Every Day is "Take your dog to work day."

The nation celebrated annual "Take Your Dog to Work Day," today and, undoubtedly, countless employees of stuffy, strict and un-fun companies were forced to leave their pooches at home despite this official designation.  As for who designated this particular day (Hallmark?), we hain't a clue, but we think it's a great way to kick off the summer.

However, we Muttropolitans are fortunate to designate every day as Take Your Dog to Work Day, as each and every desk here at the Muttropolis World Headquarters has a bed with a dog under it....a dog under the desk that is, not under the bed.

Given that our offices are housed in a building that was built back in the dark ages, we do not have air conditioning, and instead we must hover around small desk fans for relief from the heat. Or, we wait for one of the office dogs to aggressively shake his head after taking a long drink of water, which provides a nice refreshing spritz for bystanders. The office dogs tend to hog the fans and are also quite partial to our Muttropolis Water Filled Cooling Mat.

The office pooches are not always satisfied with simply laying on the floor and lately some have been fighting over the "good beds" and roosting upon desks and our reception chairs. Often, during photo shoots, they argue about who gets to be in the photo, because photo shoot = lots of treats.

Lola, our resident alpha Chihuahua mix, is a veritable Where's Waldo of all photo shoots. See if you can spot her sneaking into the photo above.

--Janet McCulley, Chief Barketing Officer & Schmoo, the furry Guru

Comments

[Dana Humphrey]

International Take Your Dog to Work Day is Friday, June 27, 2008. It is a positive and fun way to celebrate the bond between pets and their parents. The hope is that the day will also encourage people to adopt shelter dogs.

At Muttropolis HQ, it's everyday.

FUN FACTOIDS:

According to the APPMA:

Nearly one in five companies allow pets in the workplace.

55 million Americans believe having pets in the workplace leads to a more creative environment.

53 million believe having pets in the workplace decreases absenteeism

50 million believe having pets in the workplace helps co-workers get along better

38 million believe having pets in the workplace creates a more productive work environment

32 million believe having pets in the workplace decreases smoking in the workplace

37 million believe having pets in the workplace helps improve the relationship between managers and their employees

46 million people who bring their pets to the workplace work longer hours

At Muttropolis, socialized dogs are welcomed in the workplace everyday.
Here are some tips we recommend for a Successful Take Your Dog To Work Day:

1. Check with co-workers to see if anyone is allergic or opposed to bringing your dog to work. You can always bring photos for a show and tell in lieu of bringing you pet if someone has major allergies.

2. Puppy-proof your work space. Remove poisonous plants (lilies, poinsettia, oleander, azalea) hide electric cords/wires and secure toxic items such as permanent markers. Any questionable office items should be placed out of your dog's reach.

3. Bathe and groom your dog (and its bed) before its office debut. Make sure its shots are up-to-date. If your dog appears sick don’t bring it to the office. Dogs that are aggressive or overly shy should not accompany you to work.

4. Prepare a doggie bag. Include food, treats, a bed, bowls, toys, leash, paper towels and Natures Miracle clean up spray. If your dog has a tendency to bark you might want to try a Citronella Bark collar so it doesn't scare off the UPS person. Consider bringing a portable kennel if you have a long meeting that day.

5.Be sure to choose an appropriate area for your dog to its business and don't forget a clean up bag. Make sure you have a water bowl handy that is clean and full.

6. Avoiding forcing your co-workers (or anyone) to interact with your dog. Dog lovers will make themselves known. Remember chocolate, candy and people food should not be shared with your dog.

7. Have an exit strategy if your dog is just too “mutts” to handle at work.

[Claudia]

Where can you buy that burgundy color pet bed at?

[Janet McCulley]

Since you asked: The fabulous bed the dogs are romping on in the above photo is the "Regal Peace Decadent Dog Bed" available at muttropolis.com: http://www.muttropolis.com/products2.cfm/ID/7233/name/Regal-Peace-Decadent-Dog-Bed