Local dog named finalist in World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest

A local dog was named a finalist in PEOPLE’s World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest.

Sugar, a 5-year-old pit bull terrier mix, formerly a rescue at the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County, is competing against nine other pups for the top spot.

“She is looking forward to being a big sister, says Sugar’s dog mom, who is pregnant with twin boys,” PEOPLE wrote for Sugar’s bio.

Sugar arrived at the shelter in 2021 with a severe leg injury and underwent surgery, according to KIRO 7.

“We medically fostered her, and during that time our bond just grew,” Sugar’s owner Paige Calcagni told the media outlet. “She had to be lifted to go outside, and even then, she had so much love to give. We knew she would be a permanent member of our family.”

World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest prizes

The winning shelter will receive a $1,000 prize, while the winning pup will be featured in a PEOPLE magazine photo shoot and receive a year’s supply of dog food from PEDIGREE.

Other finalists include 6-year-old Apollo, 7-year-old Bastian, 1-year-old Grizzly Bear, 4-year-old Harlan, 2-year-old Mabel, 2-year-old Skye, 5-year-old Soup, 5-year-old Tiki, and 2-year-old Vito.

“This is so much more than celebrating how absolutely adorable Sugar is or representing shelter pets in Washington state,” Lauren Green, director of marketing and communications at the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County, told KIRO 7. “This is a reminder of just how special shelter pets are, and the vital role shelters and their supporting communities play in their healing journeys.”

Voting is open until September 15 on PEOPLE’s website. The winner will be announced on October 8.

Contributing: KIRO 7

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