Okay, okay, I’m a rational individual and understand that not all dogs should go to all places of Business. But today, the annual “Take Your Dog to Work Day” celebrates its 20th anniversary on the Friday following Father’s Day. Created in 1999 by Pet Sitters International, the day celebrates dogs and promotes pet adoptions. Unlike bringing a child to work, bringing along your dog could be beneficial for all involved.

1. Your dog tends to create a calming atmosphere. Unless he’s chasing the canine in the cubicle next to you, or checking out the donuts in the break room. He can easily sit by your feet or in your lap and watch the world go by. Dogs love to sleep. As countless employees have proven over the years, what better place to do this than at work?

2. Your dog could provide a humorous diversion. Business can be brutal and a good chuckle now and then would lessen the risk of high blood pressure and other stress-related diseases. While mulling over mergers and acquisitions strategies, your pooch might be having a twitchy dream sequence, might feel the need to silently pass gas while looking all around as if to say, “Who DID that-?!” Should the dog start to hump your leg, that’s not always seen as humorous, but more along the lines of mortifying, so have him neutered as soon as possible. But I know from experience with one of ours: that doesn’t always cure certain urges….

3. Your dog gives you a break. This is the tipping-point: too much of a break and no work gets done, not enough of a break during the day and your productivity plummets. Unlike the coworker who strolls by your office and plants herself for the next hour in your doorway, the dog doesn’t take it personally if you suddenly say, “Back to work!” There are no loose ends to tie up, no obligations of getting back to someone on a hare-brained project. The dog needs to be walked, or have his belly scratched, or whatever. Ten minutes spent on a brisk walk with the dog is way better for you than a coffee or cigarette break.

Oh, and let me add a fourth reason: How others relate to your pooch can tell you a lot about your employees or bosses. Even if dogs are not their thing, a quick smile in the pup’s direction lets you know with whom you’re dealing. Heart or no heart? Self-absorbed, or others-oriented?

Take your dog to work. Enjoy. Find your rhythm. Accomplish vast amounts.

Have a happy Friday!

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