I think I read an article on a similar agency. I am glad it works for this company, but if I brought my dog to work, I wouldn't get anything done!

Ms. VanOgtrop,

Aren't you the editor-in-chief? Don't you have pull for getting new work-place programs implemented?

~Stephanie
Baltimore, MD

We bring our dogs to work where I work. it's so fun and everyone smiles when they see a dog! I noticed this the other day as I watched people walk into our office - it's amazing how that works. I love the idea of bringing doggies to work! it works here, no complaints that I've heard!

Wish we could at least have a bring your dog to work day; like those days where its bring your daughter to work. Agree it would be a bit distracting but I do love my doggie.

My other half takes our dog to work with her in the mornings and it works really well. It's not a policy for the company to have dogs in the office, but it's a small company and she asked so they tried it.

Luckily our dog is very placid and sleeps most of the day, and they work in small rooms so most people in the building don't even realise the dog is there! My other half's office mates love it as they say it is a calming influence, having a dog gently snoring in the corner, and my other half gets a walk every morning and lunchtime, plus we save on daycare fees. It's working fabulously for us so far.

Another point on the "con" list is that not everyone likes working with dogs, and they could be a real inconvenience to coworkers. I was recently in a work situation where one of my colleagues, certain that everyone on the planet shared her adoration for her dog, started bringing it in to work, letting it roam around (under our desks, tripping us in the hallways), and, worst of all, cooed to it in an obnoxious baby voice. I love dogs and grew up with them, but I lost a lot of respect for my colleague through that experiment which is, thankfully, over.

I often wish I could bring my dog to work (especially a few months back when my neighbors were having problems with his very loud separation anxiety..). It would be great to be able to spend more time with him during the day, having a friend there to entertain me in my cubicle, and being able to go on walks a couple of times during the work day. However, I worry about people with allergies, when he acts up and likes to be loud, or the fact that he can't exactly stay in one place - he has the constant urge to explore. It would be fun, but quite the hassle. Maybe when I work in a smaller business with more open space (and I can keep my eye on him).

But what a dream... I imagine my dog sleeping under my desk, wimpering in her dog dreams. The best part though, would be the unconditional love. Who doesn't need that in the middle of the work day!

I work for Hill's Pet Nutrition Corporate office (Science Diet) and every Friday is "Bring your dog to work day". I love it! I don't actually bring my dog to work as he is very large St Bernard who has behavioral issues, but I really enjoy visiting with my co-workers pets. I get to "doggy sit" when somone needs to go the bathroom, or a meeting and I find it humorous and somehow a little comforting, to hear an occassional "bark" in the background. I just hope that some day we will have a "Bring your Cat" to work day!

I work from home so my dog IS in my office! She's a puppy so she is a huge distraction right now. I think it brings stress levels down, having a furry friend about while you work. I know in a big office it could be a problem with allergies of co-workers and such. I always preferred it when I worked in a large office when co-workers brought in their dogs....over their children! The kids were always much more disruptive. If a dog misbehaved, he'd be taken outside -- pronto! With kids...that doesn't happen obviously!

For the first time in my working life, I'm unable to have my dog with me at the office.

While I hear you on the dog hair--it is nice to be able to wear black (and have it stay black)--the loss of a constant companion, a true believer, a foot warmer, a crumb hoover, and an eternal smile in the middle of a hectic day make me long for the old, furry days.

Ok -- I come to work to get away from my two dogs. I love them, but need a break from them. I'm a single, working mom...so the only one that is getting up at 5am to walk them; up at 2 am letting them out in case my babysitter or child forgot to walk them before I got home (happens more than I like), searching for them in the neighbors' yards if they get away, asking my child for the 100th time to walk them on the weekends (one of the only things that is required of her allowance), going to the vet/pet store to get special food, trying to teach them not to bite anyone who comes to the front door. I love snuggling with them, but that is only part of the equation. I know this sounds super cranky. Maybe I just need a little more sleep.

Oh man :) That WOULD be a happy place :) But I am an animal lover!!! In my other life before I had children and actually HAD a life of my own....I was a dental hygienist...I don't think I would get any doc to go for letting me bring my little guy....although he is so super cute, he'd make everyone sooooo happy, I just know it! He makes us soooo happy :) When I do get a "real life" back some day...I want to work at that place!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh yea...and my little guy, who is a 1 yr old Westie....is going to be a lobster for Halloween!!!! Never mind the kids....it's all about the dog this year ;) hee hee :)

I used to bring my 30 lb dog to work every Friday. People at my office loved it for the most part. My dog was quiet and would stay in my office or follow me if I went to another dept. One person was severely allergic so I kept my dog out of her department. A few people also brought in their dogs, so the number could go as high as 4 but usually it was 1-3; I don't think all of them were ever at work at once.

A new manager started a while ago and about a month after he started I was told by the CFO that no more dogs could come to work. It was a huge bummer. People weren't very fond of the new manager so we generally assumed he was the cause of the creation of a policy. I think it was true, not just rumors and general ill-will.

Having a dog at work each Friday was fun; it added to social interaction at the office and helped morale. It's been 18 months since the rules changed and people still tell me they miss having my dog at work.

I would love to bring my dog to work! It would be great to see that friendly, fuzzy face when I'm having a bad day. It would also help to alleviate the guilt I feel when I work late. However, as a teacher, I don't know how much work my students would get done. He would want to play with them all day!

I like dogs and cannot wait to get one but I have several issues with bringing dogs to work. (1) what about the people that are allergic? (2) not all people like all dogs (3) dogs like children are not always as well behaved as the parent/owner believes them to be (4) odor (5) not all people like dogs of any shape or size (6) for ever person that actually tells you they like your dog there is probably one that doesn't that keeps their mouth shut to avoid rocking the boat. Not having dogs in the office does not make you uncool or old fashioned. It just makes sense in probably about 90% of the work place.

Wishing bailey could come in to the office with me!

I love my dog, I have never felt this attached to a dog or any animal in all my life. She is actually my hubbys dog, a gift from me. If I brought her to work nothing would get done anywhere in my whole office! She is such a character, so much personality. I would love it though, to spend that time with her. She is such a pleasure to have around. I am a born again little dog person. I understand people like Paris Hilton taking their little dog everywhere. I use to make fun. You don't know love until you have had a small dog!