Potsdam, NY, May 18, 2012 — Pet lovers will tell you that having a dog can provide a number of stress-busting benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and providing social support. A new study finds that allowing employees to bring their dogs to work appears to reduce stress and boost job satisfaction levels.

Virginia Commonwealth University researchers compared stress levels and job satisfaction among employees at a retail business in North Carolina who brought their dogs to work, those who didn't bring their dogs to work, and employees without pets. The study, in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management, found that dogs in the workplace seemed to help reduce job-related stress for their owners and even other employees.

Todd Moe stopped by the St. Lawrence County Health Initiative, an organization in Potsdam that promotes healthy living and nutrition, where most work days are dog days and it's making a positive difference in the workplace.