This Friday (June 22nd) is Take Your Dog to Work Day. How exciting is that? Yes, it is an official day where many businesses open their doors to our four-legged friends and allow them to hang out in the office. What a treat! Unfortunately, however, not all companies choose to participate in this wonderful idea, so for those of you who might still have to leave your pooch at home here is a roundup of dog-inspired office decor….

1.  A darling dog to fetch your tea bag.

2.  Mr. Woof Photo/Memo Holder.

3.  An ideal serving bowl from Daisy Dog Studio perfect for mid-afternoon snacks. The studio frequently donates these bowls to animal related charities to help them raise money.

4.  Naked Decor Boston Terrier Pillows (for making that office chair a little more comfortable).

5.  Modern Pet Portrait phone case.

6.  A canine business card holder from Uncommon Goods.

Photos by Stephanie Graf-Vocat

There are some furry faces that you meet on the street that just scream, “Take my adorable, too-cute-to-be-true photograph, please!” This beautiful chihuahua is a rescued dog, now living happily with his new found family and all too happy to pose for the camera. This series is brought to you by Stephanie Graf-Vocat!  Oh, and you might have noticed, the name of this column has changed from ‘Pet Street Photography‘ to ‘Pawsh Pictures‘ — far more fitting, don’t you think? Keep reading for even more photos!

“Why just look at that handsome devil!”

“Time to get my swag on and go on the razzle!”

“A close up? Alright, if you must. But be warned I can only promise a silly expression!”

If you haven’t entered the Pawsh Pet of the Month contest sponsored by Blanket ID — what are you waiting for? All you need to do is submit the cutest photograph possible of your pet (along with their name and any funny characteristics they may have) and you could win a free stylish tag from BlanketID as well as a free three year membership! Email your submissions today!

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Does your dog ever have bad dreams? While I was growing up one of my parents’ Airedale Terriers, Tedda, used to wake the entire household in the middle of the night howling dreadfully in her sleep. I remember racing through to the living room, my heart pounding, to see what was happening. I would stand nervously in the doorway watching my folks carefully kneel down beside her bed and speak to Tedda in soft, soothing tones while gently stroking her until she woke up.

The other night Rory also had a bad dream…

At first, she started twitching a little in her sleep, an action that is not uncommon for a lot of dogs and often referred to as ‘chasing rabbits.’ However, she then started to whine and then growl, alerting me to the fact that she was having some sort of nightmare.

Mimicking my parents’ methods, I gently, yet firmly, placed my hands on Rory’s quivering body and began massaging her back in an effort to ease her awake. It is very important to not startle a dog awake at any time, especially when they are having a frightful sleep, because they can potentially snap out of fear or a confused sense of self-defense. After a minute or two Rory did at last wake up, wide eyed and a little frantic; although she was quickly calmed after being scooped up into my arms and cuddled. What exactly she was dreaming about, I will of course never know. I’m just happy I was able to comfort her.

How often do your dogs have bad dreams? Do you have any special ways of waking them up or comforting them after they wake? I would love to hear your stories!