Working Like a Dog

Hey now - this Friday, the 22nd of June, is the 13th annual Take Your Dog to Work Day! To be perfectly honest, I'm of the mind that it takes a very special combination of the right kind of dog, the best kind of owner/handler, and an appropriate work environment in order for such a day to be a success (and I have seen even the most seemingly smooth scenarios deteriorate into barking frenzies in the ears of clients and urine stains on expensive conference room furniture...) - BUT, as a dog owner and principal of my own one-woman studio (where all species are welcome), I wouldn't go a day without O-Town on the clock with me, and if I've got 24 hours to officially celebrate how much he brings to my work-life, I'll TAKE IT.

I work out of a pretty darn amazing studio full of creative entrepreneurs in Somerville, MA called Fringe. Each member operates his/her/their own individual business, but the group environment is a treasure of inspiration, motivation, and shared knowledge. I count myself exceptionally fortunate to be a part of this unique community, and I'm not the only one who recognizes how special it is. Last winter, Fringe was featured in an article in the Improper Bostonian, all about collaborative working spaces... Naturally, when the magazine sent over a photographer, Oscar-dog stole the spotlight. The image above is by talented Improper photographer, Heather McGrath, and it ran in a Feb 2012 issue (you can read the article online). *Check out Oscar's ears... if you enjoy reading body language, you can see that even with that intense forward gaze - as he's put himself between mum and the stranger with the flashbulb - he is simultaneously keeping tabs on me, listening for a cue, out of that left ear. Such a good boy...

It should be noted, Oscar is also such a LAZY boy. How lazy? You be the judge - below is a selection of drawings illustrating a typical day's work for the Great Lazy Lump. This week's swealtering temps didn't help, but seriously, this dog could give a sloth a nap for it's money. (More sweetly sleeping Oscar drawings can be found here.) 



If you're planning to take your pupper to the office for the first time this fine friday, you might want to read this handy list of tips from our pals over at the Bark, to make the experience a good one for all parties involved. And if you're like me, among the fortunate few who get to spend every day listening to a snoring 4-legged companion at their feet - perhaps an extra afternoon walk is in order... I guarantee it'll make the dog's day - and probably yours as well.

Comments

[Jen]

Hi Oscar!
It's nice to meet you! Thanks for all the great tips on Take Your Dog to Work Day!

[Cheryl Fraser]

Please make sure you post a photo of your Ridgeback Oscar at "Work" for the contest we are having at The Ridgeback Magazine https://www.facebook.com/groups/192965683204/

thanks,

cheryl fraser
advertising editor