It was a bark-free morning as the top three winning dogs received accolades for their role in the 3rd Annual Coolest Dog Contest in Plant City.
Held at the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum, a small crowd gathered as Hooch, Bugsy, and Sheshe were adorned with their own bandanas and medal, on Saturday.
Sharon Moody, vice-governor of the Florida District of Kiwanis, called out each furry friend. They stood in front of a Kiwanis Club banner while being draped with their awards.
They were among eight dogs whose photos were posted online and voted on. The top three that received the most donations from voters were the winners.
Hooch was the third-place winner. The 11-year-old was once a stray until being rescued and treated. Hooch received a $100 gift card.
The second-place winner was little Bugsy who rolled outside the museum in a dog stroller, along with his owner Cindy Nally. He is a Pug and is also 11 years old. He likes to eat, sleep, and watch ball games. He received a $200 gift card.
And then coming in as the first-place winner for another consecutive year was Sheshe. The 7-year-old is a Collie and Labrador cross.
“She swims in our pool, she loves to play ball, she’s like the life of the party,” said her owner Bill Oswald. “She’s the alpha dog of six dogs.”
Sheshe received a $300 gift card.
Twenty-five hundred dollars was collected and will go back into the Plant City community.