Meet Muddi

Breed:  Collie Cross

Barking from:  Rolleston

What's up dog?

Muddi is the office dog at Shirley Vet Clinic in Christchurch. He is a distinguished gentleman of nearly 14 years of age. He has a spot under the desk in the managers office and will stay there even when the door is open. He provides much needed emotional support to all of the vets, nurses and support staff at the clinic, in what can be an extremely stressful job. (Did you know that vets have some of the highest suicide rates of any profession?) He has also offered support to children whose families are in the process of losing their own pets and is an incredibly gentle soul with them. He seems to understand instinctively who needs time for a cuddle or a quick pat in passing. Muddi's talents are not restricted to the workplace however. He is a registered therapy dog with St John and has a regular placement at a residential home for adults with intellectual disabilities and also offers support to students prior to stressful exams. He is a retired avalanche search and rescue dog, he was qualified to find people buried in up to 2 metres of snow. All of this from a dog who was labeled as a problem when he was just 1 year of age and destined for euthanasia. As his owner, I have never regretted once deciding to bring him home that day all those years ago. Even in his golden years he is bringing comfort and solace to many people, and although I may be very biased I think he derserves some recognition!

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.