Meet Ludo

Breed:  Dalmation

Barking from:  Auckland

What's up dog?

Ludo performs many functions as an office dog. His offical title is Administrative Assistant and 2 i/c to Percy Dachshund who is the Office Manager. Ludo has a multifaceted role: he is a very proactive security guard who vigilantly patrols the office to deter unwanted (and sometimes wanted) visitors. As he is the size of a Shetland pony, this is very effective. Other functions are to ensure that I remain diligently focused on my work - any deviation from this requires proactive investigation in the form of an insistent paw on my arm and a very cold nose in my ear. Ludo is also timekeeper as he recognises the importance of regular breaks from the screen, ideally heading out for a walk but a walk to the kitchen is acceptable if it involves a treat. Ludo signals break times with an insistent, unwavering stare which you can see from the corner of your eye (or the eyes in the back of your head of course), accompanied by a vocal directive which relentlessly increases in pitch and frequency if ignored. Impossible to ignore, especially when on the phone or in a remote meeting, so he's got this down to a fine art. To keep me alert and entertained, various toys are proffered on a regular basis with a generous invitation to play my part in an increasingly vigorous tug of war which I invariably lose. As I work from home in my own consultancy, my dogs provide structure and company for my day as well as endless fun and mental wellbeing

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.