Britain's dogs work 'ca-nine to five' for charity

14/09/07

You wouldn't normally expect to find a Jack Russell at your local council, or a golden retriever at your post office, but on Friday 14th September, more than a thousand dogs will be taking part in The Blue Cross's annual fundraising event Take Your Dog To Work Day to raise money for the charity's work caring for sick and homeless animals. 

Now in its 12th year, Take Your Dog To Work Day is an annual event, sponsored by Hill's Pet Nutrition, which encourages animal lovers around the country to take their own dogs into work for the day. 

This year, participants will be taking their dog to work up and down the country, stretching from Scotland to Dorset, right across to Norfolk and Leeds in a range of work places, including offices, schools, shops and care homes.

Sarah Haywood, who works for a motorsport specialists in Surrey, is taking part this year with her Bedlington terrier/whippet cross, called Stig. She says: "Having Stig with me means he's not at home alone for eight hours at a time and I'm not alone in my office for eight hours!  All the lads at work love having him around and he's quite an office mascot.  He has such a calming influence on everyone and when I'm feeling a bit stressed I always duck under my desk for a quick cuddle or take him across the fields for a walk."

Caroline Reay, chief veterinary surgeon at The Blue Cross animal hospital in Merton commented: "Having a dog in the office can often be a great ice breaker, which helps to boost the team spirit at work.  It might not be practical for you to always take your dog to work with you, but this event enables you to give your dog a new experience and different mental stimulus for the day.  Having your dog with you at work also encourages you to take a break to walk with your pet, which means that you both get to exercise and relax at the same time."

The Blue Cross hopes that by taking their dog to work for the day, dog owners will consider new ways to bond with their pet and take part in the charity's efforts to raise vital funds for the animals in its care.

ENDS

For further press information: Ziela Haider/Joanna Crosse 020 7932 4063/07860 519716.

Notes to Editors

Take Your Dog To Work Day images have been sent to picture desks.  Images to be credited to: danielburman.com.

 Take Your Dog To Work Day, now in its 12th year, is sponsored by Hill's Pet Nutrition; www.hillspet.com. For further information please visit www.takeyourdogtoworkday.co.uk 

Those who are unable to take part this year can also help The Blue Cross by visiting www.clicknow.org.uk/bluecross , a search engine that allows users to raise money for the charity of their choice, for free.

The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing 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