Zora, a Pug with a cute mug, is amongst those competing for the top office dog award this year. Photo / Supplied
Zora, a Pug with a cute mug, is amongst those competing for the top office dog award this year. Photo / Supplied
By Shea Jefferson
The search for New Zealand's top office dog is on and four photogenic Hawke's Bay pooches are in the running.
Submissions for Frog Recruitment's top office dog competition closed on Sunday
and voting has kicked off on its website, with an estimated 400 canine entrants vying forthe title.
Titan the pitbull terrier, Milky the maltipoo, Zora the pug and Sid the German spitz and pug mix are our local pooches in the running for the wagging rights.
Titan, Pitbull Terrier from Edenham Station, is a hard-working farm dog with a goofy nature. Photo / Supplied
Titan is described by his owner as "the biggest goofball", and is often hard at work in his outdoor office, following and controlling mobs on the Edenham Station farm.
When not corralling livestock, Titan also provides a great source of company for his owner.
"On my bad days, he keeps me going and always puts a smile on my face. Through lockdown he has kept me sane and motivated, as I live alone," Titan's owner said.
Milky, a local Maltipoo entrant, enjoys long walks on the beach in her activewear. Photo / Supplied
Zora the pug and Milky the maltipoo have also been treasured by their human counterparts for their entertaining company during this year's lockdown, though their workplaces weren't specified.
"She is a six-month-old puppy and she makes us laugh a lot every day. She is so cute and clever," Milky's owner said.
Sid, a German Spitz and Pug Mix, is a paw-in for top office dog this year. Photo / Supplied
Sid, the spitz and pug mix, occasionally attends a Hawke's Bay primary school with his owner, earning him the reputation of teacher's pet.
"Sid visits school and he brings so much joy to the kids. They read to him and get creative and make things for him.
"He's got attitude. He gives so much love. Everyone that meets him thinks he's 'cool'," Sid's owner said.
The winner of top office dog will receive a prize pack worth $1000, six months' access to Mark Vette's online training school, doggles (dog goggles), and a bow.
Frog Recruitment last year researched the impact of having dogs in the workplace in Aotearoa and received a national woof of approval.
"Globally we have long known the positive effects dogs at work have on culture in the workplace. If it's well-managed, it actually increases productivity in the workplace.
"It can have benefits on team cohesion and generally elevate the mood in the workplace," Frog Recruitment managing director Shannon Barlow said.
"Our Frog Recruitment poll last year heard from office and home-office workers that having a dog working near them improved morale and reduced stress through pandemic times," she said.
Barlow said the positive mental and physical effects of canine cuddles in the workplace have been reaffirmed by this year's entries.
"Some entrants have detailed how their dog supported them through the grief of the death of a loved one that has passed away from Covid, the stress of job loss and the anxiety caused by separation from friends, family and colleagues.
Last year's top office dog was Jagger, from Auckland's Chained Dog Rehabilitation & Rehoming, who was recognised for his ability to make the foster dogs at his workplace feel at home.
The top office dog winner will be announced on September 28 via the largest nationwide pooch Zoom call, which will include our local famous four.
