Top 10 Dogs that have Influenced the World (From petsdo.com)
- Strelka and Belka (Russian dogs who went into space on Sputnik 5 in 1960)
- Unnamed Newfoundland (Napoleon’s dog, who saved his life)
- Peritas (Alexander the Great’s dog, who saved his life)
- Jofi (Sigmund Freud’s chow, who comforted his patients)
- Charlie (JFK’s Welsh Terrier, who comforted the president during the Cuban Missile Crisis)
- Urian (Cardinal Wolsey’s dog, who helped ensure formation of the Church of England)
- Donchadh (Robert the Bruce’s Dog, who defended him against Edward 1)
- Peps (King Charles spaniel owned by music critic, Richard Wagner)
- Checkers (Richard Nixon’s Cocker Spaniel)
10 Ways to Celebrate
Educate Employees
TYDTWDay is about having fun, but what’s more important is raising awareness for homeless dogs. Use the day as a way to educate people in your company about homeless animal statistics, the health benefits of pet ownership and to show them you understand the important role pets play in the lives of employees.
Fido Fundraiser
Hold a TYDTWDay fundraiser and designate the proceeds from your event to a local animal charity, shelter or rescue group. Anyone can hold a fundraiser and the best part is that you’re helping homeless animals in your community.
Doggie Adopt-A-Thon
Make arrangements for a few animals from a local shelter or rescue group to visit your business. The end result could be multiple pet adoptions and that’s what TYDTWDay is all about!
Pet Fair
Invite local pet-care professionals to come and talk about their businesses. Ask vendors to donate products or gift certificates for a raffle or silent auction with proceeds going to a local shelter.
Photo Session
Take lots of pictures. The marketing department of one participating company donated their time and expenses to take photos of the associates with their dogs. The photos cost $10.00 each and all of the proceeds were matched by the company and donated to a local shelter. At another company, the employer took photos with a digital camera and gave each dog owner a framed copy. This year, be sure to participate in the TYDTWDay photo contest available at www.takeyourdog.com.
Party Hearty
A hot dog lunch with all the fixings along with dog bone-shaped cookies and doggie treats gives everyone a fun “paws” at work.
Doggie Dress-up
Hold a doggie costume contest or a puppy parade. Doggie fashion shows can be a lot of fun, too.
Make Memories
Start a TYDTWDay photo album. Be sure to add to it each year.
Canine Contests
Hold fun contests, such as best trick, friendliest canine co-worker, the “lazy dog” employee of the day or most talented. Use your imagination for other fun contest categories.
After Party
Just because your workday ends at five doesn’t mean the party has to stop. Ask your company to host a dog-friendly after party with goodies for people and their pets.
Take Your Pet To Work Week™
Remember, if you don’t work on Fridays or you are a “cat person,” consider participating on another day during our first celebration of Take Your Pet To Work Week™, June 16-20, 2008.
