With all the partisanship occurring in the U.S. presidential election, the introduction of the candidates for Canine Mayor of Coronado soothed the soul and brought the joy back into politics.
While PAWS and McP’s Irish Pub host a “Yappy Hour” every last-Wednesday of the month from 5:00 – 6:30, on March 23 the energy was brought to a new level. Two grand events were taking place. Not only were the “Caninedates” for Canine Mayor introduced, but there was also an Easter Bonnet Parade and Competition.
The Caninedates and owners were out in full force. The owners were canvassing for their dogs, pressing hands and making promises. One even passed out dog treats hoping to sway some voters.
While the Caninedates were introduced on the 23th of March, the voting for Canine Mayor starts April 1 and runs until April 30. When the polls open on April 1 you can vote online at www.pawscoronado.org or in person at the Coronado Animal Care Facility at 1395 First Street. Each vote is one dollar and you can vote as much as you’d like. All proceeds from the election support the spay and neuter program. Katie, who is in charge of the election, explained to me that: “Yes, you can buy the vote.” Last year $13,000 was raised for PAWS Coronado in the Canine Mayoral Election and they had at least one vote from every state in the nation.
The duties of the Canine Mayor are as follows:
- Must be a Coronado Resident
- Must be up-to-date on shots
- Be able and willing to ride in both the Fourth of July and Christmas Parades
- Able and willing to participate in various community events and PAWS events.
Many of the Caninedates also participated in the Easter Bonnet Parade and Competition.
The Easter Bonnet Competition contestants used ribbons, flowers, rabbit ears, birds nests, and balloons to celebrate the spring season in style and to sway the judges that their bonnet was the best.
Bailey, a gentle Mastiff, owned by Norma Hall, won first place.
Bailey is also running for canine mayor with the slogan: “Gentle Giant: Ready to Protect and Serve.” Norma explained that she chose this slogan because her uncle, Brian Hardy (a 29 year veteran of the Coronado Police Department), initiated the Law Enforcement Teddy Bear Drive. Bailey promises as Canine Mayor she will continue to support that much-beloved charity.
The second place Easter Bonnet winner was Lisa. Her owner, Stephanie Anderson, was proud of Lisa’s showing as this was her first PAWS event. Stephanie encouraged all dog owners to check out the Yappy Hour: “I had no idea how enjoyable Yappy Hour was going to be. I had a great time.” The next Yappy Hour is Wednesday, April 27 5:00-6:30. McP’s generously donates 10% of all food and drink purchases to PAWS during Yappy Hour.
Byron won third prize in the Bonnet competition. Byron is also running for Canine Mayor this year. He brings the added experience of already serving two years on the Canine City Council. Bryon is the only dog with this distinction.  It should be noted that all Caninedates who do not win either Mayor or Vice-Mayor are selected to serve on the Canine City Council.
Chief, wearing a collar with paws decorated with the American flag, is also running for mayor. He is a senior dog rescued from Coronado PAWS. His owners, Stephanie and Ryan, stress that, as a senior dog, he has the necessary background in senior management and older adults. Stephanie and Ryan were married this past August. They honeymooned in Kauai, and their only regret was that Chief couldn’t come with them. They adopted Chief the day they got home.
Eevee, a rescue dog from Florida, is also running for Canine Mayor. Her owner is Roger Collier. I was told that Eevee loves long walks on the sand. I wonder if she also likes Pina Coladas.
Yappy Hour is a great community event. Dave Stevens and Sue Godwin specifically came to enjoy a beverage at McPs during the Yappy Hour, even though they didn’t have a dog. Sue explained: “We came out specifically for the Easter Bonnet competition. We had been up here for the PAWS Halloween Costume Competition in October, and it was so fun to see the animals all dressed-up, that we knew we would have a great time this evening.” Dave concurred: “This is why it is so great to live in Coronado – fun evenings such as this.”
It’s an election my friends, and we all want to make our voices heard, so be sure and vote at least once in the month of April for our canine mayor www.pawscoronado.org.
