Dogs lead the way to work on Take Your Dog To Work Day

15 September 2008

With the days getting shorter and the credit crunch biting, workers could be forgiven for feeling a little downtrodden.  But this week, The Blue Cross is providing even the gloomiest commuters with an incentive to travel to work. 17 September marks Take Your Dog To Work Day - one day of the year when dogs up and down the country bound along to work with their owners in aid of the pet charity.  Aside from adding a little animal magic to the work place, the initiative also helps to raise funds for the sick and homeless animals in the charity’s care.

Almost 2,000 dogs are expected to sniff their way to work with their owners on Wednesday for the thirteenth annual Take Your Dog To Work Day. As well as supporting needy animals, the initiative aims to encourage dog owners to spend more time with their pets and remind people that well trained and socialised dogs can make wonderful companions.

Susan Bukraba, a solicitor from Nottingham will be taking part this year with her dogs, Benji and Max. She says: “It means a lot to have both my dogs with me during the day.  I get into work early most days so that my dogs can settle in before everyone arrives.  They are quite happy to sit with me in my office, occasionally wandering off to pick up a cuddle from colleagues while they wait for their lunchtime walk.  Clients who visit the office love making a fuss over them and it means they get to meet lots of new people, which makes life interesting for them. “ 

This year, to help dog owners ensure that their pooch exhibits the required etiquette needed for a day at work, The Blue Cross has set out some essential training tips.  The Blue Cross ‘Petiquette’ comprises a series of video clips demonstrating some basic exercises that owners can practise with their dogs before the big day.  The video clips and an advice leaflet are available to download free from www.takeyourdogtoworkday.co.uk and include guidance on getting your dog to come when called, asking them to sit, stay, leave and walk on loose lead, as well as tips on settling your dog in the work place.

Julie Bedford, head of animal behaviour at The Blue Cross says, “Take Your Dog To Work Day raises money for a great cause and reminds us that dogs are social creatures and require companionship too. Providing your dog is reasonably well trained and socialised, a day at work with you can offer him mental stimulation that he won’t get at home alone all day.  Having a dog around the work place can also help to bring people together by improving staff morale and relationships.”

Many celebrities have experienced the benefits of taking their dog to work, including:

Amanda Holden with Cairn Terrier Nobbie and West Highland Cross Fudge

Cheryl Cole with Chihuahua, Buster

Johnny Vaughn with Bulldog, Harvey

Jonathan Ross with his Pug, Mr Pickles

Martin Clunes with his Cocker Spaniels Mary Elizabeth and Tiny Audrey and black Labrador Arthur Colin

Graham Norton with Terrier cross Madge and Labradoodle Bailey

Geri Halliwell with her Shihtzu, Harry

Those who would like to sign up for Take Your Dog To Work Day can still do so by registering via www.takeyourdogtoworkday.org.uk.  Visitors to the website will also find plenty of fundraising tips for the event.

ENDS

Media contact

Ziela Haider, 020 7932 4063 or ziela.haider@bluecross.org.uk 

Notes to Editors

Take Your Dog To Work Day images of The Blue Cross mascot dog travelling to work on a London Underground train are available via the press office (contact above).  Images to be credited to Bill Osment.

With thanks to the London Transport Museum Depot, Acton.  Please see Transport for London’s conditions of travel regarding taking animals on public transport in London - http://www.tfl.gov.uk/termsandconditions/899.aspx

Funds raised on Take Your Dog To Work Day will help to support the work of The Blue Cross, which provides practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees. For more information please visit www.bluecross.org.uk