I completely missed this information, one month ago.

On Feb 6, 2003, Heidi, an English Sheepdog, received from Oracle Corp Japan's chief executive Masaaki Shintaku, a certificate of thanks and a one-year supply of beef jerky as her retirement pay.

"I want to thank you for helping staff and customers relax," said Shintaku.

She worked at Oracle Japan for 11 years, as the official company pet. Her job was to come to the office twice a week, in order to help everybody to relax ;-)

She will be replaced by Wendy, a dog of the same breed.

Photo: Heidi kissing Masaaki Shintaku during the ceremony.