Palika

"Some owners realize their dogs aren't right for this sort of thing or they themselves aren't right," Palika says.

Dogs allowed: Creature comforts at the workplace 2009

They must have decent manners, be house-trained and well-groomed, and they must not be "food thieves … have constant flatulence, snore loudly or be excessive droolers," says Palika.

Dogs allowed: Creature comforts at the workplace 2009

A recent survey by the American Pet Products Association Manufacturers found that 20% of companies now have pet-friendly policies (though experts believe most are smallish operations), and the Humane Society of the United States just released Dogs at Work: A Practical Guide to Creating Dog-Friendly Workplaces by California dog trainer Liz Palika and HSUS 'Jennifer Fearing, who ushered in HSUS' dog-welcoming policy two years ago.

Dogs allowed: Creature comforts at the workplace 2009

Many imagine that once the gates come down, offices will be overrun with creatures, but that hasn't happened at the dozens of companies Fearing and Palika spoke with.

Dogs allowed: Creature comforts at the workplace 2009

Palika estimates that only about one out of 50 or 75 dogs is already a perfect candidate for work detail.

Dogs allowed: Creature comforts at the workplace 2009

"I bartered a basic dog training session with the guy who details my van," says Palika.

Creature Comforts 2008

Probably for the first time in India, the Nagar Palika Act of Chattisgarh Province, which gives ‘the right to recall’ to the citizens, has taken a toll of three civic chiefs who were voted out of their office recently.

Right to Recall Act Ousts 3 Chiefs in Chattisgarh 2008

Palika took the kitten home, tucked safely inside her shirt.

SFGate: Top News Stories By Christie Keith 2011

Xena is now sleeping with Palika every night, sits near her on the sofa although not near enough to touch, and in the last few days has been jumping onto her desk and following her out into the garden.

SFGate: Top News Stories By Christie Keith 2011

Did the half-wild cat named Xena reward Palika for saving her with undying love and devotion?

SFGate: Top News Stories By Christie Keith 2011