Dogs Were Built for This
Whether we’re talking about police dogs, bird dogs, lap dogs, or wolf dogs, they are all still just delicious puppy dawgs, in the end. Their instincts compel them to zealously protect, love, and genuinely connect on a deep level with their owners. Dogs are not only “woman’s best friend”, but they’ve been working hard alongside us for hundreds, maybe, thousands of years helping us herd, guard, and hunt (Beck & Katcher, 2003).
A Pupper’s Work Is Never Done
I live in beautiful Vancouver, BC, with my diggidy-dawg, Moon. She is a 14-year-old malte-poo, that mostly fills her days with naps, cuddles, kibble and treats.
But those instincts handed down to her by her ancestors, bubble up every now and again, and she is compelled to “get to work”. No matter the job, she takes her responsibilities very seriously, as takes a lot of pride in her strong work ethic and has taken on many freelance jobs over the years.
This article breaks down 5 of her current roles. She juggles being a Personal Hype Woman, a Food Inspector & Crumb Recovery Specialist, a Security Guard (Window Division), an Emotional Support Shadow, and my very own Lifestyle Critic, (when she finds the time).
Moon’s Current Freelance Roles
1. Personal Hype Woman
Waking up? She’s thrilled. Say “bike ride”? She’s ready to party. Lay on the couch? She’s already there. Moon mirrors my energy like we’re synced.
Fun fact: Dogs experience emotional contagion, where they reflect their humans’ feelings and energy (Palagi et al., 2019).
2. Food Inspector & Crumb Recovery Specialist
No food escapes Moon’s nose. She doesn’t beg—she inspects. Her stare? Pure professional focus.
Fun fact: Dogs’ noses are up to 100,000 times more sensitive than ours (VCA Canada, 2024).
3. Security Guard (Window Division)
Moon takes front-door duty seriously. She barks and sprints to the door whether someone’s there or not. Invisible threat? She’s on it.
Fun fact: Barking at strangers is rooted in a dog’s instinct to guard their territory (Scottsdale Pet Hotel, 2012).
4. Emotional Support Shadow
Moon follows me everywhere—the kitchen, the bathroom, the closet. If I close the door, she lets out a dramatic sigh from the other side.
Fun fact: Clingy behavior is common in dogs with strong attachment styles—aka “Velcro dogs” (Pendergrass et al., 2021).
5. Lifestyle Critic
Moon has strong opinions about everything I do, and how fast I’m doing it. Take too long with dinner? Cut a carrot without sharing? She gives full “I’d like to speak to the manager” energy—honks, grunts, squeaks, the works. It’s hard to be annoyed, though, she is too deliciously beautiful.
Fun fact: Dogs use all kinds of vocalizations to communicate, andbreeds like Poodles are extra expressive (American Kennel Club, 2023). Basically, Moon gives daily TED Talks.
Hard at Work, Paid in Snacks
Moon might not have a boss, paycheck, or business card, but she works hard. She protects, supports, and entertains me every single day. And she’s not alone.
Millions of dogs clock in without asking for anything more than a squeaky toy and a comfy lap. These weird little “jobs” are just part of how they love us, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Take a moment, now, to thank your pup for all of the selfless jobs they do for you every day. And remember to keep those treats flowing, because they certainly have earned them!