Dogs head to work in downtown Macon

Missy, Snickers and Bailey usually watch their owner leave for work every day as they are left behind.

But Friday was different.

They got to tag along and greet customers at their owner’s job for National Take Your Dog to Work Day.

As customers walked into Travis Jean, an antique, art and gift shop on Cherry Street, Scott Mitchell’s furry four-legged friends greeted them.

“I wanted to make sure I brought Missy, Snickers and Bailey down to meet my customers,” Mitchell said.

The dogs get to socialize with people, allowing each dog's personality to shine through, he said.

Missy, a dachshund, enjoys being held and only gets rambunctious around food time. Snickers, a Yorkshire terrier, loves everyone whether they are young or old. Bailey, a mixed breed rescue dog, is a little more defensive of his owners but once the dog warms up to someone he is very loving, Mitchell said.

While Friday wasn’t the first time Mitchell has brought the dogs in, he said the special day gives him another reason to have them at the store.

Mitchell found out about the day through Facebook, but it has been celebrated for two decades.

National Take Your Dog to Work Day was created in 1999 by Pet Sitters International, according to Parade magazine.

“They should make it like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and dog day,” customer Tony Monserrate said.

Monserrate and his wife, Christine, said it was wonderful to see the dogs and would like to see them more often while shopping.

For the three pups, it is a chance to sniff around and explore. They get very curious when they get to come to work, Mitchell said.

While he enjoys having his dogs at work, Mitchell admits it does make his job a little harder.

“It makes it a little more stressful ‘cause you really have to watch out for them and make sure they aren't running out the door into traffic,” he said.

Despite the added stress, his new-found dog day offers him and his dogs a break from the norm, he said.

He said he hopes others will give it a try.

“Try bringing your dog to work. It is really fun.” he said.

Snickers seemed to agree when asked if he enjoyed being able to come to work with his owners.

He wagged his tail and licked a microphone, as if to say “I am happy to be here.”

This story was originally published June 24, 2016 at 7:08 PM with the headline "Dogs head to work in downtown Macon."