“The more I see of the representatives of the people,

The more I admire my dog.”

Alphonse de Lamartine

Friday, June 22^nd, is the ninth annual Take Your Dog to Work Day®

Guaranteed to delight co-workers, and give your pet a chance to play

I took my little mutt on Take Your Dog to Work Day a few years ago

And it was truly amazing how she managed to brighten up our office so

I had found her at a big city animal pound, abandoned, and so all alone

But I’d quickly decided to give her a second chance, and took her home

Tiny Chica Blanca has proven to be one of the best dogs I’ve ever had

And on Take Your Dog to Work Day, she made my employees very glad

She seemed to be born to this role, as she excitedly met each and everyone

And throughout cubicles, offices, and hallways, she brought them all fun

She joyously greeted everyone in the office, she gave each one she met a kiss

She removed glumness and mediocrity, and quickly replaced it with some bliss

But since I worked for the Government, which disdains any sort of innovation

I was reprimanded by Washington; ordered to never bring her back on station

One of the reasons I’ve retired is that bureaucrats don’t know how to think

Don’t be as petty minded; take your dog to your office water cooler, for a drink

Your employees will love you for it; you might even get a thanks and a smile

From even the crankiest old employee, who hasn’t laughed in quite awhile

Studies have proven that therapy dogs in nursing homes stimulate the brain

And I know everyone has an employee, to whom you’d like to do the same!

©2007, Mr. Ed

This epic Office Doggy Day was created to celebrate the great human-canine bond, to increase worker morale, and to inspire dog-less workers to adopt a pet of their own from local animal shelters, rescue groups, and humane organizations.

My little mutt inspired two of my employees to visit a local animal shelter, and to adopt a very deserving homeless canine.

Take Your Dog to Work Day, organized by Pet Sitters International, encourages organizations to show their support for their employees, and for their pets, by allowing staff to bring their dogs to work – for this one special day - and perhaps, for many more.

On June 22nd, at cubicles, offices, and organizations all across the country, hundreds of people will be bringing their best friends with them when they clock in.

And many innovative companies are now finding out that ‘pet-friendly’ policies not only celebrate the great relationship that people have with their pets—they can also truly be good for business.

"Numerous studies have shown that having a dog at work increases employee morale, productivity, creativity, sales, and interpersonal communication, while decreasing worker stress," says Sheila Smith, Public Relations Specialist for Pet Sitters International.

And I believe Ms. Smith.  My adorable little mutt’s trip to my office was a great stress reliever for me; and her being banned from my office by narrow minded, petty fogging, can't think 'outside the box,' Washington bureaucrats truly helped convince me to retire.

Thanks, Chica Blanca; you are, indeed, this man’s best friend!