Bank vice president Donna Killian with her dog, Bella.Contributed PhotoIt's not often that your boss says, "Good girl! Sit down. Here's a treat." (Or let's hope it's not often.)
But it's a possibility today - the 17th annual "Take Your Dog to Work Day," created by Pet Sitters International to celebrate the companionship of dogs and pet adoptions.
According to petsit.com, the event allows people who don't have pets to witness the special bond their co-workers have with their pets firsthand while encouraging them to adopt a dog of their own.
Karen Roach, director at DOGood for a Dog Friendly Chattanooga, supports the event, but warns folks to check with their employers before bringing their dogs to work.
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Ground rulesIf you’re taking your dog to work today, make sure to:› Come prepared. Bring food and water (and their bowls), a leash, dog treats and doggie cleanup bags. And give your dog a bath the night before; no one wants to be around a stinky dog.› Respect boundaries. Don’t force your dog on everyone in your office. Some people simply don’t like dogs while others may be allergic.› Know whether your dog is “cubie friendly.” Is your dog easily distracted? Does he tend to want to wander around? Don’t let him. Keep him close to you at all times.› Have a backup plan. If your dog gets antsy or agitated or anxious, be prepared to get her out of the office quickly.› Know your dog’s personality. Is your dog friendly with other dogs and humans? Don’t take your dog to work if he growls or barks at anything and everything.Sources: Wellness Natural Pet Food, DOGood for a Dog Friendly Chattanooga
"Some businesses are not conducive to dogs in the workplace, and some business owners simply do not want the distraction of your pup," said Roach. "If you are permitted to bring your dog, be sure you can remain productive. Can your dog remain still and quiet for long periods of time?"
Roach owns four dogs and says one of them, toy poodle Jett, would be impossible in the workplace. "Jett wants to be the center of attention wherever he goes," she said.
Make sure your dog is clean and well-groomed, Roach said. "You don't want to be the person remembered for a flea infestation."
Ann Jackson, of Soddy-Daisy, said a co-worker of hers at a former job think about that when bringing her dog into the office.
"We got fleas," she said.
Kathy Zachary, of Chattanooga, isn't a big fan of bringing pets to work, either.
"People use to have their pets at our office all the time," Zachary said. "It was great until one of the dogs that was much older had horrible gas - at least (the owner) claimed it was her dog."
David Smotherman, who owns Winder Binder and Chad's Records on Frazier Avenue, takes his dogs - Abby, 16, and Ella, 8, both mixed-breed rescues - to work every day. But then, he lives in an apartment in the same building as his store.
The dogs often mingle with customers or take naps in their beds, said store manager Gina Micolo.
"There is a dog bed behind the counter for them, or they have the option of going back into David's apartment to rest if they want to get away from the hustle and bustle in the store," she said.
Customers are typically happy to see the dogs, Micolo said.
"It's very rare that we get a negative reaction," she says. "Sometimes a customer will come in who doesn't feel comfortable around dogs and, in that instance, we will make sure the dogs are in David's apartment so the customer can have an enjoyable shopping experience."
If your employer allows dogs in the office on this eventful day, Roach says to bring the dog's water bowl, water, food, treats, and, very important, doggie pickup bags.
"Keep your dog with you on a leash," she advised. "The workplace may not be dog-proof, and there could be many dangers lurking - insect bait for pests, paper clips, ink pens, electric cords, etc.
"Also make sure your office mates are dog-friendly before you allow your dog to visit them; not everyone enjoys our dogs like we do."
Foodworks, a restaurant on the North Shore, welcomes dogs year-round if owners will stay on the patio "so that we can separate them from customers who may not be so dog-friendly," said general manager Kane Weathers.
Weathers said visitors to Chattanooga often are pleased to learn their dogs are welcome.
"They don't want to leave their pets in the hotel or their cars," he says. "On average, we get about 10 to 15 dogs at the restaurant each week."
As for the restaurant's employees, "we're dog lovers," he said. "Our dogs are part of our families, so we try to accommodate our dog-loving customers as best as we can."
First Tennessee Vice President Donna Killian would love to take her 7-year-old golden retriever, Bella, to work today, but she has "a lot of meetings and prospect calls outside of the office" scheduled.
"However, if I was working inside the office for an entire day, I think it would be wonderful to have sweet Bella with me," Killian said. "Hanging out with your buddy all day would definitely be a stress-free work environment."
Robin Derryberry is bringing Lucy, her 11-year-old rat terrier, into the office today. But she's the owner of the company, Derryberry Public Relations on Market Street.
"Lucy comes into the office from time to time, depending on our schedules and which clients are coming in," said Derryberry, noting that she's the only dog owner in the office. "She puts the entire office at ease by checking in on everyone throughout the day."
Contact Karen Nazor Hill at khill@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6396.