Colorado Springs holds the distinction of being America’s most dog-friendly city, according to Dog Fancy magazine.

Dog lovers can celebrate the honor Friday, which has been designated as Take Your Dog to Work Day.

The event began in 1999 to celebrate canine companionship and the positive influence of pets.

The observance, created by Pet Sitters International, a North Carolina-based educational association, also has a greater purpose: to promote adoptions from animal shelters and rescue groups.

By allowing dogs in the workplace, dogless employees experience the perks of pet ownership and are encouraged to adopt one of their own, said Beth Stultz, event spokeswoman.

From 30 to 60 dogs each day wait for homes at the local shelter, said Ann Davenport, director of community resources at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.

“We have a fantastic variety of dogs available for adoption. Many are mixed breeds, and a fair number are purebred,” she said.

Take Your Dog to Work Day serves as a reminder of how much dogs contribute to their owners’ lives and what great stress relievers they are, Davenport said.

Stephanie Johnson of Becker-Johnson, an architectural and engineering consulting firm, has been taking her dogs to work for 18 years.

When Johnson’s husband, Johnny, asked her to work for his company, she said she would – only if she could take her dog to work.

Four-year-old Grizzabella, an Old English sheepdog, is the third canine to carry on the tradition.

She has been an office fixture since she was just a puppy.

Stephanie Johnson says having a dog in the building is good for business.

“Clients love the dog,” she said. And neighbors stop by to feed her treats.

“She is a calming influence around the office. When things get tense, you can throw the ball for the dog. It’s a less-intense work environment,” Johnson said.

DETAILS

Learn more about Take Your Dog to Work Day, visit www.takeyourdog.com.

Take our poll on Take Your Dog to Work Day, at the right.

Four-year-old Grizzabella, an Old English sheepdog, lay next to Johnny Johnson as he worked Wednesday at the Becker-Johnson architectural and engineering consulting firm. Grizzabella has been going to work since she was just a puppy. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette