Meet Indi (Indigo)

Breed: Te Kuiti

Barking from: Truffle Hunting Around The North Island

Job Title: Cocker Spaniel

What's up dog?

Indy, an 11-year-old cocker spaniel truffle hunting dog, has been an integral part of expanding the truffle hunting industry across the North Island of New Zealand. With years of dedicated service, Indy has significantly impacted the agricultural landscape by aiding in the discovery and harvest of high-value truffles, thus supporting the livelihoods of numerous truffle growers, and enhancing the culinary scene.
Purpose and Skillset
Indy’s primary role involves the intricate task of locating the elusive Tuber Melanosporum, Tuber aestivum/uncinatum and Tuber borchii truffles. Her exceptional olfactory skills allow her to detect truffles buried deep underground, which are otherwise impossible for human growers to find without substantial disruption to the soil. Trained from a young age, Indy's skill set includes a refined technique that ensures minimal impact on the delicate mycelium, promoting sustainability and continued growth in truffle production.
Impact on Growers and the Community
Throughout her career, Indy has been pivotal in numerous ‘first’ truffle discoveries across the North Island, directly contributing to the economic growth of local growers. Her ability to locate truffles has not only increased yield quality and quantity but has also helped new truffiéres establish realise their dream of having productive orchards. Ther capability is crucial, as undetected truffles cannot contribute to the market, affecting both local economies and the broader agricultural landscape of the North Island.
Stories of Influence
One of Indy’s most notable impacts was during a survey in an older established orchard where the owners were unsure about the presence of truffles. The scientific results for mycorrhizal on the roots had not shown as favourable and the growers suspected that they would never produce because of this. Indy’s keen sense detected several truffle patches in their truffière, leading to a successful first harvest for the grower. She not only validated the truffière’s potential but also inspired confidence in the grower, as well as in other local growers who started producing in the following years.
Another heartwarming story involves a public truffle event where Indy demonstrated her truffle hunting skills. Her friendly demeanour and impressive abilities won over the crowd, many of whom were unfamiliar with truffle hunting and uplifting the truffles themselves. The event significantly raised local interest in truffle cultivation and consumption.
Conclusion
Indy’s remarkable abilities as a truffle dog extend beyond her direct contributions to truffle hunting. Her influence on the industry growth, and education both through videos of her work online training programme of the growers, as well as moderating a grower’s own dog ability is tireless. The truffles she locates provide cultural enrichment of the North Island’s culinary scene which exemplifies the profound impact a working dog can have. Her dedication and achievements highlight the essential role of working dogs in agricultural innovation and community engagement.
Indy is not just a dog; she is a pioneer, a teacher, and an ambassador for the truffle industry in New Zealand.

2024 NZ Top Dog with a Job Award

Judging and criteria

This award will be judged on:

Purpose

This award celebrates a top dog that makes a positive difference in our society for the work they do to improve human (or animal!) lives on a day-to-day basis. 

Reach

Is the dog dedicated to assisting one human, or an entire team or office? 

Impact

How big an impact does this dog have in their workplace? Explain how much your canine friend has impacted the office culture, or improved mental health at work or of those around them. Give examples of how they have made an impact.