Lucy Rendler-Kaplan, marketing manager of Los Angeles-based One World Enterprises, LLC, raves about her co-worker, Desi. Actually, this guy doesn’t do much work, but he does help boost office morale with his happy, friendly attitude.

And besides, he works for nothing. Literally.

What’s more, his very presence makes Rendler-Kaplan enjoy her job so much that she tends to happily get to work early and stay late.

“This is the first job I've ever had where they've allowed me to take my dog, Desi, to the office every day, and I think it's absolutely brilliant,” Rendler-Kaplan tells Synergy, adding that the jury is still out on the exact ancestry of her six-year-old mutt.

“Our office hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m, yet I don't think Desi and I have ever gotten in any later than 7:30 am, and we work until at least six every night. I feel more comfortable working long hours, because I'm not rushing home to walk or feed Desi, and it's a terrific mind clearing break to be able to take him out every four hours.”

While some companies like One World have a pooches-are-welcome-every-day culture, it’s still pretty unusual for a business to, well, bark up that tree. But once a year on a Friday in June (June 25th in 2010) thousands of offices try out the idea by participating in Take Your Dog to Work Day (TYDTWDay).

Furry Friday

First started in 1996 in the United Kingdom and followed in 1999 by the U.S., TYDTWDay, was created by Pet Sitters International to celebrate the companionship of dogs and to also encourage adoptions from local shelters, rescue groups and humane societies.

The initial U.S. TYDTWDay event had the participation of about 300 businesses. But within five years, some 10,000 companies worldwide were allowing dogs to come to work, at least for a day.

“Participating businesses provide such positive feedback about their participation. While some interested businesses are unable to let people bring their dogs to work because of co-workers with allergies/phobias or office building regulations, we find those who are able to participate cite the camaraderie promoted between co-workers, the opportunity to give back to the pet community and the morale boost for employees as some of the biggest perks of Take Your Dog To Work Day participation," TYDTWDay spokesperson Beth Stultz tells Synergy.

Although the U.S. clearly has a lot of dog lovers -- according to the U.S. Humane Society, there are 65 million dogs in 39 percent of American households -- it’s a fairly new idea to think Fido belongs in the office instead of at home or in the backyard, whether for one day or every work day.

Dogs as daily work companions

However, for a growing number of companies, taking dogs to work isn’t just a once a year proposition. In fact, a survey of people 18 years and older about dogs in the workplace conducted by The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) found that nearly one in five companies in the United States allow pets in the workplace.

According to the survey:

• 55 million Americans believe having pets in the workplace leads to a more creative environment
• 53 million believe having pets in the workplace decreases absenteeism.
• 50 million believe having pets in the workplace helps co-workers get along better.
• 38 million believe having pets in the workplace creates a more productive work environment.
• 32 million believe having pets in the workplace decreases smoking in the workplace.
• 37 million believe having pets in the workplace helps improve the relationship between managers and their employees.
• 46 million say people who bring their pets to the workplace work longer hours.

Companies that allow dogs in the office include Montana-based commercial color printing company Printing for Less, where about 15 percent of their 160 workers bring their dogs to work on any given day. Procter & Gamble's Pet Care division, located in the greater Dayton/Cincinnati area, also permits employees to bring their dogs to work daily.

Replacements, Ltd. in Greensboro, NC, the world's largest supplier of old and new china, crystal, and silver, was a sponsor of the first TYDTWDay 11 years ago. The owner, Bob Page, brings his two dachshunds to work and encourages his company’s employees to bring their dogs, too.

He insists that while they’ve had plenty of china broken throughout the years -- it’s always been by people and not dogs. Last year the company partnered with Pet Sitters International to host a Take Your Dog to Work Day adoption fair. One of the first dogs adopted was by a Replacements, Ltd. employee.

Not for every dog or every office

If you love dogs, the whole dog-at-work idea may leave you feeling as warm and fuzzy as, well, a cute little puppy does. But it’s not a good fit for all businesses or all dogs. There are insurance questions that must be answered (what if a pooch bites a customer?) and some workers may be allergic to dogs. There are potential noise problems and other messy issues a company might not want to, well, step into.

Usually smaller businesses, with work areas and offices that can be separated by doggie gates or doors, are most amenable to a successful dog-in-the-office working arrangement. For information on the pros and cons of dogs at work and how to create a business environment where employees' dogs are welcome, check out Dogs At Work (Humane Society Press, 2008) by Liz Palika and Jennifer Fearing.

Whether your dog is becoming a part of your work day or just visiting, here are tips to make sure all goes smoothly:

• Your dog should be clean, well-groomed, and socialized. If he’s aggressive, nervous and shy or tends to jump on everyone in sight, leave him at home.
• Take your dog for a long walk before bringing him to work and he’ll be more likely to be calm in a new environment. Having a favorite blanket, toy and treats around can also help your fur buddy feel comfortable in a new place.
• Make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations.
• Keep identification tags on your dog in case he becomes lost.
• Bring a leash and schedule regular walks for your dog throughout the day.
• Do not leave any messes on company property and bring appropriate clean-up materials just in case there’s an indoor accident.

Sherry Baker is a writer from Atlanta, Georgia. She last wrote Bad Medicine for Synergy. Sherry can be reached at featuredstories@adamcorp.com