Take Your Dog to Work Day

It's Take Your Dog to Work Day. This is a new one on me. I heard it mentioned and I one person asked if it was OK to bring their dog into work. I thought they were crazy or their co-worker was pulling their leg. Nut no.

When I woke up this morning the radio station I listen to was promoting they say as the DJ had brought his dog to work. So what is this all about.

It turns out this is the brain child of a group called Pet Sitters International, a group that promotes professional pet sitting. They started Take Your Dog To Work Day back in June 1999. It appears it happens on the 4th Friday in June every year since. One of the things they are hoping it will promote is people who could use the love of of a dog get encouraged to adopt a dog. Also they say it allows you to bring your pride and joy into work to show them off.

Now it is not for everyone. Around these neck of the woods it is illegal to bring a pet into a restaurant. A leader dog/guide dog is allowed but not a pet. I am sure there are a lot of other places like that. One site provided some tips:

Stay Out of the Doghouse with This Advice

• Make sure the boss and your coworkers are comfortable with the idea.
• Bring only socialized, quiet, friendly and well-house-trained dogs to work. Leave aggressive, nervous or sick dogs at home.
• Use a leash and/or baby gates to keep your dog inside your cube or other open workplace. "Office hallways cannot become an off-leash dog run," says Kain.
• Dogs must be well-groomed and flea-free.
• Puppy-proof your office. "Make sure wires, poisonous plants, pens, rubber bands, and any choking or chewing hazards are all out of reach," Long advises.
• Create a space for your dog with his own pad, toys and bowls.
• Ask someone to watch and walk your dog if you're away from your desk.

"Pets are wonderful companions," Long says. "But we need to exercise common sense when bringing them to the workplace."

Now I am not sure what I think of this. On the one side I am an animal lover. Ever since I have been a small kid I have had a big thing for dogs and have since learned to love just about all animals. But taking a pet to work? I guess I just work in a professional environment and it seems kind of out of place there. Of course maybe it would be OK. Also I can not help but think about the people that are afraid of dogs.

I would imagine at least someone will bring their dog in and we will see. I hope no one gets in trouble as I have not heard anything official saying we can participate.

Anyway I thought I would share what is going on in this neck of the woods. Have a great weekend.



[catching scent of Wendell in a crowded restaurant] I smell dog! --The 10th Kingdom