Meet Koji

2025 Australia Top Dog with a Job finalist

Meet Koji

2025 Australia Top Dog with a Job finalist

Koji

Breed:Swiss Shepherd

Barking from:WA

Job title:Assistance Dog for mobility

What's up dog?

4 years before the arrival of my dog Koji, I lost my son. It had a devastating impact on my life, but I didn't realise how cut off from the world I was until I met Koji. As I held this small polar bear looking pup in my hands, my heart couldn't help but heal a little. I had bought this little bundle to train as my service dog, to help me deal with a painful back injury that was stopping me from living a normal life. But Koji became so much more than that.
He doesn't just bring my shoes or let me lean on him when I can't walk suddenly. With his big personality, his ridiculous ways and his talkative antics he has helped me laugh again and rejoin the world in a way I never thought possible both physically and emotionally.
Because of him I can now help train other dogs to become the best versions of themselves. Koji helps me rehabilitate reactive dogs that others have given up on, to accept a dog's presence and learn to play again. And he helps anxious dogs out of their shell. He's always by my side doing his part in making my life, owner's and their dog's lives better in every way.
He is the ultimate working dog.
He is truly one of a kind.

2025 OZ Top Dog with a Job

Purpose

This award recognises a working dog that goes above and beyond to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Whether supporting people or fellow animals, this dog’s daily efforts help improve wellbeing, provide support, or create meaningful change in their community.


Reach

Does your dog make a difference in the life of one individual, or do they support an entire group, workplace, or community? Tell us who they help and how far their support reaches.


Impact

What kind of impact does your dog have in their role? Share how they’ve enhanced wellbeing, supported mental health, or improved the lives of those around them