How to Celebrate Take Your Dog to Work Day

Do you have a pooch that sits with bated breath everyday waiting for your grand return from work? Well, one day a year, Fido can get a break from the "dog office" and see how a real office operates. Each June, the Friday following Father's Day has been designated by the organization, Pet Sitters International as "Take Your Dog to Work Day"—when workplaces throughout the country become an open house for the four-legged. The goal is to promote the benefits of the human-animal bond and hopefully inspire dogless coworkers to adopt dogs from overcrowded shelters. There are just a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your baby doesn't overstay her welcome.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plastic poop cleanup bags (accidents can happen)
• Nature's Miracle (if there's carpet)
• Water and food bowl
• Dog treats

1. Get permission from your boss and/or management in advance. Let them know it's a great way to boost morale and relieve on-the-job stress. Many believe that dogs in the workplace can enhance productivity and help co-workers get along better.

2. Once you get the ok, make sure nobody is allergic to or afraid of dogs. Just because it's a 2 lb. Chihuahua, doesn't necessarily mean the coast is clear.

3. Spend a little extra time walking your dog before work. This is an opportunity for him to work off excess energy and there will also be less chance of an accident.

4. Find a comfortable area for your dog to lay down. Bring along her bed if it won't be too obtrusive and you may want to consider a crate or baby gate for "time out."

5. Make sure you know where your dog is at all times. You don't want him disturbing anyone. There may also be folks who just aren't that into dogs, and having yours come over is as enchanting to them as the kids who run loose at Wal-Mart.

6. If all goes well, suggest to your boss that it become a permanent addition to Casual Friday.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your dog out of the break room. If there are snacks around, even the best behaved canine can be tempted (and won't be leaving 50 cents in the honor box).
• Only bring a dog that is housebroken, well behaved, and not a loud snorer.
• Dog-proof your work area so that electric chords and potentially toxic items are out of reach.

[Berengaria]

on 6/20/2007 Great suggestions for a grand idea! All I'd add is that having your dog recently bathed would add to his appeal among co-workers--though not freshly bathed! There is nothing appealing about the smell of wet dog, even for the most ardent dog lover.