Meet Pico
Breed: Golden Retriever
Barking from: Te Atatu Peninsula, Auckland
What's up dog?
Pico is our full-time lawn supervisor, part-time smoko thief, and unofficial mayor of every street we mow on. He doesn't touch a lawnmower (obviously), but reckons he's the backbone of the entire Mow Monster empire. He rides shotgun like he owns the ute, judging traffic and occasionally farting just to remind you who's boss. His main job is to greet clients like long-lost besties, photobomb before-and-after pics, and roll in any freshly mowed grass like it's his personal spa treatment. Pico's presence boosts team morale instantly. No one stays grumpy when there's a golden retriever running around with a chunk of hedge in his mouth like it's a prized possession. If someone's having a rough day, he'll sit beside them, put a paw on their leg, and then sneeze directly into their coffee. Emotional support? Sort of. He also has an uncanny ability to detect smoko break time within a 30-second window. Doesn't matter what you're eating it's his now. He's made kids laugh, grumpy neighbours smile, and even convinced a courier to sit down for a cuddle mid-delivery. One time he ate a client's jandal and somehow got away with it. That's the power of the fluff. So no, Pico doesn't "work in the traditional sense. But he brings joy, chaos, muddy pawprints, and more love than any spreadsheet can measure. And if you ask him, he is Top Dog we're just lucky to be on his payroll. Pico has the magical ability to make everyone feel like they've just won a prize usually in the form of a golden fluffball to the face. Kids, tradies, clients, the postie, random strangers on the footpath he greets them all like they've just come back from war. He's made grumpy neighbours smile (one even invited him inside mid-job for a biscuit and a cuddle we didn't get the same invite). He's stopped full conversations on the street just by existing. People don't say "Hi they say "OMG is that Pico?! like he's a celebrity. Which, to be fair, he absolutely believes. At jobs, he's the ultimate icebreaker. Clients open the door to see his goofy grin and wagging tail, and suddenly they're telling us stories about their own dogs, their kids, their granddad's farm dog from 1983. He turns small talk into real talk usually while rolling in something suspicious. He also has an emotional radar like no other. If you're having a bad day, he'll sit next to you quietly... then sneeze in your lap or rest his head dramatically like he's in a soap opera. It's ridiculous and it helps every time. Whether it's cheering people up, causing a scene at the park, or offering emotional support with a side of chaos, Pico leaves muddy pawprints on hearts (and car seats) wherever he goes. He's not just a good boy he's the unofficial mascot, client magnet, emotional support unit and CEO of Mow Monster. We just mow the lawns, he runs the show.
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.
