Meet Yumi Pather Foley

Breed: Auckland

Barking from: Therapy Dog With St Johns

Job Title: Labrador Retriever

What's up dog?

Yumi, is a beautiful black Labrador Retriever from Auckland, who joined our family in 2021 after a heartwarming turn of events. Originally, a trainee guide dog with Blind Low Vision New Zealand, Yumi decided a career change was in order and the guide dog life was not for her. She came to us as a temporary foster dog while she looked for her forever home. We quickly fell in love with this beautiful and gentle girl who stole our hearts. Luckily, we were able to permanently adopt Yumi and she became a member of our family.
Yumi's beautiful temperament wasn't meant to be contained within our home. We saw the potential to share her gift of companionship with others, so we applied to the Hato Hone St John Therapy Pets programme. After successfully passing the rigours tests, Yumi landed her first official job – bringing smiles and cuddles to the residents of a local rest home.
Yumi brings love, calmness and joy with her gentle presence. She loves rubs and cuddles and in return she provides support and social connection. Witnessing the pawsitive transformation in the people's moods after interacting with Yumi is truly heartwarming.
Yumi's story embodies the essence of the Dog with a Job Award. Though she may not have followed the traditional guide dog path, she has persevered and found a new job that gives her the ability to connect with and uplift others. She makes her an exceptional companion, enriching the lives of those around her. She is our best friend forever 💖 🐾

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.