We’re delighted to announce that the winner of the County Gazette’s Pet Idol for 2024 is nearly four-year-old Lola the Pug Shih-Tzu, owned by Zoe Purcell from Taunton.
Accepting the award and £100 voucher for Monkton Elm Pet Care on Lola’s behalf, Zoe said: “I’m so happy. I love her to bits. Lola loves people and is a local celebrity as I bring her to work with me at a chiropractor in Burnham-on-Sea.”
Lola is “besotted” with Zoe’s 10-month-old kitten Yuna, and lives for long walks on the beach and her squeaky octopus toy. Zoe added: “I’m thinking of making her a therapy dog for care homes as she’s such a calming presence and demands ‘tummy time’ tickles.”
Our runners-up, who received a £50 voucher for Monkton Elm Pet Care, were 18-month-old Mabel the Miniature Dachshund, and two-year-old Cody the Shetland Sheepdog.
Mabel’s owner Victoria Hallett, from Taunton, said: “Mabel is full of character for a little dog, and intelligent. Her bark is louder than her bite and she’s very sassy.
"She’s very cuddly and adores men and cocktail sausages. We walk her through the fields off the lead. She can be a little devil – if she gets a scent she’s off.
“She destroys toys in seconds and her barking is her worst habit by far, but she loves family and is so loving. I’ve wanted a Dachshund for years, and she’s exceeded all expectations.”
Cody’s owner Ozmay Phillips, from Taunton, said: “Cody is an entertainer, he's very cute and he knows it! He loves to sing and is the perfect companion. He has a girlfriend called Mooty, also a Shetland Sheepdog.”
Cody has an endless love for cheese and “knows all of his toys by name”, including his favourite pink flamingo Mingo. Cody shows off his tricks on Instagram at @codytheshelti_.
County Gazette thanks all of this year's perfect pets and their owners for taking part.
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