'Moose' is the The Man!

"Moose" Mezzanatto, an almost 5-year-old mixed breed dog rescued from Sonoma County Animal Shelter, was voted in the Healdsburg Patch contest that ended last week.

"Moose" was chosen out of a field of 39 adorable Healdsburg pups entered into our contest that started at the beginning of July. He had 57 votes out of 151 cast in the

Georgie, a 7-month-old Chihuahua-terrier mix owned by Gretchen Specht, was voted runner-up with 26 votes. Georgie, also a rescue dog from the Sonoma County Humane Society, came to live with Specht when he was 12 weeks old.

"Georgie loves people and visiting all of his favorite humans and their stores in Healdsburg!" Specht said.

Healdsburg Patch is arranging with both owners for delivery of their prizes. The Mezzanattos will receive a $25 gift certificate to a local pet shop, two Patch T-shirts and two Patch water bottles.

Specht will receive two Patch water bottles.

According to Stephanie Mezzanatto, "Moose" was rescued in 2008 from the county shelter.

"He loves to play fetch with his tennis ball, play with his best friend, Lola, and swim in the Russian River," Mezzanatto said in posting his photo.  "Moose would be incredibly honored to be crowned as Healdsburg's cutest dog!!"

Thanks to all our canines and their owners who entered the contest. It was so much fun!

We at Healdsburg Patch spent many enjoyable interludes looking -- and sometimes laughing out loud -- at all the cute contestants.

Truly, any one of them could have been the cutest! Thanks again....Woof!