Take Your Dog to Work Day®
On Friday, June 21, 2013, companies in Arlington, VA will celebrate Pet Sitters International’s 7th Annual Take Your Dog To Work Day®. PSI created this doggie day to celebrate the great companions dogs make and to encourage adoptions from local shelters, humane societies, and rescue groups. This day falls on a Friday because it is meant to be leisurely and relaxed; when people in the workplace witness the loving bond between co-workers and their pets, they might consider giving orphaned pets a good home. TYDTW Day also encourages businesses to experience the joy of pets in the workplace and the great companions dogs make.
Heidi Anderson-Rhodes, senior director of facility management solutions at UGL Unicco in Arlington, VA, organized her office’s 2010 event. “Treats, toys, water bowls were shared by all,” Rhodes said. “It created one of the best dog days of summer! The event was a great success and we hope that this is the start of a wonderful annual work tradition!”

Studies show that having a dog at work can create a more relaxed and productive work environment. Animals in the workplace boost employee morale, productivity, and even sales. People can’t help but relax and smile when they pet a dog!

Here are some tips for prepping your office for your pooch:

- Offer to gate off a small area where your dog can go if he needs to be restrained for any reason (having your own office comes in handy here).
- Your dog should be well-trained, socialized, clean and comfortable around strangers.
- Be sure to bring pet essentials from home such as:
a. A water and food bowl
b. A favorite bed or blanket to make him feel safe and rest on
c. Some “quiet” toys to occupy him and keep him from barking
d. Some treats—try not to bring treats that are messy or could stain carpet
e. Plastic baggies to pick up waste
f. A leash for walks—take your dog for a walk every few hours and clean up afterward, just like your pet sitting services
- Try to keep your dog away from anyone who has allergies, or a fear/dislike of dogs. Remember and understand that some people are not “dog people” and be sure to give them space if needed.
- Most importantly, enjoy the day! Take a break from your pet sitting services and have fun showing off your special pal while bonding.

Whether you are planning to take your dog to work on June 24th or know a co-worker who is, take this time to consider adopting a dog from an animal shelter or rescue league—there are several great rescues in Arlington, VA.

So cancel your pet sitting services for at least on this day and Take Your Dog to Work!

The dog days of summer are almost here. That means two things for sure: The weather is getting hot, and people are hitting the road. Remember this safety guide when riding in the car with your pets!

What we say to our dogs is important. How we say it is crucial. Different tones of voice are used to distinguish between commands, corrections, and praise. Commands are given in a firm, strong tone of voice. No chanting please. Corrections get a little lower, sharper and growlier. Praise is more exuberant and excited – pleasant, but not so exuberant as to incite him to wiggle out of control.

All commands should be preceded by the dog’s name. How else will Rover know you’re talking to him? But even before that, you’re going to teach Rover to look at you. Trace a line with your index finger from Rover’s eyes to yours. As soon as he makes eye contact, talk to him and encourage him to sustain the eye contact for a few seconds with a “Good watch!” in a pleasant, upbeat tone of voice. You can also get Rover’s attention by taking a little tidbit of food after letting Rover sniff it, moving the food up to your eye level. When Rover looks up, praise him and give him the food treat. Now that you have his attention, he is ready to listen.

source: http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/23/how-to-talk-to-your-dog/

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is about at capacity for cats. They have an urgent need for adopters or fosters. The adult cat adoption fee is normally $100, but AWLA is offering an adoption incentive throughout June—“Three Name Your Fee.” Folks who adopt cats 3 years old and over not only can name their price, but their adoption fee will also include: a certificate for a free exam with a participating veterinarian, spay or neuter surgery, a feline leukemia and feline AIDS test, a distemper vaccination, a personalized I.D. tag, a microchip, an information packet and an emergency sticker. Click HERE for more information.

Here it comes…the heat and humidity! But can you imagine being outside in the heat covered in fur? During the Summer season it’s important to understand some safety tips in keeping your dog healthy and cool!

Here are some great reminders to help you prepare your pet for Summer:

Pets need to be exercised in the morning or evening on hot days. Your pet can suffer from heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These conditions are very serious and could cause your pet to die. You should be aware of the signs of heat stress, which could include heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.

Remember that sidewalks, roads and sand be extremely hot for a dog’s paws and can even cause burns. Walk your dog on grass or dirt as much as possible.

Dogs left outside should have plenty of shade and a dependable source of cool water. Be sure a water bowl or bucket is placed in the shade and can’t tip over.

Never leave your dog unattended in the car. Even if it’s not that hot outside, the inside of a car heats up in minutes!

Be sure your pet is on heart-worm medicine. Heart-worm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes, can be fatal in both dogs and cats. Another summertime threat is fleas and ticks.

Be careful of fertilizers and pesticides that you use on your lawn and garden. Many of these are toxic to animals.

Be careful around pools, beaches and lakes! Not all dogs are good swimmers. If the water is not safe for us then it’s not safe for our pet.

Fourth of July Fireworks….Remember, a dog’s hearing is 10 times more sensitive than ours! So leave your pet at home inside the house or a place that your dog is already familiar with and a place where he feels comfortable.

Have a “Cool” Summer!!!