A businesswoman is challenging the definition of a 'working dog' by making her pooch part of her office staff.

Jemma Proctor, the creative director of Summertown-based One Ltd, brings Pie, her Lancashire Heeler, into the office every day — and is unsurprisingly supporting Wednesday’s Take Your Dog to Work Day.

Ms Proctor, from Headington, said: "I take her to work every day, because I don't want to leave her at home. It's my own business so in a way it's easier for me to do it, but everybody here has enjoyed having her at work.

"When it was first mooted, a couple of people said 'I don't really know, will it smell?', but now, when I don't bring her in, everyone says 'where's Pie?'."

Ms Proctor, 41, said having the nine-month-old puppy around the office was mutually beneficial for the dog and her staff.

She said: "She has definitely become part of the team in a big way. We had to make a movie for the Oxfordshire Business Awards and she starred in that, so she is very much part of what we do. She's got a cage and she hangs out in that.

"Sometimes dogs learn to bark because they are protecting their territory, but Pie sees so many people she just greets them and is very well behaved. It has been really beneficial for her."

She added: "I would have no problems with anyone bringing their dogs into work, so long as there are practical arrangements in place, like getting someone to come and walk them.

"My biggest frustration with dogs is how children aren't just nervous around them, they are now all absolutely scared of them.

"My business partner's children have never been around dogs but when they come here they absolutely love seeing Pie. I think it's really important that children learn to be comfortable around them."

When asked about how visitors react to Pie's appearance in the office, Ms Proctor replied: "I think a couple of people have been half surprised when they see her, but we're a design agency so we're meant to be on the ridiculous side. You can actually see her from the meeting room, and you can see people in meetings getting quite distracted."

Take Your Dog to Work Day is organised by the Blue Cross pet charity.

A spokesman said: "The event aims to encourage dog owners to spend more time with their pets and see first hand the physical and mental benefits that dogs can have on the people around them."

For more information, see takeyourdogtoworkday.co.uk