(Updated 3/7/01)

Take your dog to work day 2001

Dog owners will get the opportunity to give their canine companions a taste of working life on Take Your Dog to Work Day, which takes place on Tuesday 25 September.

Organised by the Blue Cross and sponsored by Pedigree, this event aims to encourage people to take their dogs into the workplace rather than to leave them ‘home alone’.

Now in its sixth year, Take Your Dog to Work Day has become one of the most popular events in the canine calendar. Career dogs have benefited from gaining work experience in offices, schools, hospices and factories, on the road as travelling sales dogs and as companions to lorry drivers. In addition to acting as a general stress buster for the workforce, they have undertaken a range of duties including collecting the post and greeting visitors.

Registration for this year’s event is free - the only condition is that dogs, their owners and work colleagues help to raise funds for the Blue Cross to enable it to go on caring for animals in need.

Everyone who takes part in Take Your Dog to Work Day will receive a goody bag, which includes dog chews and a special canine bandana for dogs to wear on the day.

And for regular canine workers, there’s the chance to become the titleholder of the Top Dog at Work 2001. Last year’s Top Dog at Work, Max, a teacher’s dog from Cumbria, beat hundreds of canine hopefuls to the award. He received the title because of the role he plays in providing school children with companionship and affection.

For further information about Take Your Dog to Work Day and the Top Dog at Work awards, telephone 01993 825502 or visit the Blue Cross’s website at www.bluecross.org.uk.