Meet Ringo
Breed: Pug Chihuahua X
Barking from: Timaru
What's up dog?
Ringo has been a therapy dog for St Johns therapy pet programme, for a year and half now.
He was assigned to Glenwood rest home, Timaru in 2022, and has made a positive impact on residents there, visiting regularly. He is a funny wee character who makes the residents smile a lot - through his love for pats and affection.
Ringo has a very caring nature and easily adapts to each resident's needs - he can sense if a resident isn’t feeling great and he will just sit with them while they pat him. He has even fallen asleep on one of the residents laps, he was that relaxed with them.
One time a resident was having a really rough time with various pain and feeling unwell - Ringo just sat there on the arm of the chair, while she fussed over him and gave him cuddles. At the end of the visit, she was smiling.
My favourite part of every visit is seeing their faces light up when they see him - seeing how much my gorgeous boy lights up their faces, just like he has with me. He does so much for my mental health, which is why I knew he would be a perfect therapy pet.
Ringo adores the residents- as soon as he sees his Therapy pet bandana (his uniform), he knows we are headed to the rest home to see his friends, and he starts barking excitedly - and as small as he is, he's very strong when his pulls me into the doors of the rest home, desperately wanting to go in and see his friends.
Seeing the interactions between Ringo and the residents has had a really positive impact on me too - no matter how tough my day has been, seeing how happy he makes the residents at Glenwood, and how happy they make him, really brightens my day.
He really is a Top dog.
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.
