Meet Murphy

Breed: Auckland

Barking from: Teacher’S Assistant

Job Title: Golden Retriever

What's up dog?

Murphy assists his human, who is a teacher, and the 28 (two-legged, 11 year old) friends in his class. Murphy joined the class in October 2023 when he was only 10 months old. He was an immediate success both as an adored peer and as a helper for the small humans when the world can feel like a hard place to be. Murphy has an amazing way of knowing who needs a boop, a slurp or a flop under the table. He’s first in line for belly rubs when someone needs cheering up, sings in happiness when his friends come in the door in the morning, and sits patiently waiting to help vacuum the floor after lunch. He loves going out on duty wearing his orange duty vest and has friends right across the school who seek him out when they need a sympathetic slurp and waggy tail. Murphy sometimes attends staff meetings and diligently greets every teacher, stands quietly for a karakia, and knows exactly who is most likely to slip him an apple core (his favourite) under the table. He has become something of a local celebrity amongst children and adults alike, but remains humble and unaware of his local fame, continuing to focus on bringing a bit more joy to the world around him.

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.