Hunt on for 'Ambassadog'

SANDPOINT — The hunt is on for Sandpoint’s “spokesdog.”

Nominations are being collected for distinguished canines in the community to serve as the community’s “Ambassadog” as part of a fundraiser for the Panhandle Animal Shelter.

The fundraiser is patterned after similar contest in Scotland. There are currently approximately 30 nominees already and call for nominations still stands.

“Sandpoint is already a dog-friendly town, so we thought we would go bigger and have our own mascot and official “ambassadog” to represent all the canines in the area,” said Kate McAlister, president of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce and head of the Visit Sandpoint .

So how does the Ambassadog program work? Nominations are accepted at SandpointAmbassadog.com through Sept. 10. Submissions include a photo of the nominee dog, a short paragraph extolling his or her virtues, plus a $5 entry fee that goes directly to the local animal shelter’s coffers.

And there’s this: Visitors to SandpointAmbassadog.com can vote once a day for free, but they can also purchase additional votes for a $1 per vote donation to the shelter.

“Yeah, you can buy votes,” quipped Sandpoint Magazine Publisher Chris Bessler. “Let’s face it. It’s the election season, and it’s the time to buy elections. But if you’re going to buy votes, why not do it for a great cause? In our case that is the Panhandle Animal Shelter.”

Even with such blatant bribery, every dog has a chance. Each vote adds up to an additional chance in the drawing for five finalist dogs. Those who buy votes have more chances, but the finalists will be picked at random from among all entrants. The five finalists will be judged by a panel of celebrities at the Panhandle Animal Shelter’s September “Yappy Hour” event, where the Sandpoint Ambassadog will be crowned.

The Ambassadog will have a few official duties over the year of his or her reign, including appearances at some of the shelter’s Yappy Hour events, marching in local parades, and proudly representing Sandpoint to the world. It’s a win-win for dog lovers and the shelter, alike.

“This fun competition highlights the love and bond people have for their pets, which support our mission,” said Mandy Evans, executive director of the Panhandle Animal Shelter. “And the donations are a wonderful plus!”