation to get outside,” Joe said.  

According to Joe, Yuki loves to go for walks, meet (most) people and dogs, and of course food of all types!

Yuki agreed that she’s the star of the show at home with her dad, Joe. “I spend a lot of time sleeping in my dad’s office and make sure he’s not tardy for his Zoom meetings. I’m still waiting for my parents to start a YouTube channel starring me!”

Joyce Kim + Hudson

Senior Customer Experience Marketing Manager Joyce Kim’s life has been enriched in countless ways by her one-year-old Lab Terrier mix. Not only is Hudson a constant source of joy for Joyce, but she’s also a frequent visitor to Illumio’s HQ, where she’s become a favorite among the team.

"Being a pet owner enriches my life in countless ways. It enhances my day-to-day at Illumio by promoting emotional well-being, fostering responsibility, and cultivating empathy — all of which are essential for the workplace," Joyce shared.

Hudson said that the Illumio HQ is “a wonderland of smells and new friends.” She gets showered with attention when she’s there, and she even has her own spot under Joyce’s desk where she can snooze.

As a four-legged Illumineer, Hudson has learned a thing or two about cybersecurity at HQ. “I might not understand all the technical jargon, but just like Illumio protects organizations from cyber threats with Zero Trust Segmentation, I make sure my mom and I are safe during our walks, with a keen eye on any suspicious ravens or hyper squirrels lurking around.”

Check out the previous Illumio Pet Patrol blog post!

Learn more about our pet-friendly culture and other perks of being an Illumineer.