Celebrating National Take Your Dog to Work Day working from home
Friday, June 26, 2009 is National Take Your Dog to Work Day. The holiday was first celebrated in 1999 as a testament to the love and companionship of our beloved canine pets, and to encourage adoption of needy animals from local shelters. Each year employers are encouraged to open their doors to dogs in the workplace for one day in the hopes of affirming the value of pets in our lives and raising awareness of responsible pet ownership. But, what does this mean for telecommuters and work-from-home entrepreneurs?
How to Celebrate When Work is Home
For many telecommuters, every day is Take Your Dog to Work Day. I often look down to see my Jack Russell Terrier curled up at the foot of my desk, and watch her ears perk up when I leave the chair, in hopes that I might be bringing a treat. However, not everyone has this luxury and many companies wouldn’t allow it, regardless of the fact that it’s become a nationally observed celebration.
If you are fortunate enough to telecommute or work from home, you can still celebrate this special day by helping support the efforts of local animal shelters and humane societies. Spending a little extra time with your pet and leaving the office for a few hours is also a great way to proclaim your love for your dog. Here are some ways the telecommuter can celebrate National Take Your Dog to Work Day.
1.) Take a long lunch break and bring your dog to
the park, or spend some extra time throwing the ball in the back yard. Allow your dog to indulge in his favorite treat and show him some extra special attention on this day.
2.) If you don’t normally allow it, let your dog join you in the office. You might find it’s a comfort to have your pet nuzzle against you during a stressful call. Plus, if your dog gets a little loud while you’re on the phone, you can use it as an opportunity to raise awareness by explaining the holiday. (NOTE: Don’t do this if you are an employee for a company which doesn’t allow distractions on the phone.)
3.) Consider making a monetary donation to your local animal shelter or
Humane Society. No matter how small, every dollar counts and will help animals in need. Even if you can only contribute a few dollars, it will be well received by these organizations.
Just because you telecommute or work from home, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on National Take Your Dog to Work Day. It’s a day about honoring our pets and helping needy animals in our area. If you do these things, you are celebrating in true form. Have a happy holiday with your dog!