Editor's note: For the 12th year, “Take Your Dog to Work” day will be celebrated nationwide by animal lovers on June 24. In preparation for that, we thought we'd introduce a dog that goes to work every day in our community.
Dawn Henry made the quintessential mistake of walking into a pet store on a visit to Southern California. She walked out with a long-haired Chihuahua that she named Joey Ramone as homage to the late singer, and “because he had long, black hair, too,” she said.
The only problem was that back in Santa Cruz, she already had a dog and a boyfriend. “I had a beautiful, sweet, yellow Lab named Marina, and when Joey and she played, I called them Chewbacca and the Killer Bee, because of the noises they made when playing.
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“My boyfriend said he didn’t want a little dog, so he just said 'No!' as if that would be the end of it,” Dawn laughs. “He should have known me better!”
She had a choice to make, and she chose Joey Ramone, saying goodbye to her boyfriend and giving him the Lab. She misses that dog.
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Since Joey was “so portable,” she started taking him to work in a downtown office building that will remain nameless, because of their dog policy. Her boss, the CEO, and colleagues started bringing their pets to work, too.
Joey is always invited to the conference room, where he is introduced by her boss to prospective investors as the “CEO.” Joey is fine with that.
The Take Your Dog to Work movement snowballed throughout the nameless building, and Dawn says, “Now all the attorneys are bringing their dogs, too.”
Not only is Joey Ramone the CEO at work but also at his perch on Pleasure Point, where he has a great view of the waves and also the passing zoo of cars and people. On weekends, Dawn and her neighbors hang out on their sunny apartment patio, but Joey Ramone patrols on top of the wall, rarely leaving his post to join the merrymakers. After all, he has responsibilities as the CEO.
Dawn, as a dedicated supporter of the Santa Cruz and Monterey SPCA, wants to remind you to “never forget to appreciate what you have with your dog.” She adds, “And give him Himalayan Dog Chews. We call it ‘Yak Crack.’ They are amazing dog treats!”
Lots of local people say the “Take Your Dog to Work” day is a good idea, with caveats.
“This is a great way for employers to give their employees an extra benefit and morale booster,” says Sandi Pensinger, president of the Coastal Dog Owners' Group, which sponsors the annual Spring Dog Festival.
“It’s also a great way to socialize your dog, but be sure to not let your dog disrupt the work environment,” continues Pensinger, who owns Living with Dogs, a canine training business. “Taking your dog to work creates a closer bond between the dog and their guardian, but dogs need to be well-mannered and well-trained.”
If your dog becomes frightened in public places, Pensinger said she believes the office is not a good place for them.
Here are other questions to consider:
- Is your dog house-trained?
- How will you restrain your dog, particularly if you need to leave your desk? Leash? Door? Dog gate?
- How will your dog respond if you leave her? Whining or barking?
- Is your dog comfortable with dogs and people who are strangers?
Take-Alongs:
- Pet food and treats
- Bedding
- Water and food bowls
- Baggies for mistakes
- Toys
For more information, contact takeyourdog.com.
