Dogpile.com Offers Helpful Dog Widget And Tips For Businesses To Be More Pet Friendly

USA - Dogpile.com, the search site that combines the top results from the leading search engines, will celebrate Pet Sitters International's Take Your Dog To Work Day on Friday, June 20, 2008, by recognizing dog-friendly companies and offering tips for businesses on how to be dog-friendly. Dogpile will also launch the new 'Arfie - Your Desktop Pal' widget which will allow employees to have a useful, virtual dog in the office every day. Pet Sitters International launched Take Your Dog To Work Day in 1999 to celebrate the great companions dogs make and the benefits of dogs in the workplace, including reduced stress among employees and increased communication between colleagues. The following companies are listed among the most pet-friendly in the country on www.takeyourdog.com:

• Google
• Amazon
• Banfield the Pet Hospital
• Petsmart
• AutoDesk
• ValueOptions
• The Nature Conservancy
• Advent Software
• Be Your Best

According to pet expert Arden Moore, having dogs in the office is not always easy, but businesses that follow some simple guidelines can become more pet-friendly. "Studies show that dogs improve company morale and productivity. Absenteeism tends to be less when people can bring their dogs to work," said Moore. "Allowing your workplace to go to the dogs can be good for your bottom line - if proper policies are in place." Moore recommends the following:

• Establish a doggy business plan. Clearly identify and post the doggy do's and don'ts for your employees. For example, adopt a "three strikes and you're out" policy aimed at dogs who don't behave.
• Provide a clean environment. Limit dogs' access to certain common areas of your office to reduce allergic reactions and prevent dogs from counter surfing and stealing someone's lunch or raiding the garbage cans.
• Embrace true dogma. Invite an animal behaviorist, veterinarian or dog trainer to give a presentation on canine manners, behavior and health issues to educate all your employees.

However, there are situations where dogs in the office just aren't practical. That's when the 'Arfie - Your Desktop Pal' widget comes in handy. By downloading the widget, employees can have the Dogpile mascot Arfie on their computer desktop. Arfie can play fetch, walk around the desktop, or go into his doghouse for a nap. Most importantly, the widget includes an internet search bar, allowing users to perform efficient Internet searches via Dogpile.com. "Even if your furry friend can't come to the office, most people will enjoy having Arfie, a fun and practical friend, on their desk," said Mark Whidby, director, search product management of InfoSpace, Inc. "Arfie can fetch his ball for you, or fetch useful information right from his doghouse on a user's desktop." For more tips from Arden Moore or to bring Arfie to your desktop, visit www.dogpile.com.

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