In a celebration of extraordinary canine talents and their incredible contributions to various fields, people2people Recruitment is thrilled to announce the winners of the highly anticipated #OZTOPDOG competition for 2023, held in partnership with the global hiring platform, Indeed. This unique competition shines a spotlight on dogs across Australia who have taken on important roles and responsibilities,
showcasing their unmatched dedication and skills.
The competition featured two distinct categories – the Top Dog with a Job Award and the Top Office Dog Award, plus the ever-popular People’s Choice Award which garnered over 20,000 votes this year. Each category celebrated the incredible abilities of dogs in their respective domains, whether they are working diligently to assist humans or providing comfort in the workplace
#OZTOPDOG – Top Dog with a Job Award:
Winner – Baloo – Labrador – Medical Alert Assistance Dog from Ipswich, QLD: Baloo has secured the top spot in this category for his exceptional contributions. Owner Dani and Baloo have showcased an exemplary partnership, highlighting the invaluable role that service dogs play in enhancing and saving the lives of their owners.
1st Runner-up – Dr. Sam – Shetland Sheepdog – Royal North Shore Hospital from Sydney, NSW: Dr. Sam’s dedication to the patients and staff at the Royal North Shore Hospital has earned him the runner-up position. Robyn and Dr. Sam’s unwavering commitment to healthcare has not gone unnoticed.
2nd Runner-up – Joey – Working Line Springer Spaniel – Sydney Water from Sydney, NSW: Joey’s remarkable role at Sydney Water, under the care of Nicole, has earned him the third runner-up position. His contributions to water safety and awareness are truly commendable.
#OZTOPDOG – Top Office Dog Award:
Winner – Violet – Staffordshire Bull Terrier – Vet Call from Caroline Springs, VIC: Violet’s victory in this category holds a special significance due to the high suicide rates among veterinarians. Violet, under Gloria’s care, symbolises the importance of mental health awareness in the veterinary field.
1st Runner-up – Zard – Australian Shepherd – Leading Real Estate Sunbury Pty Ltd from Sunbury VIC: Zard’s recognition as a runner-up highlights the challenges faced by dogs in workplaces due to restrictions on their presence. Tiffany and Zard’s success underscores the need for pet-friendly policies.
2nd Runner-up – Koko – Miniature Australian Bulldog – Archipelago from Brisbane QLD: Koko’s role at Archipelago, alongside Julie, showcases the positive impact of dogs in office environments. Their presence fosters a conducive and uplifting atmosphere for employees.
#OZTOPDOG – People’s Choice Award:
Winner – Kyah: German Shepherd from Karnup, WA: Kyah has saved her owner’s life multiple times, prevented self-harm and kept her safe. Kyah not only supports and helps her owner but also visits aged care and disability homes where she shares her golden heart and brings so much happiness to everyone.
1st Runner-up – Piglet: French Bulldog from Caloundra, QLD: Piglet goes to work every day at her owner’s dog boutique and grooming salon and customers regularly pop in if they’re having a bad day or just need a dog fix. She has helped other dogs learn how to swim, has been in newspapers, modelling gigs and on TV.
2nd Runner-up – Luna: Keeshond from Launceston, TAS: Luna has spent the last 6 years working alongside her owner providing mental health therapy for kids experiencing severe and complex mental illness. She was the first dog to be officially accepted to work in the Tasmanian Health Service back in early 2018.
“We are immensely proud to honour these incredible dogs and their owners for their outstanding contributions,” said Catherine Kennedy from people2people Recruitment. “This competition not only recognises the exceptional skills of these dogs but also sheds light on the meaningful roles they play in various aspects of our lives.”
The #OZTOPDOG competition would not have been possible without the valued partnership of Indeed, the global hiring platform that understands the significance of pets in the workplace and beyond.
Indeed’s Marketing Director Rachael Townsley says, “Research from Indeed revealed that 30% of Australians adopted a pet in the last three years. And the most enthusiastic pet adopters are millennials with 50 per cent of them owning a pet, compared to just 17% of baby boomers. Given the proven positive impact dogs have on people inside and outside of the workplace, we’re thrilled to have been a part of this meaningful initiative.”
people2people is an Australasian recruitment company built on an established reputation for providing professional and personalised recruitment services since early 2005. At people2people recruitment, their focus is on identifying potential today to build careers and businesses of tomorrow. Recruitment expertise includes accounting & finance, business support, executive, government, human resources, legal, marketing & digital, property, sales, supply chain management and technology.
