What a three-legged dog taught me about teamwork and collaboration

There’s nothing I like more than a dog holiday.

On our most recent trip, the dog and I rented a canine-friendly cabin in a caravan park right on the beach in a small town between Sydney and Brisbane.

On this trip, as usually happens at these kinds of dog-friendly destinations, we met quite a few canine creatures.

However, there was one canine that caught our attention.

Tripod is a large black dog with three legs.

He’s a permanent resident in this paradise for pooches.

According to local legend, Tripod has three legs because, as a puppy, he was dragged behind a car by one of his legs before being dumped in a rubbish bin. He was taken to the vet but they were unable to save the leg so they amputated it just below the hip.

Eventually, Tripod was adopted and loved to bits.

Sadly, according to local whispers, his owner is now elderly and has dementia.

As a result, Tripod wanders. He spends most of his time at the caravan park where he welcomes new arrivals.

Despite everything he's been through, Tripod is the calmest and kindest of dogs. He did a great job of teaching my small and anxious companion that not every big dog is a threat and needs to be eaten.

Everyone in town looks out for Tripod. They water him. They feed him. They take him for walks. I’ve never seen a fitter or healthier looking dog. He is shiny and rippling with muscles. He may not run fast but he trots along at a respectable speed.

Everyone knows Tripod’s story and is quick to share it with visitors.

In this community, Tripod functions as an ice breaker between strangers. He gets people talking. He’s the glue that binds a community together. Everyone likes him. Everyone admires him. It's an unspoken law that everyone looks out for him and cares for him because his owner can’t. No one calls the ranger to apprehend him or takes him to the local animal re-homing centre.

On our last morning, Tripod joined us on our beach walk. He stopped with us when we chatted to strangers. He joined us as we paddled in the waves.

Anyone we passed on the beach was quick to say, ‘You’re taking Tripod for a walk. He loves a walk!’

‘Yes,’ I replied. ‘Tripod has decided to join us this morning. We’re chuffed.’

It was as if Tripod knew it was our last day and wanted to say goodbye. He made us feel both trusted and accepted. Even though we were leaving, we felt part of a community unified by their fondness for this three-legged pooch.

In an era where is so much discussion about how we need build better and more cohesive workplaces, I think we can learn from Tripod’s tale.

Refusing to get entangled in office politics or petty feuds, dogs bring us together.

Research shows that they serve as social catalysts in workplaces.

They encourage people to interact and engage with each other.

They can enhance teamwork and collaboration, as people bond over their love for dogs.

Apparently, dogs can also reduce hierarchical barriers in workplaces with extreme power imbalances, making it easier for employees to approach each other.

Just like the role Tripod plays in this small coastal town, dogs can help us build a sense of community.

Still, there are valid arguments against allowing dogs to join us at work. Some people have allergies. Other people have phobias or religious or cultural objections. There may be concern about health and hygiene issues.

Are dogs allowed in your workplace? What is your view on dogs or other pets joining us at work?