Barbara Karant photographed more than 180 dogs for her latest book.

For years, we worked for a pet-friendly media group, where it wasn’t uncommon to receive an unexpected friendly office visit from a co-worker’s dog — from Yorkie to German Shepherd to mutt. Occasionally, meetings had to be moved to a conference room that didn’t contain a litter of rescued kittens. With all the animal lovers, Take Your Dog to Work Day, celebrated this year on June 25, was a particularly festive event — the office brightened by more wagging tails than usual. Even if your workplace doesn’t participate, you can experience the happiness dogs bring by perusing the pages of Barbara Karant’s Small Dog, Big Dog (Gallery Books, 2010), out June 29.

As the name implies, the book is full of images of little dogs juxtaposed with their larger counterparts in more than 150 photographs for adorable — and often comedic results. After a call for big and small dogs to kennels, vets and trainers, Karant photographed a variety of dogs over the course of six months. She selected her subjects based on looks and scale, contrasting fuzzy and hairless, old and young, stout and skinny. “I tried to include as many dogs as I could so everyone who looks at Small Dog, Big Dog might see a dog that reminded them of their own favorite canine companion.” The book also contains a weight comparison chart, from a 4-pound Chihuahua to a 175-pound Irish Wolfhound.

Though Karant is known for her architectural photography and artistic work — found in permanent collections at museums such as the Art Institute of Chicago and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts — canine causes are close to her heart, as president of Greyhounds Only, Inc., a Chicago-area nonprofit greyhound adoption group. Another issue important to Karant is canine cancer, which claimed the life of her first greyhound. She partnered with several grassroots foundations to raise funds for the Morris Animal Foundation Canine Cancer Campaign, to raise awareness of animal cancer, which takes the life of one in every four dogs, no matter what their size.

According to a survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, many believe that pets in the workplace lead to a more creative environment, increased productivity and better relationships among employees. In fact, the survey found that one in five businesses allow pets in the workplace. Take Your Dog to Work Day was started in 1999 by Pet Sitters International to celebrate canine companionship and promote pet adoption from animal shelters and breed rescue clubs. Individuals and businesses interested in the event can register to download the 2010 TYDTWDay Action Pack, which include tips to encourage your company to participate, steps for organizing an event, a sample “Dogs at Work” policy, celebration ideas, promotional materials and employee participation forms.

Submit a photo of your favorite dog at work by July 31, 2010; the entry with the most votes in the Professional Pooch Gallery wins $500 cash and a $500 donation to a shelter of the winner’s choice. The winner also receives a Pet Lovers Prize Package, which includes a first aid kit, pet massage DVD, dog-walking safety vest, pet relaxation music, pet-themed note cards and a “Dog Is Good” T-shirt and hat, as well as an Esser Vineyards case of wine (depending on the winner’s state shipping laws). The site also has downloads with helpful information such as preparing your dog for the office and introducing your dog to new people and animals.

We think furry companions add cheer to the office — or almost anywhere. What’s your opinion of animals in the workplace?

Tags: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, Animal welfare, Art Institute of Chicago, Barbara Karant, Biology, Chicago, co-worker, Dog, Gallery Books, Greyhound adoption, Greyhounds Only Inc., Human Interest, Korean cuisine, media, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, nonprofit greyhound adoption, Personal life, Pet adoption, president, Professional Pooch Gallery, Scavengers, Social Issues, USD, Zoology