UP FRONT | A DV ICE
Meet Charlie!
FRIDAY
JUNE 22 Mark your calendar for Take Your Dog to Work Day. Check with your employer to see if your pup can become your canine colleague for the day.
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PET GUIDE 2018
the office is key, says Dr. Liz Stelow, a veterinary behaviorist at the University of California-Davis. Although your dog might love getting the chance to spend more time with you, not every pooch will enjoy the office atmosphere, she says. “What if he’s afraid of strangers, doesn’t get along well with other dogs or gets territorial about his bed, or snarky when he has a treat? What if he gets loud or destructive when ignored?” Knowing your dog and being flexible if it doesn’t work out is important, Stelow adds. Bumps, who previously worked as a veterinary technician, recommends introducing your dog to the office environment in small increments, “making it as enjoyable for the dog (and other colleagues) as possible.” Altig suggests socializing your dog early on around large groups of people and other dogs. “It took Charlie about one
week at work to become comfortable in the new environment. After that, it was a piece of cake.” she says. Amazon’s offices have dog-friendly events and amenities, and canine companions are even allowed in meetings. “The dogs help to create a really nice sense of community and provide some comedic relief throughout the day,” Altig adds. Stelow agrees. Having dogs around at work “can be uplifting and fun for the employees, even the ones without dogs,” she says. “It can be really nice for the dogs, too.” Going to work with Bumps has proven to be perfect for Spock, who shares his workplace adventures — and his home life — on Instagram (@k9spock). “Having Spock at the office with me every day is the biggest work perk,” says Bumps. “Even beyond the endless supply of ice cream.” l
BRITA ALTIG; GETTY IMAGES
The golden retriever loves tagging along to work with owner Brita Altig, executive recruiter at Amazon’s Seattle headquarters.