Wear your drool-friendly slacks, watch where you step around the office and put your sack lunch up somewhere high — “Take Your Dog to Work Day” returns Friday.
For the second straight year, Pet Sitters International is sponsoring the day, aimed at calling attention to the joys and benefits dogs bring to life, and to the fact that there are many that need homes.
Pet Sitters International is the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, representing nearly 8,000 independent professional pet-sitting businesses in the United States, Canada and abroad.
If the company you work for, like mine, frowns on such frivolity, take off work early, pick up your dog and go to the Maryland SPCA, 3300 Falls Road, where they will be celebrating Take Your Dog to Work Day with the first of three Wine & Wag summer happy hours, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
If you do get to take part, here are some suggestions. My fellow dog blogger, Newsday’s Denise Flaim, passed on these helpful tips for ensuring your dog makes a good first impression on your co-workers:
1. Tire him out — take him for a long morning run before you get to the office.
2. Bring some distractions, like a toy stuffed with his favorite treats. (Avoid giving treats when your dog is among other dogs, as that can create some ill will.)
3. Create a refuge — a place where your dog can retreat and be alone, like under your desk. To counteract the new situation, bring his bed or blanket from home.
4. Take the stairs, as some dogs fear elevators.
5. Avoid accidents. Take your dog outside often, and keep him on the leash when you do.
6. Make sure your dog is up to it — that he’s friendly and sociable enough that he will fit in with the other dogs and humans.
For a full downloadable guide on bringing your dog to work, visit takeyourdog.com.