Working dogs of Nelson

Imagine walking into work and being greeted not by emails and deadlines – but by wagging tails and happy woofs. Having dogs in the office isn’t just adorable; it’s actually good for business! From reducing stress to boosting morale, it’s no wonder more workplaces are going pet-friendly. Meet some of our four-legged friends ruling the workplaces of Nelson.

Photos: Tessa Claus

Name: Whio and Jamie Smith
Breed: Border collie
Workplace: Kiln Studio
This four-legged legend has swapped herding for hanging out in a clay studio, where his main duties include greeting visitors and napping on the job. In fact, he’s so well-known around town that people recognise him before they recognise his owner, Jamie! Ever the helpful citizen, he even presses pedestrian crossing buttons with his paw – because why should humans do all the work? He may not get his paws dirty with clay, but as the studio’s official greeter, he’s an essential part of the creative team.

Name: Lunar and Ginny Visser
Breed: Dark red kelpie, New Zealand heading dog cross
Workplace: Photo One
Lunar isn’t just a shop dog – she’s the main attraction! Customers often pop in just to see her, though she’s usually busy… napping. She gets her daily stroll down Railway Reserve but really perks up at the word coffee – code for a trip across the road to Coffee on Queen, where Emma or Toni always have a treat ready. Lunar also has a few favourite customers, always recognising their voices and trotting out for a special greeting!

Name: Esky and Dylan Campbell
Breed: Mini dachshund
Workplace: KC & CO Real Estate
Esky is a proud member of the KC & Co. Real Estate team and a firm favourite among clients, who often walk in asking, “Is Esky here today?” He’s a pro at spreading joy, sparking conversations, and, most importantly, demanding cuddles – unless it’s cold, in which case prying him from his beloved pumpkin bed is a challenge. As Head of Security, he takes his duties very seriously, especially when new (male) visitors arrive. But when it’s work time, he respectfully entertains himself – usually with a toy or chewie, though his beloved pig gets extra special attention.

Name: Shino and Logan Ursell
Breed: Australian stumpy tail cattle dog, fox terrier cross
Workplace: Arden
Meet Arden’s official window protector. This pup takes his job seriously, guarding the front window from any wouldbe glass-touchers with utmost focus. He’s also in charge of overseeing deliveries and making sure everything runs smoothly while the team sets up. And when the cameras come out, he’s always ready to strike a pose – because who can resist such a handsome helper? As the unofficial mascot of Arden, he’s got the perfect balance of work ethic and charm. He might just be the most photogenic team member!

Name: Millie and Jaeren Claus
Breed: Cavoodle
Workplace: Claus Built
Millie has two great loves in life: people and comfy spots to sit. She wasn’t exactly planned, but when owner of Claus Built, Jaeren Claus built a house for a man whose dog, Henry, had a litter, one puppy photo later… Millie had a home. Now, she’s a regular on the worksite, unfazed by nail guns and drop saws, always keeping a close eye on the action. After greeting the crew, she settles into her folding chair or the front seat of the truck – watching, supervising, and waiting for the next visitor.

Name: Charlie and Sarah Board
Breed: Spoodle
Workplace: Top South Media
This little office mischief-maker knows how to keep things lively. When he’s in a playful mood, he’ll “borrow” something from a rubbish bin just to start a game of chase. A regular in the boardroom, he insists on sitting on Sarah’s knee – because being too far away isn’t an option. Or if she’s out of office he carefully selects whose lap is worthy of his presence, making sure only the finest seats (and humans) will do. Whether stirring up chaos or demanding VIP cuddles, he’s a beloved part of the team – because every office needs a bit of mischief and a lot of puppy love!

Name: George and Mani Pradham
Breed: Border collie, staffy, huntaway cross
Workplace: Nelson Environment Centre
There’s one team member who steals the show at Nelson Environment Centre – George! This big, soft-hearted boy is loyal to everyone, from tiny tots to regular customers. Convinced he’s more human than dog, he loves skateboarding, shaking hands, and – most importantly – demanding attention. If you don’t notice him, don’t worry – he’ll jump on the counter to fix that! But his heart belongs to his dad, Mani, and if Mani’s out of sight, let’s just say… things get dramatic. With his larger-than life personality, George keeps the shop full of smiles, cuddles, and endless tail wags!

Name: Poppie and Tony White
Breed: English springer spaniel
Workplace: Tasman Watercare
Poppie, nearly four, is the ultimate water truck co-pilot, clocking 14-hour days, six days a week – though her real job is being ridiculously lovable. She just has to say hello to everyone, even when it’s wildly inconvenient. She’s also a bit of a mischief-maker – like the time she took an unsanctioned dip in a client’s duck pond, filling the truck with the unmistakable aroma of damp dog. Or the day she was accidently left behind (don’t worry, she was swiftly retrieved!). Despite her antics, Poppie is pure joy and the best workmate anyone could ask for – mud, mischief, and all!

Name: Tyson and Sandy Neiman
Breed: English staffy
Workplace: Mobil Stoke Automotive and Commercial
Tyson is the resident star at Mobil Stoke Automotive and Commercial. Known for greeting customers with a wag of his tail, he’s often found sitting under Sandy’s desk, keeping an eye on office matters. Though not quite a lap dog, Tyson may claim your lap if you sit down to wait – because who wouldn’t want a staffy-sized cuddle? When he’s not supervising Sandy’s paperwork, Tyson can be found hanging out in the workshop, making sure the mechanics stay on track. And if you drag a car jack across the room, get ready – Tyson’s got beef with it and will chase it down, barking all the way! But don’t let his bark fool you – while it sounds fierce, it’s all show; his heart of gold is what really shines through.

Name: Jasper, Bailey and Brad Jose
Breed: Jasper: Beardie cross. Bailey: Collie
Workplace: Results Gym
Jasper and Bailey have clocked up the hours – going to work with Brad every day since he’s had them. Jasper still chases the ball each morning, with Bailey helping to find it if needed. As Jasper gets a bit anxious, Brad ties them together to keep him settled where they’ve claimed their own cosy spot in the gym to lie together. Brad says clients love their “dog fix,” often petting them during warm-ups or cooldowns. One even came in just to pet the dogs and leave, telling the owner it was her way of telling her husband she went to the gym! With research showing that petting dogs can lower blood pressure and heart rate, these two are an essential part of the wellness experience.

Name: Pixie and Annie Pokel
Breed: Huntaway, border collie, labrador cross
Workplace: Nelson Arts Festival office
Office morale officer, fetch enthusiast, and all-around good girl – this six-year-old SPCA rescue is the heart of the workplace! Pixie arrives each morning after a brisk run alongside the bike, ready to spread joy. Whether lounging on her office bed, making the rounds for pats, or enforcing regular walk breaks, she takes her wellbeing ambassador role very seriously. Her favourite networking tactic? Gifting people sticks or rocks in exchange for a game of fetch. With a tail that never stops wagging, it’s no wonder she’s the undisputed Employee of the Month – every single month!

Name: Kona and Johann Jenkinson
Breed: Coltriever
Workplace: The Bike Station
Kona (yes, like the bike brand – she’s got a need for speed) has been Johann’s trusty sidekick at The Bike Station since she was a four-month-old pup. Now, at the wise old age of two, she zooms alongside his bike commute, supervises test rides with a wag of approval, and graciously accepts belly rubs from her adoring fans. Saturdays are dedicated to agility training (because being fast and fancy is important), but when she’s off the clock, you’ll find her hitting the trails, sprinting through the mountains, and expertly sniffing out snacks like a four-legged detective.

Name: Nelson and Jo Dippie
Breed: Hungarian Vizsla
Workplace: Page & Blackmore
Nelson, the beloved bookshop dog of Page & Blackmore has visitors from all over, including China, come in asking, “Is Nelson here?” – sometimes on the recommendation of friends who’ve met him before. This literary pup has even made his mark in two coffee table books: Bookshop Dogs and Bold Types, where his photo appears. Nelson has personally “signed” both  with his paw print, making him a true bookshop celebrity. Whether greeting customers or lounging among the shelves, he’s a star attraction in his own right!

Name: Herbie and Hayley Webley
Breed: Ponsky
Workplace: Tyre World Richmond
Every workplace needs a good supervisor – someone to keep an eye on things, boost morale, and occasionally remind you to take a break. In the Tyre World workshop, that role belongs to boss Herbie, who takes “working like a dog” very literally. From a prime position behind the desk (a.k.a. the executive nap station), this dedicated supervisor monitors all activity with one eye open – sometimes. Quality control? Check. Workplace safety? As long as no one disturbs the nap schedule. Sure, there’s a lot of sleeping on the job, but hey, someone’s got to set a good work-life balance example!

Name: Rosie and Matt Lawrey
Breed: Staffadore
Workplace: Bike Hub Nelson
Rosie is the official greeter and morale booster at Bike Hub Nelson. She’s in charge of welcoming everyone with a wagging tail, cleaning up scone and croissant crumbs (a very important job), and making sure no one leaves without feeling valued. When she’s not keeping the place running smoothly, you’ll catch her indulging in her unusual habit of “smoking” sticks like they’re cigars. Whether she’s greeting customers or overseeing the snack situation, Rosie’s pawsitively essential to the team’s success and keeps everyone smiling throughout the day!

Name: Cola and Kate Donaldson
Breed: Pug
Workplace: Donaldson Civil
Cola takes her job at Donaldson Civil very seriously – especially her 4-6 hour post-breakfast nap. But don’t be fooled! This snoozy sweetheart has ninja-level hearing. Open a bag of chips down the hall, and she’ll materialise at your feet in seconds, working her best puppy-dog eyes for a snack. When she’s not perfecting the art of persuasion, she’s serenading the office, with Toxic by Britney Spears being her top hit – though she’s usually back to snoring before the song ends. And her bark? Think ‘pack-a-day’ smoker – husky, raspy, and hilariously unimpressed, even at peak outrage.