Best Pet Winners 2010

Meet the winners of Sarasota's Best Pet. Thanks to all who voted.


First Place

Scottie is known as Willis Elementary School's "Reading Dog." He is in his sixth year of this voluntary enhanced reading program. Every September, all seven of the first grade teachers sign up three of their students who would benefit the most from this program. These students usually need help with the basic reading skills, sometimes due to shyness, an impediment, accent or basic sounds. Each week until May, each participant reads to Scottie in a private room—one-on-one (with me there to help in event child is "stuck" with a word). The students who read lose all their stress, fears or apprehensions about reading out loud as they sit with Scottie. He usually has his head in their laps or his paw on the book. They either lean on him or lean the book on him and hug him. It is mutual love. Any correction done is "through Scottie" such as, "Remember Scottie's rule that when a word ends in 'e,' that 'e' is usually silent but makes the next vowel say its own name," or, "Scottie wants you to sound out this word." In a short while, they are reading better, completely at ease, and sometimes say, "Reading is fun."

Scottie was born and trained to be a CCI (Canine Companion for Independence) dog and has 45 commands, so I feel he has "to work." He is a mix between a Golden Retriever and a Lab—the sweetest and smartest dog around and completely deserving of your award.
 

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Second Place

Beignet is a working dog, and she takes her job seriously. Rising before dawn every day, she heads to Cat Depot where she socializes with more than 100 cats and kittens. Some dogs might think her job is a bit silly, but not Beignet. She knows that when she works with the kittens, she is acclimating them to live with a family dog. And that might makes their chances of getting adopted a little bit better.

Some adult cats are larger than her, but that doesn't stop her from saying "hello." In fact, their reaction lets cat caregivers know if a cat is dog-friendly. Heck, every once in a while a cat will get downright mushy and kiss her all over.

They can tell Beignet has an affinity for animals in need. A survivor of Hurricane Katrina, Beignet understands being alone, hurt and confused. Not finding her family, she too was once in an adoption center. Rescued with a broken jaw and broken teeth, an eye injury and missing fur, she can relate to misfortune. But Beignet also knows about hope, and every day she spreads the word to Sarasota's cats and kittens that find themselves temporarily placed at Cat Depot. Beignet may not be the cutest or the youngest girl in town, but she knows she has an important job and that makes her feel good about herself. She welcomes all visitors, too, and demonstrates daily that you don't have to be perfect to give love.
 

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Third Place

Zucco arrived at our student-run farm [for Sarasota County Technical Institute’s vet assisting program] nine years ago. He showed up in the girls’ bathroom. We gave him some feed and he has stayed ever since.

Zucco was fixed by a vet that hired two of our students at the time, who got to assist. This operation was videotaped for our class, and Zucco still stayed.

Zucco does not leave the farm; he meets us at the gate every morning. He follows us to the field like a puppy. He allows students to pet him. For nine years, Zucco has provided an opportunity for 450 students to pet and hold him. Zucco comes inside during the day and students pet him at their desk. He also follows students outside. Zucco protects the farm from dogs and other cats. He chases mice, also.

The past two years, Zucco has also allowed himself to be our demonstration cat. He allows himself to be put in many positions to demonstrate both the parts of the cat and how to do many procedures such as checking a heartbeat.

Zucco is our one-of-a-kind friend and Sarasota's best.
 

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So many Sarasotans love their pets…but in this economy, more pets than ever are homeless. Please consider making a donation to help pets in need by visiting www.arcsarasota.org and/or visit one of the many fine shelters in your area (see a list on ARC’s website) to adopt a pet.
 

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