OK, Rover, sit — at this desk
By Zenaida Serrano Espanol
Advertiser Staff Writer
Rebecca Breyer • The Honolulu Advertiser
Hatsue Mizota of Kane'ohe can't imagine working without her three little dogs nearby.
Hatsue Mizota says it's relaxing to take Mimi, Lala and Coco daily to her job at a golf shop. She suggests you do the same tomorrow, on "Take Your Dog to Work Day."
"They make me happy and they're part of my family," the manager of Pro-Am Golf Shop in Honolulu said while petting her eldest "daughter," a 12-year-old poodle named Coco.
Mizota, 54, brings Coco to work with her every day, along with 5-year-old Mimi, a chihuahua and miniature pinscher mix, and 6-month-old Lala, a miniature pinscher. They're a great stress reliever, Mizota said, and that's why she encourages other dog owners to participate in "Take Your Dog to Work Day" tomorrow.
The idea for the event came about in 1999 from Pet Sitters International, an organization of professional pet sitters based in King, N.C., that has sought to encourage pet adoptions.
Hawai'i businesses began participating in the dog-at-work program three years ago, said Eve Holt, a spokeswoman for the Hawaiian Humane Society.
The Hawaiian Humane Society offers these tips: • Make sure that the workplace allows dogs and that management is aware of the dog's presence. • Sign a release accepting all risk and liability in bringing the dog to work. • Dogs should be well-socialized and be on a flea- and tick-control program. • Keep the dog in your work space, on a leash or behind a child-safety gate. • Take the dog for a walk. • For details on "Take Your Dog to Work Day," call the Hawaiian Humane Society at 946-2187, ext. 212.
But some establishments, such as food service businesses, may not allow dogs, Holt said, so she suggests that prospective participants check with their workplace first. Other considerations include companies with employees who have allergies or aren't comfortable having animals around, or businesses where there is machinery that can hurt pets.
A dog on the job
Pamela Burns, humane society president, said companies with a pets-at-work policy have seen benefits such as improved staff morale and productivity, as well as an increase in sales where store owners have brought their dogs to work.
"So the 'dogs at work' day, we're hoping, is an introduction to companies to consider perhaps a 'Pets at Work Day' or 'Dogs at Work Day' throughout the whole year," Burns said.
Having a pets-at-work policy not only benefits employees, but can be uplifting for business patrons, too, Burns said.
"It never fails to bring out a smile on people's faces when they see a cat walking around our office or a fuzzy dog at our feet," Burns said.
Reach Zenaida Serrano Espanol at zespanol@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8174.
