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WHEREAS, Dogs have been the best friend to man dating back to pre-history when they became domesticated, living and working alongside mankind, used for hunting, tracking, and as protectors, being the watchman that barks giving notice of a nearby intruder; and
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WHEREAS, 50% of Americans and 75% of Millennials are dog owners (according to Mintel research firm), that dogs have increasingly become an integral and important part of individual and family life and it is recognized by owners that work out the home that allowing their well-behaved and groomed canines to accompany them to their workplaces would serve as a public acknowledgment of the animal-human bond; and
WHEREAS, the presence of pets in the workplace has been recognized to increase staff morale and camaraderie, decrease absenteeism, enhance job performance and ultimately benefit those pet-friendly companies that allow pets to accompany their owners to work; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of “Take Your Dog To Work Day®” is to encourage businesses to allow dogs in the workplace for one Friday each year to celebrate the great companions dogs make and promote and encourage adoptions from local shelters, rescue groups and humane societies; and
WHEREAS, in 1999, Pet Sitters International (PSI) celebrated the first annual, “Take Your Dog To Work Day®” (TYDTWD®) in the United States; and
WHEREAS, this celebration allows co-workers that are non-pet owners to see, feel and experience the warmth and love dogs provide as the best friend who is always happy to see you, and thereby promote adoption as they witness the special human-animal bond; and
WHEREAS, “PSI’s Take Your Dog To Work Day®” is celebrated internationally; and,
WHEREAS, in 2003, “Take Your Dog To Work Day®” celebrated five years of helping to save the lives of homeless pets and more than 5000 companies participated in the celebration and that number has grown every year; and,
WHEREAS, 2018 marks the 20th annual international celebration of “Take Your Dog To Work Day®”; and,
WHEREAS, City Council wishes to celebrate dogs for being the wonderful, loveable companions and best friend to man, and to encourage and promote the love of and adoption of dogs in need; and,
WHEREAS, the best form of celebration and promotion is to lead, to set the example for others to follow;
WHEREAS, the City of Pittsburgh and its pet owners will be able to celebrate their dog and bring their dog to their workplace on “Take Your Dog To Work Day®, in accordance with rules and policies established.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Council hereby declares Friday, June 22, 2018 as, “Take Your Dog To Work Day®” in the City of Pittsburgh.
Section 2. The City of Pittsburgh encourages non-pet owners to enjoy the unconditional love and the benefits of companionship with a dog and to adopt a dog in need from a local shelter, rescue agency or humane society.
Section 3. The City of Pittsburgh encourages other businesses to also participate in “Pet Sitters International “PSI’s Take Your Dog To Work Day®” on Friday, June 22nd, 2018.