Walkies? No, it's workies!

Several four-legged employees clocked in for work before settling down to chewing their master's desk and shedding their hair around the office although a canine presence was not welcome at every business in the Bradford area.

For Bruno, a beefy 21-month-old St Bernard, it was not an unusual experience as he turned up at the Jackson Consultancy Group in Bingley.

A regular sight at the firm, he has even been known to sit in on board meetings.

And after crunching his dog biscuits over the floor, 14-stone Bruno likes nothing better than to drink from the company's new ornamental fountain - which now needs refilling three times a week.

Owner Michael Jackson said: "Bringing the dog to work is a good idea, it puts the pressurised world of business into perspective." Meanwhile Sweep, a loveable lurcher cross, was welcoming patients at the Thornbury Veterinary Group.

Rescued by the RSPCA last Christmas, the one-year-old was on hand to sniff around the waiting room and play with fellow "workers" Poppy the Labrador cross, Sam the mongrel and Molly the border collie.

Receptionist Vivienne Heald said: "The four of them fit in quite well."

But other dogs were not so lucky.

They were not allowed at Morrisons supermarkets -- perhaps because they would keep going back to the meat counter.

No dogs had taken up the offer at Pace Micro Technology in Saltaire and no one knew about the special day at Bradford Council.

Mike Hawker, managing director of Empire Stores in Canal Road, said staff with well-behaved dogs could have brought their pets in but no one had asked.

Mr Hawker, who has a naughty six-year-old cocker spaniel called Toby, said: "We knew nothing about it."

Take Your Dog to Work Day was organised to promote responsible pet ownership by the Blue Cross animal-welfare charity.

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