People who work in Westport look forward to the end of the week for a different reason than most of us.

Rich Failla, a former Westport cop, now keeps an eye on the comings and goings at Westport Town Hall as a security guard.

But every Thursday and Friday, he brings his German Shepherd, Bear, to work.

"Everybody has to stop and say good morning to him when they walk through. People love him," said Failla.

Failla's idea has become a hit with other town employees who now bring their dogs to work, too.

The canines get to socialize and play to break up their day - and so do their owners.

"Once a week, I'll bring him in so he can see what's happening and get out of the house a little bit, so I like it a lot," said Westport town engineer Kevin Pierce.

The dogs get their share of treats and a lot of love.

But they give back so much more.

"Even the crankiest person, when they see a dog and they're having a tough day, they'll come by and they'll stop, they'll look and ask if they can pet him. It always brightens people up. They always cheer you up no matter how bad your day is," said Failla.

A weekly bond that people there hope will never be broken.

This Friday is National Take Your Dog to Work Day.