Is your pet vying to be Alexandria’s Animal Idol? Before our 2020 photo calendar contest kicks off THIS SATURDAY at 8 a.m., we checked in with Alexandria’s Animal of 2019, calendar winner Crandon (and his mom Kay), on what is has been like to be the Animal of the Year:
Below: Crandon’s winning 2019 Calendar Contest photo
Q: How did you feel when you knew Crandon was going to be Alexandria’s Animal of 2019?
Kay: I was thrilled! I knew Crandon would make a great ambassador. He is a sweet dog who loves people and other animals including cats, plus he is incredibly gentle with children. He also loves the attention, so a whole year of being top dog…we were in!
Q: What kind of things has Crandon been up to as the Animal of the Year?
Kay: Crandon has been very busy. This year, he’s had to increase his work schedule from 1 day a week to 2, so he now comes to greet visitors at Tyler Business Services on both Tuesdays and Thursdays.
He’s also attended every big AWLA event this year! He went to Howl-O-Ween, where he was officially announced as Animal of the Year and then to First Night, where he spent nearly 3 hours serving as an artist’s model and letting the kids love all over him. He went to the Fun Dog Show in March and helped to lead the AWLA during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. And he’s looking forward to more fun events in the future!
Right: Crandon welcoming contestants at Howl-O-Ween
Q: How did Crandon feel about seeing his image on a bus?
Crandon: I was really excited! We were driving along and there I was on the back of the bus! My mommy said, “Crandon, there you are!” pointing to the bus. I looked and started barking. I think that dog was even bigger than me in real life!
Q: What’s Crandon’s favorite part of being the Animal of the Year?
Crandon: I love all the attention and I especially love all the treats I’ve been getting. I may have gained a pound or two this year, which my mommy says I will be working hard to lose in 2020!
Right: A photo from Crandon’s professional photo shoot prize
Q: What would Crandon want other pets to know about being the Animal of the Year?
Crandon: It is truly an honor to be the Animal of the Year, but you have got to take it seriously. You are representing all the animals who are in need of a safe and loving home. I was lucky to find mine, and I want every animal to have one!
It can be overwhelming having everyone pay so much attention to you, but you will get used to it. The great bonus is all the love and treats I get. It’s also very rewarding and exciting to be the Animal of the Year, and being on the front and back of the calendar (and on a bus!) is really cool too!
I highly recommend running for the 2020 Animal of the Year!
If your pet wants to follow in Crandon’s pawprints, register for our 2020 photo calendar contest at AlexandriaAnimals.org/Calendar beginning this Saturday, June 1 starting at 8 a.m. The first 15 entrants will receive a bonus 100 votes to start them on the path to stardom (please note that votes are added manually and may take a few minutes to appear). From the calendar cover to buses around Alexandria, your pet could be the most famous face of 2020. Are you ready to make your pet an Animal Idol?
Learn more now at AlexandriaAnimals.org/Calendar!