I would like to introduce myself: my name is Nigrum Pullum (call sign: Nigrum), named after a Roman settlement. I am a beautiful young black labrador and have seven siblings. My father is from Scotland and my mother is from right here in the Netherlands, in Twello.

"On January 3, my owner ‘hired’ me to work for him. It may sound strange, but I like nothing better. My boss is Eric Molenkamp, and he has been working at J&J for 25 years and I am joining now too to work for him as a service dog. Nowadays, there are a lot of kinds of service dogs, all of which, for different reasons, help their owners with tasks in their lives that are sometimes more challenging."


Clockwork – "Now, I get to grow up and learn things that even as a regular dog I would be taught. For example, to sit nicely, walk on a leash, and listen well. But on top of this, my special schooling is much more extensive. For example, I am learning to tell the time! Yes, you read correctly: I have to learn to tell the time, because I have to sense when my owner is starting to get tired. However, this is only one part of what I will have to learn; I am still two years away from mastering these necessary skills. Therefore, I go to a specific school where they train me."

Nigrum at work

If Nigrum wears this vest you should ignore him

Ignoring – "When I am at work I wear special clothing. From my harness and vest, everyone can see that I am a service dog. On my vest it says that I am not to be petted, and you are to ignore me – this may sound unkind, but I need to be able to concentrate on my work and on my owner. When I will arrive on the site is not yet certain, you might see me having coffee with my owner now and then to get acquainted with it, however. Coffee for my owner, and for me a cup of water and maybe a cookie. We will have our own space in the R building so my owner can concentrate well and where I will have my own basket. If you want to know more about me or why Eric needs me, feel free to look us up."


Nigrum,

also, on behalf of Eric Molenkamp

Foto Nigrum Pullum

Nigrum Pullum

Assistance dog

Check for more information about assistance dogs: ​​​​​​​Hulphond Nederland and Koninklijk Nederlandsch Geleidehonden Fonds.


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Responsibility

Creating an inclusive workplace is our Credo responsibility; J&J supports employees, like Eric, who need an assistance dog to re-enter society and the workforce. Introducing an assistance dog within a company requires careful planning and communication.

We have been working with Global Health, EHS, Sodexo and Eric to see what is needed for Eric and Nigrum to come to work. It is therefore important to inform you about the role and importance of the service dog so that everyone understands that it is a working dog trained to support the needs of an employee with a disability.

Attention was given to the practicalities of where the dog may be and what the rules of behaviour are. In addition, it is essential to have clear channels of communication for any questions or concerns colleagues may have. This creates a comfortable and inclusive work environment for both the employee and the assistance dog.


If there are any questions, please contact:

- Eric Molenkamp
- Pauline Griekspoor (Facility)
- Moniek Abbekerk (Global Health)
- Marnix Morren (EHS)
- Evelien van Beekum (MSV)