Taking Your Dog To Work? Here's Why You Should Friday (June 22)

Never knew, did you, that the Friday after Father's Day holds a special place for man's — and woman's — best friend? That's when dogs across the world join their owners at work for, "Take Your Dog To Work Day."

"Studies have shown that having a dog in the office can boost morale, productivity and happiness," reads a Facebook post by Camp Bow Wow, which has a location in Riverview. "If you, or one of your co-workers, has been bringing your pet to work this week have you noticed a difference around the office?"

First celebrated in 1999, Pet Sitters International "Take Your Dog To Work Day" (TYDTWDay) was instituted "to celebrate the great companions dogs make and to encourage their adoption from humane societies, animal shelters and rescue breed blus," according to the Web site of event organizers.

As for the employers, they're "encouraged to open their workplace to employees' four-legged friends on this one special day."

TYDTWDay is the culmination of "Take Your Pet To Work Week," which this year runs from June 18-22. "So, if your company is closed on Fridays or if you want to invite all types of pets, select any day during the week to host a special event at your workplace."

• Planning to allow and encourage your employees to bring their dogs to work? Let us know in the comment box below.

• Planning to take your dog to work? Lets us know that, too, in the comment box below.

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"Take Your Dog To Work Day" Primer

• For employees, "focus on the fun employees and employers have, celebrate the value of pets in the workplace, and encourage pet adoptions. Find out how you can promote your company's products or services through licensing and sponsorships.

• Listen to the Take Your Dog To Work song

• Register and receive a downloadable copy of the 2012 TYDTWDay Participation Action Pack. It contains a sample "dogs at work" policy, tps for planning your event and additional resources.

• Find a "passionate, professional" pet-sitter in your local area with the PSI Official Pet Sitter Locator.

• Pet Sitters International, in teaming with Arden Moore, creator of National Dog Party Day, offers ways to celebrate your dog this summer.

• Upload photos to the 2012 TYDTWDay Photo Contest.