Meet Shiro

Breed:  Japanese Spitz

Barking from:  Rotorua

What's up dog?

Here at Digital Natives Academy we run full time course for youth who are often forgotten about or left behind in mainstream schooling. These students come to us to learn and study in coding, game design, content creation and other digital pursuits. DNA is a safe space for nerds and geeks a like. Having Shiro onsite has not only made a huge impact on our students but also on staff as well. Even thou he is still a young puppy of 11 months old, he already understands the assignment of dealing with staff and students in this environment. His calm and welcoming nature allows students to come up to him, sit, talk to and pet him. That very act alone can be seen on the students demeanour as they instantly feel more calm and composed. For staff as well his presence and pets and cuddles allows for them to take a minute to wash their stress away. Every work place and every school should have a dog. The impact they can have on wellbeing is massive and Shiro is proof of that. The sheer joy he brings is priceless. And he adapts to different people and their personalities and relationships with him, some people he will jump up and down and play with, others he will walk up to and demand pets and cuddles, others he will bark at until they come up and acknowledge him. Shiro is a dog full of personality and presence especially in our academy

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.