Meet Hugo

Breed:  Chihuahua

Barking from:  Waipukurau

What's up dog?

Hugo the Chihuahua is honorary office manager at the CHB Mail - a community newspaper in Waipukurau, Hawke's Bay. Hugo began working at the office to get time out, when a boisterous whippet puppy took up residence in his house. It was meant to be for a few weeks till the whippet settled down. It's been four years now...it appears whippets don't ""settle down"".
At first Hugo lay on a blanket by his chauffeur's desk. Then his favourite receptionist donated him a proper dog bed. Then she bought doggy treats and hid them in her desk drawer and dished them out on his arrival at work and bang on 12 noon for his lunch.

Hugo is paid in pats. He can smell a dog-person a mile off and if one approaches the front counter he vooms out and poses for their admiration. He knows the way to the coffee shop and demands his chauffeur takes him for coffee several times a week. On the way he greets his fans ""Hi Hugo"" and mugs new friends. He once detoured into the chemist and ran riot in their back office until captured. He also once pee'd on teh wheel of an old man's mobility scooter. People know Hugo and greet him as he passes. Nobody knows the name of the strange woman who follows him around....

2024 NZ Top Office Dog Award

Judging and criteria

This award will be judged on:

Purpose

Four-legged support can be shown in multiple ways and furry forms in the workplace, and this award celebrates a supreme dog that supports their people to do their best mahi. We are looking for a top office dog with tail wags, affectionate licks, playful walks and that special presence that boosts their owner and co-worker’s mental health while contributing to a positive work culture. They may be a work from home dog, an office dog – or a hybrid pooch! 

Reach

Is the dog dedicated to improving the life of one human, or an entire team?

Impact

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

Quirky

All dogs are special. Does your dog possess a superpower? Please note their special talent or a trick they perform on demand.