Meet Jojo

Breed: Auckland

Barking from: Multipurpose Assistance Dog

Job Title: Labrador

What's up dog?

Jojo is my service dog trained through ADNZT who has literally changed my entire life. I have multiple disabilities and chronic illnesses including Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, Hypermobility, POTS, FND, and other physical and neurological issues that can cause things like seizure-like episodes that can last up to 4 hours, migraines, dystonia, even things like temporary loss of my senses. I had no independence before Jojo, I couldn’t safely be left alone for fear I’d pass out or have a seizure and my anxiety got so severe I would panic, have meltdowns, and not even know where I was - often getting lost or accidentally hurting myself. I couldn’t bring myself out of this state, move, walk, or communicate without the help of someone else. Sometimes meltdowns would last for hours, and I felt like I would never recover.
Every single new experience I’ve had, goal I’ve achieved and scary thing I’ve managed to do, are because of her- I’ve managed to move out of home, make friends, catch public transport, go to movies and live shows, and even go on road trips and adventures with my new friends. Most recently I moved out of my first flat where I had flat mates and into a place on my own as well as finishing my training and apprenticeship towards working as a dance teacher! Every where I go Jojo is by my side and she’s always the star of the show- she’s now the unofficial mascot at my dance studios, local cafe, and doctors offices. She makes hospital stays possible so when I had a severe concussion after passing out last year, or when I dislocated my hip and needed MRIs, XRays and steroid injections I was able to get the help I needed.
I call her my “sunshine dog”- she lights up and warms every room she walks into and truly makes everyone happy when skies are grey. I’m making memories, building community, and learning how to exist without constant fear while she guides the way; I’m no longer just surviving I actually get to live.

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.