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Benefits of Dogs in the Workplace

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Benefits of Dog in the WorkplaceWith Take Your Dog to Work Day just around the corner (June 26th), here are some possible outcomes of bringing your furry friend to the office.

  • You will be less stressed. Studies have shown that dogs reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and lower blood pressure and autonomic stress responses. You probably won’t need to take many sick days with a dog keeping your health in check.
  • You will take more breaks. How often do you find yourself glued to your computer monitor plowing through your necessary daily tasks. Dogs need potty breaks, fresh air, and exercise. Taking breaks not only improves morale, but productivity as well.
  • You will experience better office relationships. Nothing breaks the ice and sparks a conversation like having a dog around. Dogs promote friendly, social interactions to boost workplace relationships. This friendliness is immediately noticed by consumers and creates a positive company image.
  • Your work performance will improve. Dogs put us in a good, happy mood, which enhances overall job performance.
  • You will be more creative. Dogs spark “out of the box” thinking and provide an interruption to your workflow. These breaks allow for a brief mental break so you can come back revitalized and with a new perspective.

I still haven’t decided if I’m going to ask my boss about Take Your Dog to Work Day. I would absolutely love to have Atka spend the day in my office with me and I know my clients would be thrilled. They are always wanting to meet the fluffy butts!

Will you be taking your dog to work on Friday? Is your company already pet friendly?

Would your dog make a good office dog?

National Pet ID Week

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National Pet ID Week

If there’s one thing I’m absolutely terrified of happening, it’s the possibility that Mauja and Atka could get lost or stolen. Preparedness will go a long way in ensuring your beloved pet will make his/her way home. National Pet ID Week is a great opportunity to check all of your pet’s information for accuracy. Here are a few things to check and update over the next week.

Collar & ID Tag

Your pet’s tag should contain the following information:

  • Pet’s name
  • Your name
  • Telephone Number
  • Home address (Personally, I don’t add my address to their tags. With frequent military moves, phone number is the most stable and reliable method of reaching me.)
  • Pet’s with medical issues that require medication or special care should have an extra tag with this information.
Microchip

Don’t forget to frequently check your pet’s microchip to ensure it hasn’t moved and the information is still accurate.

Get Some Good Photos

If you’re anything like me, you have a bazillion photographs of your pet on your phone, computer, and walls. Make sure you have some pictures that show any distinguishing markings or unique features.

Organize Important Numbers

If your pet does become lost, the last thing you will want to do is search for local numbers. Keeping the local shelter, rescue groups, and vet’s numbers handy will alleviate some stress if your pet does become lost. Be sure to file missing pet reports at the local shelter so you will be contacted if your pet is found.

We cannot stress enough the importance of making sure your pet’s information is up to date, so we created this handy printable for you! You can check off the identification information as you confirm its accuracy and list some important, local numbers at the bottom.

Pet Identification Checklist

Responsible Animal Guardian Month

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Owner Never, Guardian Forever

Started by In Defense of Animals, February is Responsible Animal Guardian Month. During the month of February, we remind people to be a guardian, not an owner.

What makes a responsible animal guardian?

[pullquote width=”290″ float=”left”]A responsible animal guardian looks out for an animal’s physical, social, behavioral, and psychological needs.[/pullquote]
  • Grooming to ensure healthy skin and coat
  • Training to have a happy, stress-free life without behavioral issues
  • Regular vet visits to keep tabs on health
  • Healthy, nutritious food
  • Daily, breed appropriate exercise
  • Microchipping
  • Adopting only through responsible rescues/shelters and ethical breeders
  • Tending to emotional needs
  • Always treating with compassion
  • Reporting suspected abuse

Some fun facts about animal guardians:

  • 97% believe their pets understand them
  • 78% imagine what their pets would say and speak for them
  • 53% have taken off work at least once to take care of a sick pet
  • 70% of people sign their pet’s name on a greeting card
  • 58% include their pets in family/holiday portraits
  • 78% think of their pets as children
  • 84% display photographs of them

The use of the term “guardian” will ultimately end so much cruelty and abuse, and save so very many lives. – Dr. Elliot Katz, Founder of IDA

For more information about why you should be an animal guardian rather than an owner, watch the brief video below.

Convinced? Take the pledge to be a guardian and then comment below to tell me what makes YOU an animal guardian.

To the Man That Didn’t Leash His Dog

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DepositPhotos | membio
DepositPhotos | membio

Yes, you.

The man with the toddler in tow and the happy lab running twenty feet ahead of him.

I saw you from the other end of the street. I saw your dog wasn’t on leash. I saw your lack of attention to your dog.

I crossed the street. You noticed me with my two giant dogs, but you didn’t bother to grab your dog.

Your dog noticed us. He sprinted at us full speed with his hackles raised.

My dogs growled. He didn’t stop.

They realized your dog was only interested in greeting them (and not harming me), so growling ceased and they wanted to play.

But you didn’t hear the growling.

You just shouted your dog’s name (which he didn’t respond to) and you tried to run to us with your toddler in tow. It took you 30 seconds to reach us.

Do you have any idea what could have happened in those 30 seconds?

You’re lucky my dogs are friendly.

Leash your dog.