Mayfair in Tampa Palms

A Dog Day At The Office Friday, June 22, 2007

May 05, 2007

Author: Jennifer Vickery, Fetching Communications

Ever wonder what your pet thinks before you head out for your morning commute? As soon as you get home from ?‘the place you go everyday?’, is your Fido is waiting with a fiercely wagging tail?

Now, you can make your pet a pal at your workplace on Friday, June 22 to celebrate National Take Your Dog to Work Day (http://www.petsit.com/dogday/).

Each year, Take Your Dog to Work Day brings pets and people together. Nearly one in five companies allows pets in the workplace, according to a recent survey by the American Pet Product Manufacturer Association (APPMA).

This special day is something to ?‘woof?’ about as it was started in 1999 by Pet Sitters International (PSI), an organization that encourages businesses to invite canine companions to work to celebrate our pet friends and to encourage pet adoption.

This ongoing tradition can improve the human-animal bond and promotes positive interaction between co-workers. In some cases, a pet-less co-worker may be encouraged to adopt a pet after witnessing the benefits of pet companionship at the office.
So, how can you ?‘un-leash?’ your workplace into being the perfect place for this special event? According to PSI, here?’s how:

1. Organize an event ?– Share Take Your Dog to Work Day with your manager and be sure to talk to co-workers about the event.
2. Can?’t bring Fido to the office? You can still coordinate an event! Have co-workers bring in adorable pictures of their canines and have lots of fun!
3. Partner with a shelter ?– Find a local shelter and ask them to partner for this special day. Invite them to bring their own adorable adoptable pets, information about pet care and more!
4. Fido Fundraiser ?– Raise funds for your partnering shelter to help benefit pets needing forever homes ?– take photos for funds, have a fundraiser lunch, raffles and more.
5. Turn to the professionals ?– Invite a pet-sitter, groomer and other pet professionals to join the fun and help educate your workplace about how to be a responsible pet owner.
6. Spread the word. Tell others in your community. This is truly a unique experience which all will want to share. Be sure to take lots of photos of the event for even more sharing!
7. Party-Hearty ?– Have a fun canine-themed lunch, a doggie costume-contest or Pup Parade and other canine contests such as best trick and longest tail!
8. Register your support. Let the founding organization, PSI know about your participation.


Koty's K-9 Beach Party
The Official Take Your Dog to Work Day ?‘After Paw-ty?’

Your canine fun doesn?’t have to end at the workplace on this special day. Take the party to the official ?‘after paw-ty?’ and ?‘high-tail?’ it to the 3rd Annual Koty?’s K-9 Beach Party from 4 to 6 p.m. at Gandy Beach (Pinellas/South side). Join Tampa Bay?’s Best Country, US 103.5 and the Skip Mahaffey Morning Show crew along with your favorite canine friends!

There will be plenty of fun, prizes, cool water and Frosty Paws doggie-ice cream, US 103.5 gear, adoptable pets from local shelters and more! Don?’t forget to bring your towel and beach bowzer!

US 103.5 is helping spread the word about Take Your Dog to Work Day. You can meet Koty, the official morning show canine and help him celebrate the fun too! For details, visit www.skipshow.com, click Pet Tales, then Critter Calendar.