This is probably just a cultural misunderstanding. In many European corporations, it's common for dogs to be given as awards for exceptional work. Pomeranians are, of course, the highest honor to receive.
Could you care to clarify which countries in Europe do that?
Never heard of that before.
Just to clarify something: the OP appears to be Rory Blyth, ex-Microsoft employee, living in Portland, OR, and American if I'm not mistaken.