An Ode to the Office Pup: Sneeze-Hating, Cheeseburger-Sniffing Dogs Who “Poop like T-Rexes”
The day offices allowed for ping pong tables was the same day that classic office rules went flying out the window. Office dogs soon followed.
Here’s a handful of the industry’s best boys and good girls who will bring some respite during busy days and inspire creatives to play.
Dutch, Bear Meets Eagle On Fire
Dutch is a beautiful black Labrador who bounds around the BMEOF office and brings a smile to the faces of all who see him.
Creative director Mark Carbone will tell you that "he poops like a T-Rex,” while senior producer Emma Wright believes he’s incredibly nice,a bringer of happiness and unconditional affection.
Founder Micah Walker says, “Dutch is a big time good boy who brings magic, handsomeness, and snuggles to everyone at Bear Meets Eagle On Fire. He's five metres tall, sitting.”
Patsy, Truce
Four-year-old Patsy might be a miniature Dachshund, however, her impact on the Truce office is massive. A lover of chicken, Patsy spends her time inspiring the office to go outside, have patience, and enjoy some dopamine during long work days.
Partner and executive producer Elise Trenorden describes her as a “sassy sausage and a loving clown”, but Patsy takes her role as CBO (chief barking officer) very seriously, ruling over her humans and fellow hounds with an iron paw. She is a firm hater of rain, and her favourite pastime is hoping someone drops their food at lunch time.
“Patsy’s personality is larger than life—she’s a total brat with a flair for drama and a heart of gold,” adds Elise.
Cooper, Truce
Cooper is a twelve year old Border Collie x Terrier. Cooper is the quiet and well behaved K9 friend. All he needs is a bed, or anything that resembles a bed and he will happily nuzzle under the blankets to get some shut eye.
He doesn’t mind a gallop up and down the wooden floor boards, eyeing off your lunch, or a quick wee on a pot plant out the front. As CHO (chief hydration officer) the echo of his bowl licks ring down Glasshouse Road, sending production staff his way in a flurry to ensure he has enough water to quench his thirst.
Coopers calming temperament is often sought after in the pressure cooker production environment, especially when a brief lands at 3pm on a Friday, the Don White weather report comes in, or that location you loved has sent through their quote.
Trudeau, Producible
Very sadly, Trudeau has passed away, but this Golden Retriever deserves a posthumous celebration for the legacy he’s left at Producible.
Trudeau was a room wanderer and must-have addition at any meeting, described as an “elder statesman” and a constant winner of Employee of the Month. He inspired everyone in the office to be the person their dog thinks they are.
“He seriously disliked sneezes and could hear one from anywhere in the building,” says Marc Collister, managing director at Producible.
“It was widely known, so whenever someone sneezed it was quickly followed by a shout of ‘sorry Trudeau!’ regardless of where he was. While his role was undefined, he insisted on attending every meeting (unless sleeping). If one started without him, and the door was closed, he would give one very sharp bark to be let in. Once the door was opened, he would come in and curl up in the corner. Then the meeting could truly begin.”
Maggie, Mosaic
Maggie, a toy Cavoodle, might only weigh five kilograms, but her bark and bite leave a lasting impact. She is “the office’s pint-sized powerhouse”, according to owner and partner at Mosaic, Bill Doig.
Maggie is the epitome of Shakespeare’s ‘though she be but little, she is fierce,’ with a reputation for snarling, drooling, and the ability to sniff out a cheeseburger from a mile away. Her role in the office is essential, due to her previous training with the Navy SEALs (which she prefers not to talk about). Maggie has the ability to distinguish between a good idea and a great one with the smallest head tilt.
“She might command respect with her fierce persona, but she also brings a unique blend of expertise and affection,” Bill explains.
“Whether she’s sniffing out snacks or offering her creative opinion, Maggie’s unique combination of terror and talent makes her an unforgettable part of our team.”
Domino, Howatson+Company
A Labradoodle named Domino has been a core part of the Howatson+Company team for two and a half years. His role can be described as client-greeter, delivery man-hater, and toy-destroyer. Domino is no stranger to the camera, as the resident PR model for Petbarn. He has appeared in newspapers and on breakfast TV modelling the latest trends in puppy fashion.
“His cleverness extends to sensing and alleviating creative blocks through long stretches against you and tummy rubs,” says Ben Handberg, head of PR and Domino’s owner.
Chris Howatson, the agency’s founder and CEO, is very prone to giving Domino a few pieces of bacon from the H+Co omelette station, so naturally, his dad is monitoring his sodium levels as part of workplace wellbeing.
Charlie, Motion Sickness
Charlie, a Labrador x Golden Retriever Cross is three years old. As a pup she was put on steroids which stunted her growth making her appear to have no knees.
She is perpetually puppy sized and a lover of all things Motion Sickness. Unfortunately she does often distract those working, and inspires productivity within the staff. Couriers fear her, but they don’t hang around long enough to find out her true nature… Charlie doesn’t seem to mind though.
LJ, Paper Moose
At fifteen years old, LJ is no ordinary office dog but rather a a legend. LJ, the dachshund, chihuahua, and terrier mix has rightfully earned his place as the grumpy yet lovable heart of the office. LJ is known for his signature "Do Not Pet" vest and has a no-nonsense attitude toward unexpected pats. With only five teeth left, his bark is far more aggressive then his bite.
LJ joined Paper Moose with Brad Bennett, the head of client success.
"While it took two years for him to warm up to the staff, LJ now allows a select few to cuddle him—on his terms, of course. His discerning taste was further showcased during a company “Pinot and Paint” night, where LJ chose the winning portrait of himself, styled as the iconic Girl with the Pearl Earring. With his grumpy charm, LJ has become the unofficial company mascot, starring in all-staff photos, owning a dedicated Slack channel and winning the hearts of clients and coworkers alike. Whether he's sleeping through meetings or begging for bits of your chicken sandwich during lunch, LJ is a beloved figure in the office, embodying both wisdom and wit in every pawstep," said Brad.
