Take Your Dog To Work, Today (Photos)

UPDATE: We received hundreds of submissions from dog owners and their coworkers. Check out the hardest working pets here.

It's a little-known tradition, but Take Your Dog To Work Day can be a momentous occasion for some. Instead of saying goodbye to a sad puppy in the morning, today, dog owners have carte blanche to bring their dogs with them.

While this might sound like a Friday devoted to dog owners, I can testify that it's also a service to non-dog owners. Those of us whose circumstances prohibit a canine companion get the opportunity to shower pent up affection on dogs that our co-workers bring to the office.

Pet Sitters International, who founded TYDTWD in 1996 in the UK, hoped that bringing dogs to the workplace would inspire dog-less co-workers to adopt one of the many foster animals that need a home.

In the spirit of TYDTWD, we're asking readers to send in photographs of today's office dogs -- ideally in a markedly work like environment, such as on a desk or a copy machine.

Send your pictures to [e-mail] with your dog's name in the subject line, a caption for each picture and your name in the body of the email.

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Today is Bring Your Dog to Work Day. In honor of all those dogs slaving away behind the desk (or snoozing under it), we've created a slideshow of dogs at the office.

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Comments

[kittyarmy]

I wish they would let us to that at my work. Everyone would be a lot less grumpy.

[Aboomer]

I work in a small office and a couple times a week is "take my cat to work day." Pearl the cat is unobtrusive, wanders and plays, curls up on office desks and is loved by all. Folks around here ask me when she will be coming in again and miss her when she isn't here. Pearl is our office kitty, and none of us would have it any other way -- the mood around here shifts noticeably when she's around: we are more relaxed, less stressed, and in general a happier group. And, no, Aesthete, she is not a distraction. Work gets done regardless, she just softens the atmosphere and reminds us of what is really important.

[Aesthete]

As a child I was mistress to two dogs. However, I would find pets in the workplace a major distraction. Only service dogs should be allowed.

[Furby]

Even for one day a year? Find your inner child again :)

[Owltree]

Caption for picture no. 8: "What to do when your out of work?" I believe it should be "you're out of work".
However, I love the idea of bringing dogs to work!

[RRonin]

Look at Kent Conrad's poor Bichon Frise. Absolutely the ugliest haircut you'll ever see on a Bichon. The breed standard describes "a white puffball of a dog". What could Conrad have been thinking?

[Weirdwriter]

That the dog would be way cooler in the muggy D.C. heat?

[sonoffestus]

Have you ever ben to DC in the summer? Hot sticky, it was originally a swamp, still isI guess.

[wltdnfaded]

I'm a NYC dogwalker, so I bring my "kids" to work with me everyday!

And BTW...I don't trust people who don't like dogs. If a person can look into a dog's eyes and feel nothing, I truly think there's something wrong with them.

[madfigs]

I know a lot of people who don't like dogs, mostly stemming from bad experiences (like being attacked by a dog; it's really not that uncommon).
What's more annoying are dog owners who think everyone will like their dogs, even when they are trying to jump up on them, lick their feet, sniff their crotch, etc. Dogs are pretty unpredictable when you don't know anything about them or how they will act.

[Furby]

I like the innocence of dogs, and dislike the lack thereof in humans. Humans who think dogs are a nuisance shouldn't have children :)

[JM35]

So agree!

[Pupadup4oBama]

I'd much rather hang out at a dog park on a beautiful afternoon, then head over to the local bar hanging out with a bunch of drunk people.
Dogs are awesome...they are honest.

[Duke1225]

Why don't you use the word human, instead of master. Master is so weird. Instead you can say here is the dog with her human (or mom, dad) at work.

[joyf1]

Where I live people have their dogs with them everywhere. Most stores have a worker's dog present. Everyone seems to have dog treats to hand out to dogs, the bank, the dump, the ferry, everywhere!! It's a dog friendly place, and the dog park is the most popular spot in town. The people here are wonderful and their love of animals is also transferred to people. Everyone is treated with compassion and respect.

[mindylc77]

Where is this? Can I move there?? Sounds awesome!!!

[damasview]

I want to move there too... I wish every town was like that. It's proven that dogs reduce stress. Think of the benefits this lifestyle would bring to everyone.

[JM35]

ditto

[retmarut]

I have two cats, but YES to dogs in the workplace! Our quadruped mammal friends are nicer than most humans.

[rkg]

Please remember all of us with dog allergies! I love dogs but am very allergic : So if you can make sure your coworkers aren't allergic and be respectful of those who are, it would be much appreciated!

[MsIrisMG]

Absolutely. Dogs shouldn't be imposed on anyone.

[wltdnfaded]

But everyone should put up with screaming kids, right?

[QueenCeleste]

A wonderful new tradition. They give us so much, ask so little, and are so grateful for it all.

[CR46]

Aaaahhh! I didn't know it was bring your dog to work day. Lucky for me I work from home and are here with my furry friends most days!!!

[camanokat]

I bring Jack, my black lab/dobie mix to work with me every day! He's a big suck-up, too. Everyone who comes to my office gets the ol' puppy dog eyes until they pet him.

[akapluto]

photo #3 is sooo obviously photoshopped. do your research!!

[alex98]

I agree 3 is a very poor Photoshop job .... I guess that's what happens when your bring dog to work and let it do your work for you.

[patriotic008]

awwww I wish my boss let me carry my dogs to work! i love the pic with the doggy gate... that would be perfect for me @ work ha ha