Meet Ploddy

Breed: Napier

Barking from: Reading With Children

Job Title: Mixed

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 Top Dog with a Job Award

Judging and criteria

Purpose

This award recognises a working dog that goes above and beyond to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Whether supporting people or fellow animals, this dog’s daily efforts help improve wellbeing, provide support, or create meaningful change in their community.

Reach

Does your dog make a difference in the life of one individual, or do they support an entire group, workplace, or community? Tell us who they help and how far their support reaches.

Impact

What kind of impact does your dog have in their role? Share how they’ve enhanced wellbeing, supported mental health, or improved the lives of those around them