‘Take Your Dog to Work Day’ big hit in Bend

In Dogtown USA — also known as Bend — you can’t be too surprised national “Take your Dog to Work Day” was a hit.

“It’s really cool, because we get to bring our best friends to work,” Kendall Central Oregon Warranty Administrator Linda Cook said Friday.

In fact, many Bendites just call it everyday life, and keep the dog treats just as handy as the office supplies.

“Everyone’s just kind of fallen in love with him, so now he gets to come every day,” accountant Stephanie Humphrey said of her dog ‘Bentley.’ “It’s a great part of the job.”

Dozens of businesses around Bend likely agree, because finding four-legged friends next to the desk isn’t out of the ordinary.

“They seem to know when I need a break, and they’ll come over and nudge me,” Cascade Business News Art Director Renee Patrick said about her boss’s two dogs that come to work every day.

Head down to the Old Mill District and you’ll find at least a dog or two greeting customers.

“Monte keeps the kids busy while mom is shopping,” Desperado owner Joanne Sunnarborg said of her rescue boxer.

At Kendall Central Oergon, employees brought their dogs for a good cause.

“We are doing a matching fundraiser for the Bend Spay and Neuter Project,” Community Relations Specialist Annelise Bunch said. “It’s also for employee appreciation.”

Employees said it’s a good way to put a ‘paws’ in the routine 8-to-5.

“It’s kind of a stress relief,” Humphrey said. “when people come here into the office and see him, it kind of puts everyone in a good mood.”