- Google has enjoyed a dog-friendly culture for years now, thanks to Yoshka, Google’s original top dog.
- Unfortunately, the blooming relationship between Yoshka and Google was cut short in December 2011 when Yoshka died.
Google has enjoyed a dog-friendly culture for years now, thanks to Yoshka, Google’s original top dog.
Back in 1999, Yoshka made a debut visit to Google offices and was received with open arms and an atmosphere full of admiration. Yoshka was under the care of software engineer and long-time Googler Urs Hölzle and his wife, Geeske.
Google could not stress enough how much Yoshka meant to the organization, with impressive articles expressing their pride in having everything, even a dog, noting, “Since Yoshka’s introduction into the company’s office, there has been a massive change in the atmosphere and vibe inside.”
Yoshka’s light burned even brighter since he eventually secured a job interviewing new applicants and later moved on to part-time consultation. In fact, an official Google blog post exists under Yoshka’s name.
“When we moved to Mountain View in the summer of 1999, I switched to full-time. I interviewed a lot of people, but no dogs. Eventually, I returned to part-time consulting and spent a lot of time watching ducks in a pond near our office,” the statement read in part.
Unfortunately, the blooming relationship between Yoshka and Google was cut short in December 2011 when Yoshka died.
The Google family has held onto this extraordinary bond by naming a café (Yoshka’s Café) in honor of their original top dog. The café has a small museum dedicated to the beautiful Leonberger, displaying Yoshka’s official Google badge, fluffy ball, collar, and favorite toy.
A small plaque also exists to mark that it was Yoshka who kickstarted the dog-friendly tradition at Google.
Yoshka’s presence is felt to date in establishments such as dog parks on Google’s Mountain View campus, an employee group, and a message board (Doogler) for workers and their beloved pets.
Indeed, Yoshka will "fur-ever" hold a place in the hearts of the Google community.
