Home » News » Maple in with a chance to bring home the bacon

Maple in with a chance to bring home the bacon

Epping toy spoodle, Maple, is in the running to be named a top dog.

In its fifth year, OZTOPDOG celebrates the incredible dogs who bring joy, comfort, and camaraderie to offices and home workspaces across the nation.

From loyal office companions to hardworking service dogs, the finalists work hard to make the workplace a happier, healthier place.

This year’s theme, ‘Dogs at Work’, highlights the growing role of canine colleagues in reducing workplace stress, improving morale, and combating isolation.

Maple is in the running for 2025’s top office dog as she accompanies her owner to the office to “brighten people’s day, lift the mood of staff, patients and even the postman”, at the Australian Prostate Centre.

“Our patients are predominantly men affected by prostate cancer, and Maple offers a welcome distraction in what can often be a stressful and emotional environment,” Maple’s owner Olivia O’Carroll said.

“Maple has been coming to work with me for about two years now. She knows the lay of the land so well and gets extremely excited waiting for the lift to open up on our level! All the staff love seeing Maples’ little happy face greeting them at reception.”

But work never stops for Maple when it comes to lifting people’s spirits.

“Whether she’s walking on her lead or being carried like a baby she always gets smiles from passers-by. Maple lights up everyone’s day! She is very much a member of the family, and although not on the books, she’s also a valued staff member at APC,” Ms O’Carroll said.

Winners will be announced Wednesday, August 27.

To vote go to: https://www.people2people.com.au/oztopdog

Digital Editions


  • Demons’ ready for challenge

    Demons’ ready for challenge

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 507983 Mernda is hoping to lock in a win this Saturday and with it a spot in at least…

More News

  • New toolkit to help women report abuse in sport

    New toolkit to help women report abuse in sport

    Australian women face significant risk when disclosing gender-based violence in sport and quite often receive inadequate or harmful responses according to new research from La Trobe Univeristy. The research project,…

  • Celebrity alcohol ads slip into teens’ Insta feeds

    Celebrity alcohol ads slip into teens’ Insta feeds

    Celebrities are promoting their own alcohol products on Instagram without a clear disclosure of advertising content and almost all posts are visible to underage users, according to new research from…

  • Funding to improve road safety across Victoria

    Funding to improve road safety across Victoria

    Victorian community organisations and groups will get a total of $600,000 in grants from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) to develop and implement local road safety projects. The funding, part…

  • Multicultural health committee expanded

    Multicultural health committee expanded

    Victoria’s Multicultural Health Advisory Committee has been expanded in an effort to make the state’s health system more inclusive and increasingly diverse. Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas unveiled the strengthened and…

  • NFL coming to Melbourne

    NFL coming to Melbourne

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 178232 The National Football League has confirmed that the San Francisco 49ers will play the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in…

  • Footy films initiative returns

    Footy films initiative returns

    Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF), AFL, and VicScreen have announced that Footy Shorts will return in 2026. The first Footy Shorts lineup proved a winner with audiences, reaching more than…

  • Big boost for Bundoora

    Big boost for Bundoora

    Bundoora United has received a massive boost ahead of the Victorian Premier League women’s competition. After finishing third last season and making the grand final, the side is aiming to…

  • Multicultural bazaar supports diverse entrepreneurs

    Multicultural bazaar supports diverse entrepreneurs

    The Australian Multicultural Community Centre (AUSMCC) hosted its annual multicultural bazaar in Roxburgh Park on 11 February, celebrating culture and entrepreneurship. The event brought together emerging entrepreneurs, established business owners,…

  • Jumpstarting young driving journeys

    Jumpstarting young driving journeys

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 228084 A new program will help young people from refugee backgrounds learn to drive. Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne announced the…

  • Out and about

    Out and about

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 532105 Each week Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing events and people across the Macedon Ranges, Hume and Whittlesea.