Business Goes To The Dogs... WOO HOO!

As discussed on today's Pat McMahon Show on AZ-TV Channel 13, Friday marks the nation's 11th Annual "Take Your Dog To Work" Day. For pet lovers who are chomping at the bit to participate (that would be all of you!), here are Top Dog's Top Tips to making it the funnest... and certainly furriest... work day of the year for you, your co-workers AND your canine cubicle-mate!

1. Check with your company big dogs and pack members for pre-approval, and to see if anyone is allergic, afraid of, or opposed to you bringing your dog to work for this one special day.
2. Pet-proof your work space: hide electrical cords & wires and secure toxic items such as correction fluid, permanent markers, etc.
3. Dress to impress: bathe and groom your dog before its office debut.
   (In Phoenix, Villa La PAWS is offering a special deal just for this occassion; call them at 602-442-7833 or 602-588-7833)
4. Bright eyed and bushy tailed: Be sure your dog's shots are up-to-date. If he or she appears under the weather, it's time for one of those handy dandy sick days! (Hmmm... maybe you want to follow suit?!)
5. Canine Cumbaya: Dogs that are aggressive or overly shy should not accompany you to work. Instead, consider bringing a favorite picture of your pooch.
6. Pack a doggie bag: include food, treats, bowls, toys, leash, paper towels, clean-up bags and pet-safe disinfectant (just in case). A portable kennel will provide your dog with privacy, comfort and your peace of mind.
7. Is it lunch time yet? Plan your pet’s feeding times carefully.
8. Third bush to the left: be sure to choose an appropriate area for your dog to relieve himself afterward.
9. No K-9 kidding... not everybody flips for fur! Don't force co-workers to interact with your dog.
10. Bye-bye bow-wow... have an early exit strategy just in case things don't work out as planned.

For additional information about "Take Your Dog To Work" Day, visit the official website http://www.takeyourdog.com/ or shoot me an e-mail. And I'd love to hear from those two leggeds AND four leggeds across the country who do participate.

AZTV: The Chat Room 11/24/08

Lights. Camera. Action!
What a fun time guesting on AZTV's morning lifestyle show, The Chat Room (if you missed it, or want to see it again, click here)! My doggie daughter Tracey and I were treated royally by host Helen Gibson, producer Laura Holka, and the entire crew as we "showed & told" the virtues of pet adoption. Boodha, the 12 week old ShihTese (Shih Tzu/Maltese X) that we brought along from AZ Cocker Rescue was a REAL hit... especially to one of the other segment guests, Chrissy May, who ultimately may adopt him!

Key points:

1. don't be impetuous... plan before adding a pet to your family
   (the holidays are not necessarily the best time to do so)
2. when you're ready... ADOPTION IS THE BEST OPTION!
3. find your perfect pet through www.Petfinder.org, an online database which provides exact matches to your specific requirements (breed, gender, size, age, zip code, etc.)
   OR for those of you in Maricopa County, attend adoptathons organized by PACC911

Tune in, TIVO or tape The Chat Room on Friday, 12/12
when The Top Dog returns to discuss
Howliday Safety Tips & Doggone Grrrreat Gift Ideas!