Sophie the Poodle from Hindmarsh Island and Orca the Dalmatian from Angle Park are in the running to be named Australia’s Top Dog at the 2024 OZ Top Dog Awards. Nominations have now closed, and out of nearly 300 entries, 20 finalists have been chosen for the Top Office Dog and Top Dog with a Job judged categories.
This is the now the fourth year of the contest, which celebrates the joy and support that our furry friends bring to the workplace. The awards highlight the important role pets play in reducing stress, benefiting well-being, and improving mental health.
To bring some stats to it – according to people2people’s recent Dogs at Work Survey, 90% of pet owners prefer working in a pet-friendly office, and 75% of workplaces have seen reduced employee turnover since becoming pet-friendly.
About Sophie – Top Office Dog – Hindmarsh Island:
Sophie is a MindDog, providing comfort and support to her owner during difficult times. When her owner faces depression or stress, Sophie is there to offer solace, pressing her head against them and providing physical comfort. Sophie’s empathetic nature extends to others, offering support to those in need. Her owner shares, “Sophie has literally saved my life, and I would truly be lost without her. I am never alone.”
About Orca – Top Dog with a Job – Angle Park:
Orca is an Urban Search and Rescue K9, trained to locate and assist individuals in disaster situations such as earthquakes, floods, and explosions. Orca’s role is important for community safety, as trained rescue dogs like him can find and help victims quickly in emergencies. Orca’s handler says: “This job is an important one for every single person in the community. You never know when there will be a rock slide, earthquake, explosion etc. If you get caught in this, Orca is trained to find and save you.”
people2people Recruitment Managing Director Catherine Kennedy adds: “The incredible benefits that dogs bring to our lives and mental well-being are extraordinary. Their ability to lift spirits, boost morale, and foster team unity has become even more significant with the rise of remote work. There’s no better companion than a dog to enhance workplace well-being.”
The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Friday August 30th at 12:30pm, with the event livestreamed across LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube. Public voting for the People’s Choice Award is now open and will continue until 9am on August 30th at oztopdog.com.au.