The Professionals Real Estate office in Tauranga was bustling with activity yesterday as employees took along four-legged friends to celebrate the 11th annual Take Your Dog To Work Day.
By 10am, more than a dozen dogs co-operatively gathered in the office, sniffed one another and enjoyed playful games.
Apart from the odd minor scuffle, the dogs were well behaved, one of the company directors, Dave McLaren, said.
"They're all getting along because it's a neutral place ... no one is trying to be the boss," he said.
Principal director Garry Mason
said although he was initially reserved about the idea, the response from employees had been positive.
"We just thought it was quite unique and something fun to do," Mr Mason said.
All five office branches - Brookfield, Welcome Bay, Mount Maunganui, Te Puke and Tauranga - took part and at the Tauranga office at 10am.
Mr Mason's 13-month-old Maltese Bella was one of about 15 dogs.
Mr McLaren took his 8-year-old black Labrador Fynn and was surprised at the number of his colleagues who had dogs.
"I'm quite amazed really ... and it's really interesting getting to see all the different breeds together and interacting," he said.
Take Your Dog To Work Day is supported by Purina, one of New Zealand's leading petcare companies.
Shivaun Statham, a dog behaviour expert and petcare adviser for Purina said taking dogs to work had a calming influence on the workplace.
"Simply put, it's hard to get wound up when there is a dog smiling up at you and wagging its tail," she said.
The event was launched in America 11 years ago by Pet Sitters International.
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