Meet Bruce
Breed: Rescue
Barking from: Auckland
What's up dog?
Bruce was a rescue found at 5 months old running scared through South Auckland. His Mum and Dad adopted him from death row in June 2018 and since then he has been an integral part of his family. When Mum started a new job in June 2022, Bruce also started his career as the Office gentle giant. He joined the team of 6 employees plus Pippy the 16 year old Labradoodle and Lilibet the 4 month old Miniature Fox Terrier. His day to day work varies from distracting an over stimulated puppy, protecting his old friend from said over stimulated puppy, human stress relief, alerting the office to the courier arriving, being best and biggest cow rug in the smallest office and ensuring all crumbs are swept up after lunch. He uses his 50kgs to lean on anyone he feels needs to give him pats, but also thinks he’s a 4kg Foxy like Lilibet and squeezes under the lunch table.
He has even been promoted to warehouse support which includes being a spotter when mums on the forklift, positioning himself at the front door for compulsory pats from all visitors, greeting everyone who shares our 18 unit warehouse complex (he even knows more people here than his mum does!) and sunbathing when possible in the middle of the carpark. He’s even made his own dog friends within the warehouse complex who turn up weekly for a playdate. Wendi from accounts says “I look forward to the mornings Bruce gallops up the stairs and bops me for his morning pat. He relieves any stress I may be feeling straight away and ensures that I take my breaks (when he wants a treat or needs to go toilet!)”
Madi from Marketing says “At lunchtime he gathers us all together around the table and makes us feel united as a team and like there’s no need to worry about dropping food on the floor”
Jerome the Director says “From day one Bruce and I have had a special bond as being the only males in the company. He’s my four-legged best mate and we love some rough and tumble play followed by a good cuddle”
Maree the Warehouse Manager says “Seeing Bruce bound into the warehouse in the morning brings a huge smile to my face and the best thing is I can see its reciprocated on his face too!”
We cannot imagine our workplace without any dog, let alone Bruce he just uplifts us all every single day."
2025 NZ Top Office Dog Award
Judging and criteria
Purpose
Whether they’re curled up under a desk, joining video calls from home, or making the rounds in the office, dogs have an incredible impact on workplace wellbeing. This award celebrates the ultimate four-legged teammate — a dog that brings joy, calm, and connection to the people they work alongside. From tail wags and morning greetings to emotional support and midday walk breaks, we’re looking for a canine who truly lifts workplace spirits.
Reach
Does your dog support one dedicated human, or boost the mood of an entire team? Tell us who benefits from their presence — whether they’re a loyal work-from-home companion or the unofficial office mascot.
Impact
How has your dog made a difference? Share how they’ve improved mental health, lifted team morale, or contributed to a more positive workplace culture. Include specific examples or stories of their impact.
Quirks and Talents
Every top dog has something that makes them special. What’s their signature trait? Do they have a unique talent, quirky habit, or an unspoken superpower that sets them apart?
