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SPCA beagle Mugsley sniffs his first-place prize basket. |
For the Free Lance-Star
An SPCA shelter dog was declared the winner of the local Take Your Dog to Work Day Fido Fundraiser conducted by Pet's Choice Inc.
Mugsley, a year-old beagle, garnered nearly twice as many votes as his closest competitor and raised $100. In addition to the title, he earned a basketful of prizes. However, his best reward was being taken to a new "forever home."
Stafford County residents Sarah and Dewel Glover adopted Mugsley on June 22, Take Your Dog to Work Day.
According to Pet's Choice proprietors Leslie Cockrell-Nalls and Amanda Heishman, being adopted on that date was a most fitting reward. The Pet Sitters International annual event is meant to bring attention to the plight of shelter dogs and help foster adoptions.
The shelter pup, who was virtually adopted by a group of workers who were not allowed to bring a dog to the office, was competing against seven local canines to be the "Alpha Fido" in the fundraiser.
The rest of the top four finishers were Roxanne, a golden retriever; Buckley, a chocolate Lab; and Gracie, a golden retriever. All of the dogs call Apple Music, at 1009 Princess Anne St., home.
Fifth place was a tie between Shelley Impressions' border collie mix Bud and border collie Mitzi.
Both dogs work as greeters at Shelley Impressions Printing and Copying at 20 Plantation Drive in Stafford. Business owners Shelley and Pat Reilly donated the printing of the Take Your Dog to Work Day color posters for the event.
Finishing up the field were chocolate Labs Murray and Bernie, both icons at Rio 17 Car Wash on Warrenton Road in Stafford.
The winners of the local competition were announced at an awards ceremony during the weekly Doggy Yappy Hour at TruLuv's Modern American Bistro in downtown Fredericksburg on June 28.
Guests at the awards ceremony were treated to iced tea courtesy of TruLuv's and an event-themed cake donated by Joan Hailstalk of Simply Sweet at 4413 Plank Road in Fredericksburg.
The Fido Fundraiser election and other events conducted by individuals and businesses in conjunction with Pet's Choice raised more than $560 for the Greater Fredericksburg Area SPCA's building fund for its new humane care center.
Cockrell-Nalls and Heishman said they intend to bring Take Your Dog to Work Day to the area on an annual basis.
Marty van Duyne is a member of the Dog Writers Association of America.