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2010 Cutest Canine Cover Contest Winners
1st PLACE
Buddy
Blue Lacy
Owner: Kyle Probst
Oh buddy, is our cover dog a cutie or what? Buddy here is Texas’ finest: The Blue Lacy is the official state dog breed of Texas and the only dog breed that has originated in Texas.
Recognized in 2001 by the Texas Senate as a “true Texas breed,” the Lacy was developed in the Texas Hill Country by the four Lacy brothers—Frank, George, Ewin, and Harry—who emigrated from Kentucky to Burnet County in 1858. Family history holds that this breed is a cross of the greyhound/scent hound and coyote.
Like Buddy, a Lacy’s eyes are sharp and alert, but it is their shiny smooth coat that is most eye-catching. Buddy’s gun-metal gray coat is striking and certainly cover-worthy.
Because Lacys are born to be both hunting and herding dogs, they are intense and intelligent. Owner Kyle Probst is a bowhunter and plans to use Buddy as a blood-tracking dog on his hunting trips in West Texas. Together, Kyle and Buddy will hunt deer, hog, turkey, dove…“all of it,” said Kyle.
Kyle described Buddy as having “high energy” and displaying great drive, which makes him an ideal pet for a hunter. At 12 weeks old, Buddy is almost 20 pounds and will grow to be 45 pounds—45 pounds of adorable.
By the way, March is Texas History Month, so how appropriate to have a beautiful Texas-bred Blue Lacy grace our cover!
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 2nd PLACE
BJ
Australian Cattle Dog
Owner: Edie Atwel
BJ, which stands for "Baylor Junior," is a 6-year-old Australian Cattle Dog who boasts two championship titles: the AKC-MACh (American Kennel Club–Master Agility Champion) and the USDAA-ADCh (United States Dog Agility Association–Agility Dog Champion).
BJ is a rescue dog that owner Edie Atwel found through petfinder.com.
At only 10 weeks old, he was enrolled in obedience school where he mastered agility, and ever since has been actively competing. Edie and BJ hope to win titles from the NADAC (North American Dog Agility Council) and the ASCA (Australian Shepherd Club of America).
“Agility creates a strong bond between the dog and owner,” said Edie, explaining that in competition, the handler directs the dog through an obstacle course in a race for both time and accuracy, and the handler is not allowed to use treats or toys as incentives.
Edie also has another rescue cattle dog named Dessa, and BJ’s ears perk up when Edie asks, “Where’s Dessa?” Ears lookin’ at you, BJ!
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 3rd PLACE
Johnny
Bichon Frise
Owner: Barbara Barton
How can you go wrong with a handsome Bichon Frise whose registered name is Ch. Spellbound’s PawMark Autograph? Owner Barbara Barton explains that Spellbound is her kennel name and Autograph comes from her favorite song from a John Denver album. Looks like we’ve figured out where “Johnny” comes from.
Johnny caught our attention with his dark round eyes and cheerful expression. He has earned five championship titles, including an AKC title and an international title that he won when he was only 6 months old.
Johnny’s retired now and enjoys relaxing in his owner’s lap, which is fitting because Bichon Frise is French for “curly lap dog.” When Johnny crawled up onto Barbara’s lap for their Plano Profile photo shoot, Barbara said, “There’s your comfort zone.”
Bichons are popular in our area because they are bred to be hypoallergenic. Plus, the frequent grooming required to keep their coat snowy white controls allergens. Barbara has 27 years’ experience grooming dogs, so she knows how to keep Johnny looking his best.
Barbara has lived in Plano since 1974 and sold real-estate for 16 years before she “went to the dogs.” She owns four Bichons, and we can see why. Gentle-mannered and affectionate, Johnny is a nice representative of the breed. |
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HONORABLE MENTION
Jasper
Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie)
Owner: Scarlette Dale
When owner Scarlette Dale saw Jasper, she fell in love. She made her fiancé Shawn drive from Royse City to Plano to acquire the funds to buy him. They got Jasper on the Fourth of July almost two years ago, and not once have they regretted their decision.
Shelties are outstanding companion dogs. Scarlette describes Jasper as “loyal” and “super friendly.” When she and Shawn brought him home, instantly, Jasper and his new sister, Casey (who also entered our contest), were taking naps together.
When Jasper’s not hanging out with his friends at Doggie Zen Den in Plano, he loves playing with his soccer ball.
Right away, we noticed Jasper’s sable and white, thick double coat, and his distinctive white marking on his nose. Look deeper though, into those soulful eyes, and you’ll fall in love, too. |
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HONORABLE MENTION
Zeke
Boxer
Owners: Pam and Mika Abdalla
Zeke was an immediate favorite among staff when owner Pam Abdalla submitted a picture of him peeking over the couch with his flopped-over ears and mischievous eyes. It’s no wonder too! Zeke’s white “socks” and white markings on his shiny coat are called “flash.”
So, at 5 months old, Zeke is our “flashy” star. According to Pam’s daughter, 9-year-old Mika, Zeke “bounces instead of runs.” He likes to play chase and taunt his pink pig, too.
Zeke was adopted from Legacy Boxer Rescue and he is Mika’s one and only. Mika shared that she wanted a dog to go swimming with and that her parents intentionally got her a king-size bed so that Zeke can sleep with her.
We also learned that Mika wanted a boxer because her agent had a boxer that was “awesome.” Yes, Mika has an agent because she is an actress and model. Lucky for us, we got two stars out of this deal! |
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HONORABLE MENTION
Barkley
Australian Shepherd/King Charles Cavalier Mix
Owners: Kerry and Blythe Burt
Barkley certainly knows how to impress a roomful of strangers.
At only 1-and-a-half years old, this Australian Shepherd/ Cavalier King Charles mix happily performs tricks like “Rollover”; “High-Five”; “Bang!” where he plays dead; and “Sneak,” where he crawls real low. Balance a treat on Barkley’s nose and at his owner’s command, it’s gone in a snap. “His bark is much worse than his bite,” owner Kerry Burt assures.
We can’t imagine Barkley even having a “bite,” but Australian Shepherds are known to be protective and good guard dogs. King Charles Cavaliers are extremely patient and eager to please. So, Barkley (and his owner) have the best of both worlds.
Kerry and his wife Blythe have lived in Plano for 10 years. They also own a cat, and Kerry said that the cat and Barkley get along just fine…as long as Barkley does what she wants. Oh, if only Barkley could learn how to make cats disappear! |
We declare a Photo Finish!
View a Slideshow of Outtakes
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