Meet Frankie the Soundhound

Breed:  Blue Healer X

Barking from:  Wainuiomata

What's up dog?

Frankie started his career as a rescue dog in Ngawha Prison where he was trained by a man behind the wire. He then went on grace the halls of parliament following around his owner with great zeal. He worked there approx five years, helping his owner do sound checks of the press gallery and being a presence at events while a stress release for MPs and visitors. While not an offical working dog, Frankie the Soundhound did have a professional working diary while at the Beehive. This diary was dedicated to school groups including sensory-needs groups. He would come out and let the kiddies pat him. By the time he finished at Parliament he made it onto mainstream media (just search for Frankie, dog, and NZ Parliament or Beehive to see quite a number of news items). He now works at Kordia, the national agency looking after transmitter towers and he remains to be a dog of the office both in the office but also at transmitter sites throughout the lower North Island. He continues to be recognised on the beach and loves to teach families, that a dog might start life in prison, but can be truly reformed and will transform you in return. He is one office pooch for a moment of his life impacted a nation and has never stopped loving his owners - x4.

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.