Dog owners seem to agree that one of the hardest things about owning a dog is dealing with the look of sadness when heading off to work each morning.  For some dogs, merely the sound of the shower clues them in to the fact that today is another long day without you.  Some have suggested providing plenty of toys, leaving the television on, and even adopting another pet to remedy loneliness.  These work in some cases, yet in others the result is two sad faces instead of one.

Some dog owners are fortunate enough to work for a company that allows them to bring their dog to the workplace.  This kind of set up is not only great for the dog, but also for fellow co-workers, and even the employer.  In some cases, companies that allow dogs in the workplace have reported:

•   Increased collaboration between employees.

• Reduced Stress.

• Employees willing to work longer hours.

• Improved employee morale.

• Increased trust and cooperation between employees.

If that’s not enough to get your boss interested, how about this:  According to the American Humane Association, the benefits of dogs in the workplace include:

• Staff morale and worker productivity increased by bringing pets to work.

• Increased camaraderie among employees.

• Happier employees result in enhanced job performance.

• Increase in sales reported by store owners who take their dogs to work.

• Dogs can serve as a crime deterrent.

So, how does one approach their employer or submit a request such as this in the company’s suggestion box?  How about recommending take your dog to work day to start?  It would be no different than bring your kid to work day.  It’s worth a shot, and let’s say the boss actually does agree to it and bring your dog to work day ends up being such a success that your co-workers can’t  stop raving about it.  It may be the beginning of something longer term, perhaps a recurring bring your dog to work day on the first Friday of every month.  From there, who knows what it might grow into?  The trick is to come up with as many work-related benefits to present as possible.  Nothing gets a boss’s attention quicker than talk of increased productivity and improved working conditions that ultimately result in a better bottom line.  So remember, be creative about it and go in with a list of positive offerings rather than disgruntled demands.  Besides, wouldn’t you rather share pet stories around the water cooler than talk of politics or reality shows?

Check out video of our office dogs from Take Your Dog to Work Day 2011 & Good Luck!

pet adoption