Stanislaus County’s cutest dog is ‘friends with everyone.’ Meet pet contest winner
The final votes are in, and Modesto Bee readers have crowned Stanislaus County’s cutest pup.
Moose, a lovable golden retriever-poodle mix from Modesto, wagged his way to the top spot in The Bee’s pet photo contest.
He beat out a pack of adorable competitors, earning 53% of more than 9,000 votes.
Owner Anita Chowdhary said she was “very excited” to hear her beloved Moose had won.
“A big shout-out to Prescott Road Runners, family and friends, who voted for him, especially Esme, Jeanine, Nathan, Nayeli and Alexa,” Chowdhary said. “Thank you all for loving and appreciating Moose as much as we do.”
Here’s what to know about Stanislaus County’s cutest dog:
How did Stanislaus County’s cutest dog come into your life?
While on a Christmas trip to Seattle in 2018, Chowdhary said her family visited her husband’s cousin, who had two goldendoodles.
“Our children had been wanting a dog for many years, and their dad kept saying no,” she said. “After hanging out with his cousin’s fur-babies, he fell in love with them and consented to the kids having a dog.”
When they got home, Chowdhary said, her son got right to work researching goldendoodles.
“He researched, emailed and finally came to his dad with the information,” she said.
On March 9, 2019, the family drove three hours to Oroville to meet their new pet. A few weeks later, on March 23, they brought Moose home.
During their trip to Seattle, the family also visited Vancouver, where moose are “very prevalent and endearing,” she said.
“My daughter decided to name him Moose,” Chowdhary said.
Once the whole family heard it, she said, they agreed the name suited him perfectly.
“It was quite a transition,” Chowdhary said. “He was outdoor potty-trained within two weeks thanks to the kids.”
What’s it like having Moose as part of Modesto family?
Chowdhary said Moose is “crazy, stubborn and very smart.”
“He’s a goofball,” she said. “He’s happy to see us and can’t control himself when he sees us return home, whether it’s from work or running errands.”
At home, Chowdhary said, Moose “remains glued to dad’s side and won’t let him out of his sight.”
The family often cuddles with Moose on the sofa or bed while watching shows, she said. They also love taking him to pet-friendly spots so he can explore new places.
“He gets overexcited when he sees people or other dogs and can’t control himself, Chowdhary said. “He then picks up whatever will fit in his mouth and runs off with it.”
Moose loves walks, playing catch and going for car rides with his head out the window.
Chowdhary said he’s also the family’s therapist.
“He listens and gives the greatest hugs,” she said.
What is Moose’s funniest or quirkiest habit?
Moose loves to eat, Chowdhary said.
While he “likes most foods,” she said, his favorites include puppy-approved hamburger patties from In-N-Out and pup cups from Starbucks filled with whipped cream, as well as peanut butter, cheese, mangoes and ice cream.
However, Moose is picky when it comes to strawberries and bananas.
“He will beg for your banana, then remembers that he hates it and promptly throws it out,” she said, “He only eats strawberries with whipped cream on them.”
Moose is also punctual for meals.
“If it’s a moment past 5 p.m., he has a special bark to tell me to hurry up,” she said.
What is one thing you’ve learned from your pet?
Chowdhary said Moose has taught her family patience and tolerance.
“He has taught us that love knows no boundaries,” she said. “He’s friends with everyone.”
Thanks to Moose’s friendly nature, Chowdhary said, the family has also made many new friends.
Who are the cutest cat and dog in the United States?
Cutest cat and dog contests are taking place at more than 20 McClatchy newspapers across the United States.
The winners from each market will automatically be entered into a second contest to determine the Cutest Cat and Cutest Dog in the country, launching Monday, Nov. 10.
