Auto Max of Gloucester has not one, but two, pets ready to greet customers and provide a relaxing atmosphere for customers looking to buy a vehicle.

“Everybody loves Maxine,” said Jennifer Ribock, Auto Max employee, about the business’s 14-year-old cat.

“She’s been here a lot of years,” said Dianne Niblett, the business owner.

Maxine arrived at Auto Max in 2015 when Niblett adopted her from a family member.

“She became our little mascot,” said Ribock.

The car dealership previously had a cat named Max who just showed up one day. Employees assumed he had been a housecat who had gotten loose.

“He had been fixed and declawed,” said Ribock.

Max was well taken care of by Auto Max until his final days, but he was not a very social feline.

“With Max, our first cat, we never saw him,” said Ribock.

Niblett and Ribock would often talk about how they wished to have a cat who would hang out in the office with them. They got their wish with Maxine.

“Be careful what you wish for,” joked Ribock.

“When she’s not napping, she will talk to you until she gets attention,” said Ribock.

“She’s very social,” said Niblett.

Maxine can be found taking cat naps in a variety of places, including paper trays, purses and even coats. She will also walk between Niblett’s and Ribock’s desks, begging for a pet and a treat.

“She’s smart,” said Niblett. “She’s a dilute tortoiseshell/calico. She has tortitude.”

“She is very stubborn,” agreed Ribock.

Maxine is great with customers, often showing love and attention to those who come up and greet her.

“I’m amazed at how many people love cats,” said Niblett.

On the flip side

On the canine side of things, Ribock has been bringing her corgi into the office since October 2024. His name is Winston Montgomery Vanderlew.

“He’s very sophisticated,” she said.

“He’s precious and his personality matches,” said Niblett.

Winston began going to work with Ribock when he was just four months old. He snuggles up on his bed behind a baby gate every day.

“He’s very food-motivated,” she said. “He’ll go places he’s not supposed to be.”

Winston always wants to know what is going on around him. He will poke his head out from underneath Ribock’s desk to satisfy his curiosity.

“He loves the customers,” she said.

When Ribock has an appointment or an errand to run after work and has to leave Winston home for the day, he gets very upset.

“He thinks it’s part of his routine,” said Ribock. “It just breaks your heart.”

Both animals have found their place at Auto Max. “They’re both very, very social,” she said.

“Very spoiled,” added Niblett.

Buying a new car can be a stressful activity, but Maxine and Winston have proven to make the process easier for Auto Max clients.

“I think it puts customers in a relaxed mood when they come in,” said Ribock.

“They’re good therapy,” agreed Niblett.