Jack, a 2-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Finn, a 3-year old Welsh Corgi, accompany their moms to work every Thursday. Peggy Assereto and Chris Molinelli, co-owners of ACES Waste Services, bring their dogs into work for a once-a-week play date. Photo by: Brandi Ehlers Tom Hunt, owner of Hunt Drilling, can be seen around town with his 8-year-old golden retriever, Mica. Photo by: Brandi Ehlers Major, a 7-year-old yellow lab, is always on hand to help the customers at the Amador Ledger Print. He shakes the hand of employee Sean Collins. Photo by: Brandi Ehlers Bandit, a 6-year-old Shih Tzu, and his owner Jacqueline Lucido, of the Amador County Chamber of Commerce, are always there to greet visitors. Photo by: Brandi Ehlers

It is said that every dog has its day and Friday, June 23 is your dog's chance because it is the eighth annual Take Your Dog To Work Day.

On this day, pet owners, pet sitters, animal shelters and businesses will come together to recognize the great companions dogs make. Pet Sitters International, with Modern Dog magazine, will join pet lovers around the world to celebrate man's, woman's and child's best friend.

However, some local business owner bring their dog to work everyday. You can always find Major, an 7-year-old yellow lab, at the Amador Ledger Print; Tom Hunt of Hunt Drilling can usually be seen around town with Mica, an 8-year-old golden retriever; and Lacy, a 10-year-old miniature American Eskimo, is usually ready and willing to greet you at Gold Mine Jewelers in Jackson.

Jacqueline Lucido, executive director at the Amador County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, has been bringing her dog, Bandit, 6, to work with her everyday for more than five years. "People come by just to see him," Lucido said. "They talk to the dog before they talk to us. And if he is not here, they ask where he is."

Peggy Assereto and Chris Molinelli, co-owners of ACES Waste Services Inc. in Pine Grove, bring their dogs, Jack and Finn, to work every Thursday. "It is a time for them to play together once a week because they are both only children," Assereto said. "We love having them here; the customers love it and the UPS man loves it and he even brings them treats."

If you are worried about allowing your employees the chance to bring in their dogs, you should think twice. Studies have shown that pets in the workplace boost employee morale, productivity and even sales. And if you are concerned about a loss in productivity because of the dogs presence, don't worry. Studies have also shown that pets in the workplace can actually increase productivity.

Take Your Dog To Work Day was created by PSI to celebrate dogs and the great companions they make. It encourages employers to experience the value of pets in the workplace, even if just for one day, according to PSI. The main purpose is to encourage pet adoptions from shelters, humane societies and rescue groups.

"This annual event brings people and pets together in a special way on a special day. Dogs go to work. Hearts are touched. And as a result, homeless dogs will be adopted," according to the Pet Sitters International Web site www.petsit.com.

PSI created Take Your Dog To Work Day in 1999. The organization saw it as an opportunity to give back to the animal community from which its members make their livings. Participation in Take Your Dog To Work Day helps save the lives of homeless shelter animals in your area and around the world according to PSI.

PSI and other official Take Your Dog To Work Day sponsors believe that because of this day people without dogs will see the loving bond their co-workers have with their pets and will consider giving orphaned pets good homes.

Even if your company policy won't allow you to bring my dog to work or if you have a rambunctious dog you can still celebrate. To still participate you can bring in a photo or hold a fund-raiser for your local shelter.

For more information about Take Your Dog To Work Day, visit www.petsit.com.

If you follow these simple tips, you can create an experience that you, your dog and your co-workers will truly enjoy.



The dos and don'ts of participating in Take Your Dog To Work Day

- Ask your boss' permission to bring your dog in and find out which co-workers are bringing in their dogs.

- Make sure to bring your dog out for fresh air periodically throughout the day to avoid accidents and remember to bring bags to clean up after him.

- Make sure that your dog is reliably responsive to basic obedience commands: Sit, down, come, heel and stay.

- Dogs that are aggressive, easily frightened, or unfriendly should be left at home.

- Make sure that your dog is socialized to all sorts of people from a young age.

- Bring a blanket, bed or portable pet carrier so your dog will have a spot to stay that is out of the way of other workers, but still close to you and don't forget to bring a water bowl, some dog biscuits, your dog's favorite toy and a bone to keep your dog entertained while you work.

- Make sure to take petting breaks. When your day gets stressful, a pet on your dog's head will help calm and relax you.

- Don't bring your dog to work if a co-worker is allergic to dogs or is truly afraid of them.

- Don't allow your dog to wander about without you. Dogs can behave aggressively toward strangers and can be more anxious in an unfamiliar place.

- Don't allow barking, growling or the approach of dogs you do not know and make sure your dog is on a leash at all times.

- Don't forget to "pet-proof" your office. You might need to move your wastebasket to a shelf or on your desk and beware of puppies that chew on electric cords and cables.

- Don't allow your dog to jump on anyone, even if it looks like a friendly greeting.

- Don't get Take Your Dog to Work Day confused with Take Your Cat to Work Day.