Introducing Denver: Hyderabad Startup Appoints Golden Retriever as Chief Happiness Officer
Introducing Denver: Hyderabad Startup Appoints Golden Retriever as Chief Happiness Officer
Furry teammate wins hearts online as pet-friendly workplaces gain traction in India
In a delightful blend of innovation and empathy, a Hyderabad-based tech startup has appointed a golden retriever named Denver as its Chief Happiness Officer (CHO), sparking joy across the internet. The move by Harvesting Robotics, a company specializing in sustainable laser-weeding technology, reflects a growing trend of pet-friendly workplaces that prioritise employee well-being.
Denver, seen calmly seated beside an office desk wearing a blue collar, was formally introduced through a heartfelt LinkedIn post by the company’s co-founder, Rahul Arepaka. The announcement quickly went viral, drawing thousands of views and comments celebrating the initiative. “He just shows up, steals hearts, and reminds us what happiness truly is,” Arepaka shared, calling the decision to bring Denver onboard “the best one yet.”
The company’s embrace of a four-legged teammate is not just a whimsical gesture. According to research by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), 87 per cent of employees in pet-friendly workplaces report higher retention, and 91 per cent feel more engaged at work. Global tech giants like Amazon and Google have long adopted pet-inclusive policies, with growing evidence showing that animals in the workplace reduce stress, foster connection, and even improve productivity.
Denver’s arrival coincided with Harvesting Robotics’ rollout of a new pet-friendly policy aimed at supporting a more compassionate and creative work environment.
Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. One user called it “the best thing I’ve seen today,”
while another praised it as a “real stress blaster and employee benefit.”
As Indian startups increasingly explore workspaces that blend emotional intelligence with innovation, Denver may just be the furry pioneer ushering in a more joyful corporate culture, one tail wag at a time.
