Any fan of canines will tell you that dogs are not only man’s best friend, but they make you more relaxed. Dogs help lower blood pressure and lessen anxiety. They boost our immunity. They can even help you get dates!

Now researchers at Central Michigan University have demonstrated that they're good to have around at work as well. According to new research cited in The Economist, groups with a dog in the office worked more collaboratively than those without. They also ranked their teammates more highly on measures of trust, team cohesion and intimacy than those who didn't have a dog with them.

That’s not news to the folks at Tribute, who are used to the regular presence of Tribute president Tim Reynolds' Labrador Retriever, Grits, and appearances by Dawn Hawkins’ pups, Sophie, Angie and Jessie.

Dogs help create a playful work environment, quotes Isaac Oates, a product manager at Etsy who often brings his dog to work, in the article Dogs Improve Office Productivity by AOL Jobs. Sheldon Perkins, a partner in the Yes! Marketing Group, said animals are extremely conducive to productivity at his workplace. "Having animals in the office is very grounding.. making it hard to stay trapped in a negative mindset over some small issue like a software bug, a lost file, a last-minute client request, etc.,” he states.

These findings are also great news for the millions of adoptable shelter dogs that need homes. One very common barrier to pet adoption is long hours spent at the office, so The Humane Society of the United States is tackling the problem of pet homelessness by urging employers to implement programs that would allow dogs in the workplace.

Allowing dogs in the workplace has many benefits, such as boosting office morale, fostering collaboration, and increasing productivity.

And as the folks at Tribute know, a warm greeting from Grits or Sophie and a few moments indulging in some doggie lovin' always puts a smile on your face.

Pictures: Tim with Grits; Dawn with Sophie in front of the Tribute offices.