(March 30, 2017) Rudy, a therapy dog who accompanies his master Jessi Bova, a guidance counselor at Pocomoke High School, to work each day, is in the lead to win the 2017 Books and Barks contest which winds down this Thursday.
Rudy, a seven-year-old golden retriever, is one of four therapy dogs competing to win a $1,000 prize for their respective schools, in addition to a $500 donation to the owner’s favorite animal nonprofit. The weeklong Facebook contest, which is sponsored by Pets Best Pet Health Insurance, began on March 23.
“We’re definitely still in the lead by a couple of hundred votes, but it’s been neck and neck,” she said.
The stiffest competition has been from Sadie, a Great Pyrenees whose master, Lisa Durkin, is a teacher at Strausser Elementary in Massillon, Ohio. As of press time, Rudy was leading Sadie by a few hundred votes, 1,465 to 1,215. Votes can be cast until 12 p.m. MST this Thursday at facebook.com/petsbestinsurance.
Bova credited Pocomoke High School Principal Annetee Wallace with alerting her to the contest initially. The process started with Bova submitting a 250-word essay explaining how Rudy made a difference at the high school.
“I got an email confirming Rudy was chosen as a finalist,” she said. “Then I did a phone interview and submitted pictures.”
Making a strong argument for Rudy’s inclusion came easy to Bova, who said the gregarious canine accompanies her everywhere. Since relocating this year to Pocomoke High School from Delmar Elementary, Bova said Rudy has become a fixture at the school.
Four years ago Bova took Rudy into her home as a foster dog, but quickly fell in love with the affable four-legged creature and made the situation permanent.
“I’m a big advocate for rescue dogs,” she said.
Regardless of which pooch ends up on top, Bova said sharing Rudy’s story as part of the Facebook contest has already yielded dividends.
“I’ve been networking all over,” she said.
The winner will be announced on March 31 and Bova encourages everyone to vote prior to tonight’s deadline.
Rudy, a seven-year-old golden retriever, is one of four therapy dogs competing to win a $1,000 prize for their respective schools, in addition to a $500 donation to the owner’s favorite animal nonprofit. The weeklong Facebook contest, which is sponsored by Pets Best Pet Health Insurance, began on March 23.
“We’re definitely still in the lead by a couple of hundred votes, but it’s been neck and neck,” she said.
The stiffest competition has been from Sadie, a Great Pyrenees whose master, Lisa Durkin, is a teacher at Strausser Elementary in Massillon, Ohio. As of press time, Rudy was leading Sadie by a few hundred votes, 1,465 to 1,215. Votes can be cast until 12 p.m. MST this Thursday at facebook.com/petsbestinsurance.
Bova credited Pocomoke High School Principal Annetee Wallace with alerting her to the contest initially. The process started with Bova submitting a 250-word essay explaining how Rudy made a difference at the high school.
“I got an email confirming Rudy was chosen as a finalist,” she said. “Then I did a phone interview and submitted pictures.”
Making a strong argument for Rudy’s inclusion came easy to Bova, who said the gregarious canine accompanies her everywhere. Since relocating this year to Pocomoke High School from Delmar Elementary, Bova said Rudy has become a fixture at the school.
Four years ago Bova took Rudy into her home as a foster dog, but quickly fell in love with the affable four-legged creature and made the situation permanent.
“I’m a big advocate for rescue dogs,” she said.
Regardless of which pooch ends up on top, Bova said sharing Rudy’s story as part of the Facebook contest has already yielded dividends.
“I’ve been networking all over,” she said.
The winner will be announced on March 31 and Bova encourages everyone to vote prior to tonight’s deadline.