Pet Sitters International’s “Take Your Dog To Work Day” is about enjoying Fido’s company at the office, having fun and boosting employee morale. But it is also about promoting the unique bond between dogs and their human companions, encouraging employees companywide to support local animal welfare organizations, volunteer at animal shelters, and adopt homeless pets in need.
First celebrated in 1999 with 300 participating companies, this annual event is always celebrated on the first Friday after Father’s Day, inspiring offices all across the country to go to the dogs.
One of those companies is Hitachi Data Systems, who will be hosting its sixth annual Take Your Dog To Work Day this year.
“At Hitachi Data Systems (HDS), Take Your Dog To Work Day is a fun and very successful event that our employees look forward to every year,” says HDS Chief Human Resources Officer Nancy Long.
The event has proved worthwhile at HDS every year since 2008, with employees and their pets getting the chance to participate in lots of fun activities.
“Many employees bring their dogs to work and attend the pet fair, week-long raffles, animal health, and wellness vendors, and even participate in a talent show,” Long explains.
But perhaps the most important part of HDS’s celebration of Take Your Dog to Work Day is the lives it saves each year. Proceeds taken in from event raffles are donated to a local animal rescue, Long says.
According to Pet Sitters International, another participating business, apartment management company Village Green in Detroit, Mich., has raised more than $40,000 for homeless animals in their area since their first Take Your Dog To Work Day in 2000.
Village Green’s monetary donation goal for their 2013 Take Your Dog To Work Day event, “Sports Mania Dog Day,” is $8,000. The money raised will help The Animal Placement Bureau of Lansing, Michigan cover medical expenses, dog training, and overall care.
For more information about this wonderful event, or for tips on how you can participate at your business, visit the Take Your Dog To Work Day website. Pet Sitters International will also provide fun updates from participating businesses on their Facebook page and Twitter feed.
If you are taking your dog to the office, make sure and review the do’s and don’ts.
Sources: TakeYourDog.com
