Meet Koozer

Breed:  Huntaway

Barking from:  Christchurch

What's up dog?

Koozer helps the staff de-stress. The first thing the staff ask is where's Koozer. He attends all the meetings and when staff feel stressed or have anxiety they will cuddle him and kiss him. His love is unconditional and none judgemental. He has this effect that teleports staff into his presence and into this deep connection that takes the staff away from their present stresses and transcends them into a space of calm. He comes to the office every day and has never had a sick day yet, on his days of he still helps out on the farm mostly as my back seat driver on the quad. I call him my mental health support dog as he has got me through many stressful times. He is always present when we hire new staff and lets me know if they are dog friendly which is the number one requirement. If meetings go to long and he goes to his bed for a nap i know its time to rap up the meeting. Koozer and i have never spent a minute apart he is not just a dog he is my mental heath support, teammate, HR & Recruitment Specialist, Ops Manager and best friend. He made second place last year and he is back again going for number one.

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.