June 5, 2008This June, the “dog days of summer” will take on a whole new meaning at workplaces across America. On Friday, June 20, water coolers will be joined by water dishes; the blue-plate special will be kibble with gravy; and the collars worn by the day’s special office visitors will have leashes attached to them.
Hard-working dog lovers will be joined by their canine companions for the 10th annual Pet Sitters International's Take Your Dog To Work Day(TYDTWDay®), dedicated to celebrating the great companions dogs make and encouraging individuals to adopt dogs from local shelters and rescues. The issue of adoption is especially important this year because of “foreclosure dogs,” abandoned as the housing crisis has forced families from their homes. Animal shelters in Los Angeles, one of country’s hard-hit foreclosure regions, saw a spike of 16% overall in pet drop-offs and the number of animals euthanized shot up 31 percent in the first four months of 2008, over the same period last year.
“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 PSI President Patti Moran. “Take Your Dog To Work Day celebrates the bond between dog and human, and our intention is that dogless co-workers will see how much joy a four-legged friend could bring into their lives and choose to adopt.” Pet Sitters International takes a positive approach to boosting dog adoptions with a fun, interactive and dog-centric Web site (takeyourdog.com) for cubicle-dwelling canine enthusiasts and bosses alike, seeking information on how to get involved.
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, with lower blood pressure and cholesterol, diminished levels of depression and an increased sense of well-being. “There’s nothing like the loyalty and unconditional love of a dog to balance the fast-paced, high-tech nature of life today,” says Moran. “We experience much more stress in our lives now than we did 10 years ago when we started Take Your Dog To Work Day. But when you walk in the door and your dog rushes to meet you with enthusiasm, the troubles of the day melt away.”
Businesses interested in participating are encouraged to visit takeyourdog.com and download a free copy of PSI’s “Guide to Taking Your Dog to Work.” The guide contains useful tips and a guide to help companies conduct a successful TYDTWDay event. Takeyourdog.com also features an online photo contest sponsored by Comfort Zone for anyone who wishes to feature their working dog. Last year, there were more than 125,000 visitors to the website in the months of May and June alone seeking ways to participate in TYDTWDay. The event was created by Pet Sitters International (PSI) in 1999 and bolstered in 2008 by sponsors Comfort Zone with D.A.P. and Modern Dog magazine.
"Comfort Zone is proud to be the Top Dog sponsor of PSI’s 2008 Take Your Dog To Work Day," says Kathleen George, vice president of marketing, CentralLife Sciences, the maker of Comfort Zone with D.A.P. “We value the great companions dogs make and support this day of celebration to raise awareness of pet adoption by bringing your dog to work. There is nothing better than bringing your best friend to work on this special day. However, we understand that you might not be able to have your dog with you every day, which is why we created products like Comfort Zone® with D.A.P® to reduce stress and unwanted behaviors by your dog when you can't be together.”
To register for Take Your Dog To Work Day visit www.takeyourdog.com.
Created by Pet Sitters International (PSI) in 1999 and bolstered in 2008 by sponsors Comfort Zone with D.A.P. and Modern Dog magazine, this unique awareness event has encouraged businesses to open their doors to employees’ well-mannered dogs on this special day.
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