Meet Poppy

Breed:  Griffon x lhasa apso

Barking from:  Christchurch

What's up dog?

We have a few dogs that come into our office regularly, but I'm very lucky that mine is Top Dog, and very loved by everyone, with even the other dog owners (particularly those with dogs too naughty to come in) commenting that she is their favorite, and tge best dog. People love the way she follows me around the office when I'm walking around. They love that she just sits by my desk and willingly accepts pats, or plants herself in the middle of walkways for better effect. My podmates are delighted when she pokes her nose under the barrier to say hi. One of my workmates, Carly, doesn't like dogs. But a friend and colleague asked her what about Poppy? Her reply was that ""Poppy's not really a dog though, she's just another person.""

Poppy loves our EA, because our EA loves dogs, and especially Poppy. And has no concept of appropriate treat size for different dogs. So my 7.5kg dog gets a light dinner on office days, after pigging out on the same number of treats offered to the 30kg dogs. I'd taken her into the office a few times, but started taking her in more a couple of years ago, on the day we got news that two of our close colleagues had been killed overnight in a climbing accident. It was a big shock, and I asked our location manager if I could bring Poppy in. He thought it was a good idea. Dogs just have this real sense of empathy to them. Poppy spent the afternoon, and many days over the following weeks, not staying close to me as she usually does, but wandering and spending time with anyone who needed it, of her own volition. I think that really, this is why everyone in our office talks of her as their favorite, and introduces her to newcomers to the office as the best dog. Other dogs came in over that time too, but Poppy had the right calm, gentle temperament that made her appreciated. Even now, if someone's having a rough time, she'll quietly move to sit by them for a bit and share that with them.

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.