Work Like a Dog ... Just Don't Act Like One

		IAMS COMPANY SPONSORS TAKE YOUR DCONSUMER IAMS COMPANY SPONSORS TAKE YOUR DOG TO WORK DAY Annie Beans, a Lhasa Apso mixed breed, has years of experience under her collar going to work with Jill Haber, a consumer care representative with The Iams Company. (PRNewsFoto)[TC] DAYTON, OH USA

- The Iams Company Offers Pet Parents 'pet-iquette' Tips for Take Your Dog to Work Day - DAYTON, Ohio, June 6 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 5,000 companies nationwide are expected to have both two- and four-legged workers in the office Friday, June 21, for the 4th annual Take Your Dog to Work Day (TYDTWD). The day celebrates canine companionship and encourages pet adoptions from animal shelters, humane societies and rescue clubs. TYDTWD is presented by Pet Sitters International and sponsored by The Iams Company. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020606/LNTH013 ) As career-minded canines grab their doggie briefcases and head out into the workforce for TYDTWD, one experienced canine executive wants to remind owners of the rules of office "pet-iquette" to make it an enjoyable experience for all. Annie Beans -- a Lhasa Apso mixed breed and one of the finalists for this year's TYDTWD Poster Dog, an honor given to an outstanding shelter-adopted pup to highlight what great pets rescue dogs can be -- has years of experience under her collar working at The Iams Company Headquarters in Dayton, Ohio. Iams Consumer Care Representative Jill Haber adopted Annie Beans in 1991 and brings her to the office a few times a month. With a little help from Haber, Annie Beans offers these tips for furry friends climbing the corporate ladder on Friday, June 21: -- Basic needs. A special guest means special considerations. "Water, water, water," Haber says. "When the day gets busy it is easy to forget, but dogs need to stay hydrated." Haber also suggests pet owners pack a leash and plastic clean-up bags for potty breaks, healthy treats like Iams Biscuits, a baby gate and toys. "Come prepared -- it's a long day," she adds. -- Skip breakfast. Some dogs may get carsick on the morning commute, so Haber suggests skipping breakfast. But be sure to bring plenty of healthy treats! -- Restroom duties. Only housebroken dogs should visit the office, says Annie Beans, who reminds owners they are responsible for doggie clean up -- both inside and out! -- Be polite. No barking, growling or approaching dogs you don't know, says Annie Beans. Office dogs should be on a leash at all times in common areas. "Annie Beans is always well-behaved," says Haber. "But to make sure my coworkers are comfortable, I keep her on a 6 to 8 foot leash hooked under my chair or behind a baby gate." And when Haber gets up to take a break or make a copy, she takes Annie with her. -- Be sociable. Once you get to know other people and dogs, stop by for a visit. "When I take Annie Beans to the office, everyone wants her to drop in for a treat," Haber says. -- Petting breaks. When it's a "ruff" day, Annie Beans tells her canine coworkers to comfort their office mate. "When I get stressed I just lean over and pet Annie Beans," says Haber. "It's so calming and reassuring -- she's like a security blanket for me. She's always happy to see me -- even if my coworkers or people on the other end of the phone line are not." "Studies have shown the health benefits of owning a pet, including lowering stress levels," says Beth White, a spokesperson for Iams. "That's why we support TYDTWD and encourage Iams employees to bring their pets to work all year round." She also hopes TYDTWD will show non-pet parents firsthand the benefits of owning a dog. About Iams and Take Your Dog to Work Day The Iams Company is proud to sponsor Take Your Dog to Work Day in conjunction with Pet Sitters International. The dog and cat lovers at Iams know the benefits of working in a pet-friendly environment and are pleased other companies will be "going to the dogs" Friday, June 21, 2002. Iams(R) Dog Food is the official dog food of Take Your Dog to Work Day. For more information about Take Your Dog to Work Day, visit PSI online at http://www.petsit.com. For more information about The Iams Company's premium pet foods, or pet care and nutrition in general, call the Iams Consumer Care Center at 1-800-863-4267. You also can visit Iams on the Web at http://www.iamsco.com.