Meet Sox

Breed:  Greyhound

Barking from:  Christchurch

What's up dog?

Sox is an ambassador for The Balanced Dog, a dog massage, rehab and fitness practice serving the Greater Christchurch area.

The business is mobile - working in the homes of clients with admin done back at home base. Sox supports both; he's never met a human or dog that he didn't like. He's so social that he puts everyone at ease, making regular visits to our local SPCA opportunity shop.

In cooler months, he is able to ride along in the company car and waits patiently until my human clients come out to say hello. I have customers who specifically ask if Sox will be coming along to their dog's appointment. He is also the demo dog for my Learn to Massage Your Dog workshops, where he sits at the front of the room on the massage table and rarely moves, allowing students to work with him and observing the class.

In the home office, Sox will come in and let me know if I have been spending too much time on the keyboard. He's quite vocal about it (unusual for a greyhound).

We have a Christmas dog walk, carol singing and market planned for the end of the year. Bark! The Herald Angels Sing will be held on 7th December with Sox taking the lead role as host. He will be collecting for our two charities: Christchurch Bull Breed Rescue and Greyhounds as Pets.

Owning your own business, particularly during this extended recession and financial crisis, can be stressful. Having Sox as a business partner not only relieves stress but his stellar personality makes him the ideal ice-breaker when talking to prospective clients and neighbours.

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.