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Dogs Have Their Day At Work Friday

Photo by LARRY SCHMALTZ

Your co-workers might be bringing a guest along on Friday, during the 10th annual Take Your Dog to Work Day.

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By KRISTEN LEVINE

Tribune correspondent

Published: June 18, 2008

Some of your co-workers may be drooling Friday. They can't help it. They're dogs.

Friday's the 10th annual Take Your Dog to Work Day, created by Pet Sitters International to celebrate canine companionship and to demonstrate to dogless co-workers the joy pets can bring to their lives.

The issue of adoption is especially important this year because of a new breed of homeless -"foreclosure pets." As the housing crisis forces families from their homes, they're finding no choice but to leave behind their pets.

"The crisis is nationwide, with many thousands of dogs who have been part of a family now sitting alone in shelters, and we want to make a difference in helping all dogs find a good home," says Patti Moran, Pet Sitters president.

One business that welcomes the extra help is A2L Technologies in Thonotosassa.

"Dogs bring a lot of camaraderie to our office," says owner Larry Schmaltz. "Every day we have at least three of them at work, sometimes up to six."

When he bought the building, Schmaltz fenced the backyard and installed a doggie door in the kitchen so pooches could take breaks, just like their co-workers.

When people adopt a dog, they're not only helping save an animal, they're helping themselves. Research shows having a dog makes people healthier and happier, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, diminishes depression and boosts feelings of well-being.

"We experience much more stress in our lives now than we did 10 years ago when we started Take Your Dog to Work Day," says Moran. "But when you walk in the door and your dog rushes to meet you with enthusiasm, the troubles of the day melt away."

Dogs are a great catalyst for co-worker relationships, too, getting people who otherwise might not take the time to converse with one another.

Nearly one in five U.S. companies allows pets at work, according to a 2006 survey by American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. Those polled cited stress relief and improved relationships with co-workers as primary benefits.

Obey The Rules

Pet Sitters takes a positive approach to doggy workday with a fun, interactive Web site, www.takeyour dog.com. Be sure to check with the office's top dog before bringing Rover in for a day of labor.

Here are some tips from Pet Sitters:

•Make sure everyone gets advance notice (co-workers may have allergies, phobias or other concerns).

•Dog-proof the office by covering garbage cans and exposed wires and removing toxic materials such as ink, toner, white-out, etc.

•Create and post guidelines and canine etiquette rules for staff members to follow.

•Practice obedience training to polish manners.

•Bring a leash in case your dog is apt to wander.

•Bring plenty of toys and treats to reward good behavior.

•Make sure you have adequate water and food.

•Coordinate your breaks to take your pooch out.

•Be on the lookout for signs of stress (panting, licking, whining).

Kristen Levine can be reached at Kristen@fetchingcommunications.com. Are you planning to take your dog to work? Go to keyword: Pets, to submit your photos and check out other shots of pooches in the workplace.

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