National Take Your Dog to Work Day… Every Day is Bear’s Workday

This Friday, June 26, is National Take Your Dog to Work Day, and for millions of dog lovers, it’s a fun opportunity to introduce their four-legged companions to coworkers and hopefully brighten everyone’s day. What many people don’t know is that the celebration has a much deeper purpose.

National Take Your Dog to Work Day was first created in 1999 by Pet Sitters International. Their goal wasn’t simply to make offices more enjoyable. They wanted to celebrate the incredible companionship dogs provide while encouraging more people to adopt dogs from shelters and rescue organizations. The idea was simple. If someone who had never owned a dog spent a day with a friendly canine coworker, they might discover just how much joy a dog can bring into their life and perhaps even decide to adopt one of their own.

For those of us who work from home, though, every day can be Take Your Dog to Work Day.

Bear has been my faithful coworker since the day he came home. He reports for duty every morning without ever being late. He carefully supervises my writing, insists on regular stretch breaks, reminds me when it’s time for lunch, and conducts frequent inspections of the backyard to make sure everything is secure. His security reports usually involve squirrels, birds, neighborhood sounds, and the occasional suspicious leaf blowing across the yard.

More importantly, Bear serves as my office manager, therapist, and employee of the month… every single month.

Whenever I am wrestling with a difficult decision or trying to understand a complicated issue, Bear quietly takes his position beside my desk. He listens patiently without interrupting, never judges my thoughts, and somehow always knows exactly when I need to pause, take a deep breath, or simply scratch behind his ears for a minute before continuing.

Research has shown that dogs can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and help people feel calmer and more connected. Those are impressive credentials for any employee. But I think dog owners have known this long before scientists began measuring it. We see it every day in the wagging tails that greet us after a difficult meeting, the comforting heads resting on our laps during stressful moments, and the unconditional love that asks for nothing more than our companionship.
 

I often joke that Bear counsels me on all of my important decisions. The truth is, he does. Not because he offers words, but because his quiet presence helps me slow down, think more clearly, and remember what really matters. Sometimes the best advice doesn’t come from conversation. Sometimes it comes from a loyal friend sitting beside you while you figure things out for yourself.

So, on this National Take Your Dog to Work Day, I would like to recognize my favorite coworker. Congratulations, Bear.

You have once again been named Employee of the Month, Office Manager of the Year, Chief Wellness Officer, Head of Security, and my personal therapist. 

Your compensation package includes unlimited belly rubs, treats, backyard adventures, and all the love this office can provide.

I honestly couldn’t ask for a better coworker.
 

Copyright © 2019. I Don’t Know All The Answers, Nikki Mastro.

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The main illustration was created with the help of ChatGPT, inspired by Bear.

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