The excitement is building as the grand prize winner of the PEOPLE’s World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest, sponsored by the PEDIGREE® brand, is set to be announced on 19 October. This year’s competition has once again showcased some truly heartwarming stories, culminating in three top contenders: Bean, Tiberius, and Champ.
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On 30 September, CBS Mornings revealed the finalists during a live segment featuring Elias Friedman, famously known as The Dogist, who is one of the celebrity judges for the contest. The three rescue dogs emerged victorious from an impressive line-up of ten furry candidates, receiving the highest number of votes from the public during the voting period, which ran from 17 August to 28 September.
Champ, one of the finalists, has a remarkable story that begins with a difficult past. Rescued off the streets of Texas, he suffered a severe leg injury that resulted in amputation. Despite this challenging start, Champ has transformed into a therapy dog. He now brings joy to various community settings, including schools and assisted living facilities, where he spreads happiness and comfort.
Tiberius’s journey is equally inspiring. This charming dog was once a blind stray roaming the streets of Philadelphia. After being rescued, he made an extraordinary recovery, learning to navigate his neighbourhood and developing new skills with the unwavering love and support of his adoptive family and community. His resilience and ability to adapt to his surroundings have made him a beloved companion.
The third finalist, Bean, has a touching backstory of his own. Found as an emaciated stray rummaging through trash at a gas station in Nogales, Mexico, Bean’s transformation into a vibrant and healthy pug is a testament to the power of rescue. His friendly nature has made him a favourite among all he meets, particularly with cats, kittens, and young children.
The winner of the contest will receive the prestigious title of “World’s Cutest Rescue Dog” along with several rewards. These include a professional photo shoot and a feature in PEOPLE Magazine and on People.com. Additionally, the winning dog will receive a year’s supply of PEDIGREE® dog food, and a donation of $1,000 will be made to an animal rescue organisation of the winner’s choice.
The final judging process will see celebrity judges, including Elias Weiss Friedman from The Dogist and Dolores Catania, alongside the hosts of CBS Mornings—Gayle King, Nate Burleson, and Vladimir Duthiers. They will evaluate the three finalists based on various criteria before selecting the grand prize winner.
As the contest approaches its conclusion, the anticipation surrounding the announcement continues to grow. The stories behind these dogs not only highlight the importance of rescuing animals but also demonstrate the bonds that form between humans and their canine companions.
For anyone interested in following the journey of this year’s competition and discovering more about these incredible rescue stories, updates can be found on the official website at people.com/rescuedogcontest. As 19 October approaches, the hearts of dog lovers worldwide will undoubtedly be tuned in to see which of these lovable canines will take home the coveted title.