A local Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Maggie has earned the prestigious title of Australia’s Top Office Dog in the OZTOPDOG 2024 competition, much to the delight of her owner, Emily Smith, and her colleagues.
Maggie came into Smith’s life this past June when her previous owner could no longer care for her. Smith, a Penrith resident, didn’t hesitate to take her in. “They asked if anyone who knew her could take care of her, and I immediately said, ‘Yes!’” Smith recalled.
Though Smith works remotely for an online youth mental health organization, and Maggie isn’t a traditional office dog, her presence has become a vital part of the team’s dynamic. Maggie regularly joins virtual meetings, where her appearance and playful sounds lift the spirits of Smith’s coworkers.
“The nature of my work can be emotionally challenging, and working from home makes it harder to find moments of relief that you might get in a physical office,” said Smith. “Having Maggie with me helps a lot – I can take breaks with her, go for walks, and it’s a reminder that I’m not alone.”
Smith discovered the OZTOPDOG competition earlier this year and saw it as a perfect platform to highlight the positive impact dogs like Maggie have on remote work environments. She was both surprised and thrilled when Maggie was declared the winner last week.
“I didn’t expect us to win, but I entered hoping it could raise awareness about how much animals can improve mental health for those working from home,” Smith said. “It’s incredible that they recognized her influence even through a screen. We often hear about the role animals play in helping people in need, but less about their effect on those providing support.”
In addition to celebrating Maggie’s win, Smith hopes the recognition will help improve the reputation of Staffies as a breed. “They’re incredibly loving and intuitive – they sense emotions and are a joy to have around,” she said. “People often don’t realize just how affectionate they are. They’re really just big babies.”
Maggie’s win not only underscores the value of having pets in a work-from-home setting but also shines a light on the essential role dogs can play in boosting morale and mental health for entire teams, even in a virtual workplace.
