Your Daily Briefing: Bring your dog to work at this Wilson County facility

The Daily Briefing is The Tennessean's morning round-up of today's news that matters most to you. Best enjoyed with a cup of coffee, it's also available directly in your inbox, bright and early, seven days a week. Sign up here

Could dogs and robots be the key to hiring?

I'm Andy Humbles and I recently got to see how animals and technology work together at Chewy’s new 700,000 square foot fulfillment center in Wilson County.

I found that both the dogs and robots have a similar — if not identical — objective: To make sure employees will enjoy working at the e-commerce facility there.

It's important because Chewy wants to hire 1,200 employees by the end of the year needed to operate the company's e-commerce facility, the first of its kind in Tennessee, at a time many companies and industries are struggling to hire workers.

The dogs make the mood bright. The robots and other technology, like more than five miles of conveyor belt, are supposed to make work easier on the body.

So far, so good. Chewy reported more than 400 employees were hired in mid-June after starting operations, with its first orders sent out in late May.

Chewy also wants to partner with area shelters and rescues, including the Nashville Humane Association and the Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary, to hold activities such as donation drives and adoption events.

Take a read, I think you’ll enjoy the story whether you work there or not.

More stories to start your day:

• First defendant in Cobra Bar murders found guilty: 'Nothing short of chilling'
• Why the Nashville Ghosts tours owner trains Ukrainian fighters
• This 2023 NHL Draft is huge for David Poile, and not because it's his final one | Estes
• First Look: Our five favorite things about artist Kelsey Montague's Nashville Airbnb
• FAA wades into battle for control of Nashville International Airport