129 Dog Days Off Have you ever made an excuse for not going to work？ I guess most people have. But have you ever called in for a day off because your dog is sick？ I bet you haven t. Most people wouldn t have the guts. However， some companies in New Zealand find this as an acceptable reason for taking a day off. It is counted as paid sick leave. The reason， they say， is simple： "A sick dog is as much a dependant as a sick child." That makes plenty of sense， doesn t it？ This is now known in New Zealand as "dog days off." I wonder what the bosses in China will say if someone calls in for a dog day off.