Community Corner

'Take Your Dog to Work Day' Celebrates Role of Dogs in Our Lives

Many metro Atlantans will be taking Goldie or Fido to work Friday, June 22. Are you one of them?

Got a furry best friend? Friday is national Take Your Dog to Work Day.

Several highly successful companies like Google, Apple and Amazon allow dogs in the office for a reason - having dogs in the workplace can reduce employee stress, increase job satisfaction and work commitment, as found by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University and reported by Science Daily.

Adopt a Golden Atlanta (AGA) is encouraging metro Atlanta employers to open their workplace to employees’ four-legged friends for the nationally recognized day, Friday, June 22.

Find out what's happening in Roswellwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Take Your Dog to Work Day was created 13 years ago by Pet Sitters International to celebrate the great companions dogs make and to encourage their adoption from humane societies, animal shelters and breed rescue organizations," said Lauren Genkinger, AGA’s president and founder. "This annual, national event celebrates the human-canine bond and promotes pet adoption."

According to a recent survey by the American Pet Products Association, about 2.3 million dogs tag along to work with 1.4 million dog owners every day.

Find out what's happening in Roswellwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Dogs contribute to camaraderie, productivity and a less-stressful work environment," said Genkinger. "If your office doesn’t allow dogs, 'Take Your Dog to Work Day' is the perfect opportunity to convince the boss otherwise.”

Companies that have allowed dogs into their workplace say they will continue to do just that because it makes for a more creative work environment and results in positive relationships between coworkers. Further, employees who bring their pets to work tend to stay later and work more.

In the last few years, Adopt a Golden Atlanta, the second largest golden retriever rescue in the U.S., has seen an increase in the number of dogs coming into the program. 

"Bringing attention to the fabulous role dogs make in our lives encourages adoptions," Genkinger said. "We have always believed our effort is more than just rescuing golden retrievers – most of the time we are saving humans as well."

For more information on current pups available for adoption through AGA or more information on the national Bring Your Dog to Work Day, visit the AGA website.

 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here