Tiny Dog With A Big Personality Wins Contest

By Kaaren Valenta

Buddy, a tiny Maltese that can sniff out a cookie left in a coat pocket in a closet, was the winner of the dog contest sponsored by Canine Advocates of Newtown, Inc.

Buddy’s family includes Cheryl and Michael Elliott of Marlin Road in Sandy Hook and their twin daughters, Molly and Meaghan, 10.

Photos of 35 dogs were on display at Edmond Town Hall for the month of June. Buddy was the top vote getter and helped the local animal welfare group raise $1,366 to help the dogs at the local pound.

As the winner, Buddy will now have his portrait painted by animal artist Beth Connolly.

Being the center of attention obviously was a normal state of affairs for Buddy, as he wasn’t at all shy about having his photo taken for The Bee.

“Buddy has no idea how little he is,” Cheryl Elliott said. “He recently chased deer into the corner of the yard. I was afraid for him, but my husband told me to wait and see what happened. The deer looked at Buddy, and finally one took a step toward him. Buddy turned around and bolted for the house like a bullet.”

Because he is small, the family members affectionately call him “puppy” or “muffin,” despite Mr Elliott’s protests.

More than a lap dog, Buddy likes to ride around in a Snuggly like a newborn baby while Ms Elliott does her housework.

“He is also very vocal, but he usually has a reason,” Ms Elliott said. “If anything is out of place, he will bark at it. And he can smell a cookie anywhere, on top of a counter or in the pocket of a jacket in the closet.”

Buddy has a basket full of toys but he prefers a stuffed green frog.

“We never taught him how to fetch — he taught himself,” Ms Elliot said. “When he is all done, he brings the frog back to the basket and puts it away. I wish I could teach my family to do that!”

Virginia Jess of Canine Advocates said the organization plans to hold another contest sometime next year.

Canine Advocates is a nonprofit group of dedicated volunteers who provide daily walks and socialization for dogs at the pound. Canine Advocates pay for the dogs’ shots and the complete cost of spaying and neutering. The goal is to help all the dogs find loving homes, and the dogs are publicized on the websites www.CanineAdvocates.org and www.PetFinder.com.

The Bee publicizes the pound dogs weekly until adoption. With the cooperation of many local businesses, volunteers post more than 100 fliers for each dog. Eventually the right person sees the right dog in one of these places, and one more family is happy and complete.

Canine Advocates has established The Sonny Fund to honor a lost or loved pet while helping a dog in need. Members talk to children’s groups about proper dog care, help with private adoptions, and provide counseling for a variety of dog-related issues. New volunteers are always welcome. All donations are tax deductible. For information, 426-5327.