Posted: January 6, 2009, 5 a.m. EST
A New Jersey dog made 2008 a year to remember for his owner after taking part in Pet Sitters International’s Take Your Dog to Work Day.
The 1-year-old Brussels Griffon, named Ouzie, Jr., was named winner of the Take Your Dog to Work Day photo contest. Spending a day at the offices of IMC, a New Jersey-based marketing agency, paid off for the dog as well as the Tinton Falls Animal Care Center in Tinton Falls, N.J.
Owner Kristen Hartman said she was confident about her dog’s chances of being picked among hundreds of entries. “When I uploaded his photo for the contest I just knew he would win,” Hartman said.
As the contest winner, Ouzie, Jr. and Hartman received a $500 cash prize and a $500 donation was made to the shelter of Hartman’s choice, the Tinton Falls Animal Care Center. Ouzie, Jr. also received gift baskets from the 2008 event sponsors, Comfort Zone with D.A.P. and PSIStoreOnline.com.
Begun in 1999, Take Your Dog to Work Day celebrates the companionship that dogs offer and encourages adoptions from local shelters, rescue groups, and humane societies. In 2009, the day will be celebrated Friday, June 26.
Pet Sitters International encourages businesses to open their doors to their employees’ dogs on this one summer Friday to promote pet adoption in a positive and proactive way.