Meet Ploddy
Breed: Mixed
Barking from: Napier
What's up dog?
Ploddy was a recidivist Pound offender as he kept escaping multiple homes due to his love of people and especially kids. He didn't like the idea of being left home alone during the day. He wasn't claimed by his original family, nor being a pedigree or the smallest or prettiest fellow you ever met, he wasn't adopted either, so came to us as a rescue foster dog.After fostering him for a few months we realised that a dog with such a smiley face and calm disposition (hence the name Ploddy) would be a great permanent fit for our busy household. Given his love of children and gentle and calm nature we thought he'd also make a great service dog. After all the behavioural assessments etc., where he was the only non-pedigree and ex-pound dog, he was placed at a local primary school where he is part of their reading programme. Children are selected for the programme based on their love and dogs and also requiring some extra reading practice. Ploddy is exceptionally calm and not entirely prone to outbursts of energy so loves greeting the kids and having a pat, followed by a prolonged period of listening to them read to him (i.e., falling asleep). He's been known to snore and also fart audibly in the library both to the amusement of the readers. In the time the kids have been reading to him, both their confidence and reading abilities have improved significantly.Other kids in the school also see him in the playground and know his name and get excited to see him (which is obviously reciprocated). It's fantastic that Ploddy not only managed to escape the Pound's death row, but has gone on to use his loving and calm nature to be a service to kids within our community.
2025 NZ People's Choice Award
We believe no dog should be left behind.
Every dog entered into the competition is automatically in the running for the 2025 People’s Choice Award — and the winner will be decided by you, the public.
This year, we’re giving the aroha back to our communities.
Each year, our campaign is supported by a number of incredible charities across Aotearoa that work tirelessly to improve the lives of dogs and people alike. In 2025, we’re shining a spotlight on these organisations and the vital mahi they do.
As part of the voting process, every voter will have the chance to donate to our amazing mental health or dog-focused charities.
It’s your vote, your voice, and your opportunity to make a difference.
