They spent their days relegated to a carport, cast aside like old exercise equipment. The two dogs were locked inside crates from early in the morning until dusk without a chance to relieve themselves and no way to escape from the blistering Southern summer heat. The Labrador mix did not even have room to stand up.

A neighbor who had to watch the dogs suffer had tried calling animal control for help. And although officers went to the home and issued a warning, they refused to confiscate the dogs because the animals did not appear to be in immediate danger of dying from dehydration or heatstroke. Frustrated, the neighbor called PETA for help.

We called animal control every few days to file an animal welfare complaint against the owner. Each time animal control paid a visit to the house, officers issued the owner another warning. Realizing that he would either have to allow his dogs indoors or continually deal with animal control, the owner surrendered both dogs to the local shelter.

It took a lot of persistence, but now both dogs have a chance to find a new home with a guardian who understands that dogs belong indoors with the rest of the family.

PETA has a wealth of information on how crating is detrimental to dogs, which you can share with anyone you know who is considering using these cruel cages (for even a short length of time).

Today is "Take Your Dog to Work" Day. That's celebrated every day in PETA's offices, but many workplaces aren't yet welcoming canine companions. If your workplace is one of those, here are five great ways to make sure your dog stays happy and healthy year-round while you toil away at the office:

● "In" Is in Style: Keep your dogs inside while you're away. Dogs left unattended in their own yards, even for a few minutes, have been stolen, poisoned, and otherwise abused. They're also at risk for heatstroke in the summer and frostbite, hypothermia, and dehydration in the winter.

● Can the Crate: Locking dogs in a cage all day is simply cruel. It deprives dogs of basic necessities, such as the freedom to walk around and look out the window, the opportunity to relieve themselves, and the comfort of stretching out.

● Water, Water Everywhere: A thirsty dog is an unhappy—and, eventually, an unhealthy—one. Make sure you leave plenty of fresh water for your faithful tail-waggers.

● Companions Need Companions, Too: If your pup is all alone, consider adopting another dog from a shelter. That way, they can keep each other company and chase away boredom together.

● Getting Out: A full-time workday is much too long for dogs to put their bodily functions on hold—and they need their exercise, too. If you can't get home often enough to let your dog out, hire a professional dog walker or engage the services of a qualified doggie daycare center. Consider putting in a doggie door if your yard is securely privacy-fenced and locked.

Plus, of course, be sure to give your dogs plenty of love and attention when you get home. After all, they'll do the same for you!

Emma is focused on the day's next project: getting a treat!

Josie spends her days getting lots of attention in the office and lots of playtime in PETA's dog park