Coromandel dogs vie for top titles
Four canines in the running in top dog competition
Almost 400 of New Zealand’s most prized hounds — including four from Coromandel — have put their best paws forward vying for the prestigious titles Top Office Dog, Top Dog with a Job and Top Home Office Dog in the 2023 Frog Recruitment NZ Top Dog competition.
Now in its eighth year, the annual contest salutes not only our office canine colleagues who bring us joy and boost our mental health, but dogs with extraordinary commitment to their communities.
From biosecurity detection dogs, therapy dogs and even a Ministry of Justice court dog, our pooch partners have become vital workforce members.
Whiritoa’s Chris Hannah reckons Norman the Dorky is worthy of a Top Dog title. Norman is an integral part of the Animal Management team for the Hauraki District.
“Norman spends time in the office where he is readily available for daily pats and hugs, reducing stress and improving mental health. He does occasionally bark at our mayor, who is extremely forgiving. Norman also goes out on jobs with the team, welcomes new dogs into the pound and even is a wonderful foster brother when a dog needs extra care.”
Thames dog owner Anna Dalton says her German shorthaired pointer Olive started work at 9 weeks old in customer service and now at 18 months old, she has many roles, including taking the rubbish out (of the bin one piece at a time), opening doors by herself to introduce herself to the members of the adjoining gym) and security (she picks and chooses who is good enough to enter the office).
“She loves cuddles — we call them meetings — and makes us all smile, but her biggest asset is the number of micro breaks she makes us all take due to the many ‘meetings’ we all have with Olive during the day. She is an integral part of the office team,” said Anna.
Frog Recruitment managing director Shannon Barlow says dogs like Norman highlight the variety and breadth of the important jobs our canine colleagues are enlisted to do.
“This year’s shortlist reveals the unique value that dogs play when they have a job; these dogs are vitally important to our economy because their canine abilities help to control pests in our regional parks, secure our borders from biohazards, or perform search and rescues to save human lives.
“It’s well researched that dogs in the workplace also have a positive impact on mental health and morale and can improve productivity and reduce absenteeism. This annual competition was established to celebrate working dogs and dogs at work.
“It’s fantastic that we have such a huge range of dogs in the line-up — it shows that our canine friends really are ‘man’s best friend’.”
NZ’S Top Dog is organised by Frog Recruitment, Indeed and Jetpark Hotels. Judging will be undertaken by Frog, Jetpark and dog trainer and animal behaviourist Pauline Blomfield.
The winners of each category will receive a prize package worth $1000 including the illustrious Top Dog trophy. Runners-up will also receive a pack of goodies for their pet pooches. —