Greetings, my beloved readers! Today, I've decided to take a detour from our usual discussions and share something that brings a smile to my face – pets! As the ultimate animal enthusiast, I often wonder if I missed my calling as a zookeeper! But, hold on tight because I'm about to blend this topic with the prickly world of politics! You won't believe the hilarity that ensues when we pit adorable creatures against humans for the prestigious title of mayor!
And let me tell you, I'm not alone in this thought! Throughout history, there have been numerous instances where animals have bested their human counterparts, earning "honorary seats" and stealing the show. So, let's embark on this laughter-filled journey and explore a few extraordinary animal mayors. Who knows, by the end of this, you might be considering Fido as a serious contender for the next election!
First up, we have Bosco Ramos, the dog who made history in 1981 by defeating not one but two humans to become the mayor of Sunol, California. A black Labrador-Rottweiler mix, Bosco served an impressive 13 years in office, during which he became a television celebrity, appeared on game shows, and even protested alongside students at Tiananmen Square. His legacy lives on, with a unique restaurant called Bosco's Bones and Brew that features a Ramos-like stuffed dog behind the bar, dispensing beer in his honor. And if that's not enough, a bronze statue of Bosco stands proudly next to the local post office.
Next on our furry mayoral roll call is Clay Henry, the goat who ran for mayor in the quirky town of Lajitas, Texas in 1986. This offbeat election saw the incumbent human mayor facing off against a wooden Indian from the Lajitas Trading Post, a ranch dog named Buster, and our goat protagonist, Clay Henry. Unbelievably, the goat emerged victorious, partly because locals were annoyed by the previous outsider mayor and partly because the mayoral role in Lajitas is purely symbolic. Clay Henry's responsibilities were simple but significant: attract tourists and indulge in some serious beer-bashing – I kid you not, he could down 35 to 40 beers a day at his peak!
Now, moving on to the cat-tastic tale of Stubbs, the feline who ascended to mayoral glory in 1997 in the quaint town of Talkeetna, Alaska. With a population of just 965, Talkeetna is a charming "historical district" where the mayoral post holds more symbolism than function. However, Stubbs the cat was still hailed for his impressive track record of never raising taxes, and until his passing in 2017, he made it a daily ritual to sip water from a wine glass filled with catnip. A true connoisseur, indeed!
Last but not least, let's raise our paws and tails to Duke, the fluffy and majestic Great Pyrenees who took the reins as mayor in Cormorant Village, Minnesota, in 2014. Duke held this honorable position until his sad departure in 2021, ensuring the village remained safe and pleasant throughout his tenure. Residents fondly remember Duke hanging out at the local pub, diligently making sure everything was running smoothly and keeping the riff-raff at bay. A true leader with a heart as big as his fluffy coat!
With animal politicians setting the stage, perhaps it's time to consider a write-in candidate for the next election. How about Mr. Bear for mayor? So here's to a future filled with laughter, love, and the occasional furry mayor. Until next time, dear readers! Keep smiling, keep voting, and most importantly, keep those pets close to your hearts—they might be running the show sooner than you think!
Signed,
Sherri Myers
The Royal Realtor