• Take Your Dog to Work—Guide for Dog-Less Folks

Take Your Dog to Work Day is Friday, June 24, 2011. If you, like me, don't have a dog, you might feel left out. (I used to joke that my workplace should celebrate Take Your Hamster to Work Day.) But you can participate!

If your company is going to allow dogs, a dog-less person can do many things:

• Volunteer to take a co-worker's dog for a walk or watch it while she attends a meeting.

• Take photos of dogs for the company newsletter. Then submit the photo to the TYDTWD Photo Contest!

• Bring dog treats. (Check with owners before offering.)

• Hold fun contests such as best trick, friendliest canine co-worker, or "employee of the day."

Whether or not your company participates, you can educate co-workers on the primary reason for TYDTWD: the importance of adopting from an animal shelter. The Human Society offers five easy-to-remember talking points for reasons to adopt.