Meet Yahtzee

Breed: Christchurch

Barking from: Chief Happiness Officer (Therapy Dog)

Job Title: Lab X Rotty

What's up dog?

Yahtzee is the warm welcome at the door to everyone who comes into the clinic. Who can resist a wagging tail and big brown eyes? She puts everyone at ease instantly, especially those with chronic pain and or anxiety - she has a special sense to be extra calm and cuddly with them.
In her day to day, she builds relationships with clients the same as we do, and each relationship is different. Some she snuggles with, some she plays with and some she simply just sits quietly with.
Often clients are in pain rehabbing from injuries, and her presence is very calming and offers a good dopamine and serotonin release which is vital to a healing process. Positive experiences have a huge effect of the outcome of rehab and Yahtzee takes her job very seriously to make everyone feel taken care of.
Yahtzee was a rehome at 9 months old, and she was introduced to the clinic day 3 of having her. She hasnt looked back since. Her own skill for reading people has developed exponentially over the last year and we are pretty sure people come here to see her more than us...

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.