Who will be Grafton’s first dog mayor?

Nominations are now being sought for the ultimate leader of the pack: the pooch who will reign as Grafton’s first dog mayor!

The Grafton 4th of July Parade Committee will hold the canine contest throughout the month of June, with all candidates encouraged to strut their stuff at the 4th of July Parade.

Want to nominate your own top dog? Email jennifer@graftoncommon.com, along with the reasons why your dog should be the town’s first dog mayor. Don’t forget to include your names!

Voting, featuring photos of all the nominees, will run on Grafton Common July 1-3. The top 3 candidates will go before the judging panel (to be announced) on July 4. Prizes will be awarded!

And the nominees to date are:

GEORGIA

Owner: Farrell Mead

Statement: This is Georgia! She came to us as a 10 week old pup and is now 11! She is the goodest girl and our family would be so lost without her contestant calls of attention to potential danger (squirrels, birds, mailman – to name a few) at our intersection here in Lower Brigham Hill. She feels it is her duty to watch and report on all things Grafton, and has shown our children ‘the ways of a lookout’ for backup. She assumes that any vehicles that may stack more than 2 cars deep at our stop sign MUST be here for her, as well as anyone out for a stroll or a run must be beckoned over for a rub (her, not them). She’s quite straight-forward in her communication for rubs, snuggles, and treats – making it very clear what she is need of. Her favorite is being outside with the rest of our ‘Dogs of LBH’ crew, Scully and Cooper, running around keeping LBH safe for all. 

BAILEY

Owner: Roger Trahan

Statement: Bouncy just like Tigger, a happy pooch indeed

A stately standard poodle, a top notch dog mayor breed

It’s clear he’ll make an awesome mayor and represent us all

Lucky that we have Bailey, as he’ll answer every call

Every vote of yours he’ll cherish, so cast a vote or nine

You know he’ll do a fine job and maintain Grafton, oh so fine!

PENNY

Owner: Vinny Collotta

Statement: Hello my name is Vinny Collotta and my dog’s name is Penny ! It would be nice for Penny to be the new mayor, she is a female and she is the cutest dog in the world ,
Penny is 1 and the attention she would get would def make more friends this way. We are new to Grafton 2019 and would love to be in the running 🙂  

GUS

Owner: Lori Girard

Statement: I am nominating our compassionate, loyal, smart, handsome, fun loving boy Gus. He is 1 year old today (June 28, 2022) and has lived in Grafton on  Houlden Farm since last August. Our family has lived in town for over 60 years so it’s safe to say this is his forever home.  Some of Gus’s favorite activities are going for walks on the trails, getting ice cream at the farm, and going for rides to make sure all is well around town. However, his favorite outing is when we go visit Quite Fetching. This trip always comes with lots of treats and love from Emily. Gus-Gus for all of us❤️

SPARKY

Owner: Caitlyn Young

Statement: Hi furry friends and peoples! My name is Sparky and my mommy and sissy say I’m the goodest boy on the block. In my free time you can find me snuggling with my humans, visiting the Barkery, or patrolling the neighborhood. If you vote for me I promise to keep everyone safe and advocate for a mandatory two dinners per pup in grafton. I have big floppy ears so I hear all your concerns and suggestions. I also give good kisses! Thanks everyone- Sparky🐾❤️ #puppypolitician #spark4mayor 

IZZY

Owner: Terri Schmidt

Statement:  Izzy is a very good girl, who has lived in Grafton since she was 12 weeks old. For the past 4 years, she has supported our local businesses, including  Quite Fetching and Tony’s Pet Oasis. She would be an excellent mayor because she appreciates humans, other dogs, squirrels, birds, and chipmunks. She knows how to share treats, but she’s not afraid to speak her mind when needed. 

CHARLIE

Owner: Sandy Nelson

Statement: We would love to nominate our dog Charlie for Grafton mayor. Charlie is a 5 year old Mini Golden Doodle who is very sweet and friendly. He loves all people and considers everyone he meets his new friend. Thank you for the consideration! 

HENRY

HENRY

Owners: Charlie St.Pierre and Alison Wilson 

Statement: Pictured here is Henry Wilson residing over his human’s 11th birthday party at Houlden Farm. He is a 7 year old Japanese Chin that we rescued from WARL. We think he should be Mayor because he is a very well behaved, polite, and socially motivated dog. He never barks, enjoys interacting with other dogs and humans, and would love his constituents unconditionally. Plus, he already has experience in serving his community having been the unofficial mascot of the Grafton Little League Challenger division for the past 4 years where he has brought many smiles and much happiness to the players, buddys, and parents too. Small in stature, Henry is large in character and would serve his town well.

BODE

Owner: Shilpa Venkataraman

Statement: Hello paw-some Graftonites! I’m a 1.25 years old German Shepherd and came here when I was 8 weeks old. Needless to say, this has been my home from the time I could remember. I have a lot of friends in my neighborhood and I have pretty good idea what my pals need. I’m ~22 years old if you talk about human age. I am calm, sweet, love people and furry pals alike and can add a fresh burst of energy to the town if I’m elected the Mayor. My mom says that it’s very inconvenient that I’m super-smart: I think and pick worthy battles. I know when to be stubborn and when to butter them up to get what I need – be it treats or snuggles. For one, I’d set up potty bag stations and treats dispensing stations amidst the existing universal news-bulletin stations (that’s the fire-hydrant dumbo!!) that facilitate our fun scoutings to protect the community. I hereby submit my candidacy for the post of Dog Mayor of Grafton.

SAMUEL ADAMS

Owner: Charlotte Melanson

Statement: I would like to nominate Samuel Adams our almost 9 year old black lab!   He will of course be escorted by the First Lady Lucy (also almost 9 year old black lab)!  Sammy was named after one of our original founding fathers – well actually after a beer that is named after one of our original founding fathers.  💙🇺🇸❤️

FRANK

Owner: Caryn H. Francese

Statement: Woof, I’m Frank, a 7-year-old mutt from South Grafton where I play daily with my four legged friends in the cul-de-sac, Grizzy, Tucker, Josie, Archer, Watson & Ghost. My mom always says I am the best-dog in the world, but I’m pretty sure from woofing with all the dogs in my neighborhood and at doggy day care, there are a lot of ‘best dogs’. I love treats, especially carrots and strawberries — and I have been known to eat an entire rotisserie chicken when mom is getting the rest of the groceries from the car. Belly rubs, long walks, car rides and going to work with my mom a few times a week to make other hoomans smile are my favorite things. I have two hooman brothers who I smell when they’re home from college; although I wish they’d take me with them sometimes. I think I’d make a good mayor, because I really do like everyone and making people happy is a great job.

GIA

Owner: Sydney Padgett

Statement: I’m Gia! I’m 2 years old and live in the center of Grafton! I love laying in my front yard and greeting everyone who walks by. I am very good at protecting my owner from squirrels and the mailman, so I have lots of experience to keep the residents of Grafton safe. I have tons of energy and love walking the trails or just around town to check in on everyone. I would love to be mayor and would add more fire hydrants to the sidewalks, make sure there are more tennis balls and more treats for all the pups in town! Vote for me – Gia for Mayor!

SCULLY

Owner: Dawn Anderson

Statement: Rescued from a Texas kill shelter, Scully was adopted by the Anderson Family of Brigham Hill Road in November of 2016. She quickly adapted to life in a New England small town, and she makes friends everywhere she goes! Scully enjoys Grafton Little League games, long walks in the Williams Preserve at the top of Brigham Hill, and hanging out with her two besties Cooper and Georgia at Lower Brigham Hill. Scully is a Grafton Girl through and through. #ScullyGirl #ScullyForMayor #DogsOfLBH 

WRIGLEY

Owner: Dylan Holm

Statement: Hello! My name is Wriggle. But when I get in trouble, I am called Wrigley. I was rescued from Georgia as a puppy and was brought to Grafton. I am still working on perfecting my Massachusetts accent. I work part time as a howler with the fire department and my job is to howl when the fire horn goes off! My howl is much better than my Massachusetts accent, so you are in good paws. The first thing I would do as dog mayor would be to let everyone give me belly rubs. Next, I’ll address the hard hitting issues like making sure all of my animal friends get treats every hour.

PETE

Owners: Chris and Katie Lee

Statement: 🐾My name is Pete and I would like your vote for Dog Mayor of Grafton. I’m a 4 year old Boston Terrier with boundless energy and love for all humans and other animals. My favorite things are toys and treats and I’ll pretty much do anything for either.  Please consider voting for me as Grafton’s first Dog Mayor. I promise I will be a Mayor for All.🐾

OLAF

Owner: Kristin Daly

Statement: My name is Olaf and I love warm hugs and carrots! I’m 8 years old and a cross breed between pug and bichon frise and have lived in Grafton for the past 6 years.  My previous owner was no longer able to take care of me so I had to find a new home and that’s when I met my mom and became a very lucky pup. I love living in Grafton because of the friendly people and have made so many friends or fur-friends as I like to call them. If elected as your Mayor I will work like a dog to represent the paw-some community of Grafton. Now I’m going to end with one of my favorite jokes…..What is a dogs favorite pizza?  Pupperoni!

COCO

Owner: Lee Hume

Statement: I am nominating my old girl Coco to be mayor of our fine town. Why is she more suitable than another, you may ask? Well, on August 7 — God-willing — she will turn 16. She is a wise senior citizen who has survived a bout of cancer and an horrific car accident at the height of the pandemic in which her tail had to be amputated. She is fearless, beautiful, wise. In dog years, she is approximately 112 years old — no “newbie” to Grafton. While it gives me great sadness to think that this coming July 4th may be her last, I think it’s fitting to honor her for her service to the town.

BOLT

Owner: Amanda Wiley

Statement: Bolt is a sweet and honest candidate. He knows when to snuggle and when to be the right amount of ham. He’s a rescue from KY who had it rough and now only knows how to love and give love. He always sports a bow tie and is always ready for business and pupcakes from Quite Fetching. 

SAMMY

Owner : Maureen and Daniel Swier

Statement: Neighbors of Grafton, I Sammy Swier hereby announce my candidacy for the Mayor of Grafton. I promise more belly rubs, squeaky balls, treats and nap time. my owners promise to clean up these streets with their numerous poop bags. It’s time we upgrade our dog park infrastructure. I will keep Grafton a safe place and take a bite out of crime. I may only be a year old, but I’ll bring the change Grafton needs. So vote for me, Sammy Swier for Mayor of Grafton.

ELLIE

Owner: Colleen Roy

Statement: Meet Ellie! She is the newest addition to the Roy family, who rescued her from Baypath in Hopkinton in April.  Ellie loves to snuggle and bask in the sun. She is not an overly active dog leaving her plenty of time to be Mayor. She is asking for your vote to be Grafton’s next doggy Mayor.

ROXIE

Owner: Beth Foley

Statement: This is Roxie Foley. She is a three year-old goldendoodle and the youngest child of Beth and Darren Foley. She should be Dog Mayor because she’s the best girl, she loves all the local cuisine including King Jade Chinese takeout and Swirls & Scoops doggie ice creams, and because she barks and wags in equal measure. 

ANNIE

Owner: Bob Flynn

Statement: Annie goes everywhere — even on air planes. Loves to dress up & travel.

BUBBY

Owner: Christine Stahley

Statement: I’d like to nominate Bubby Stahley for Dog Mayor of Grafton! He is 11 years old but you’d never know that with his spry looks and puppy energy! Whenever someone comes to visit, his bum goes into wiggles as he waits for acknowledgment! He loves his humans and always wants to be a part of the action. He’ll even saddle up to the bar 

DOLLY

Owner: Maria Loconto

Statement: Hi I’m Dolly I’m soon to be 11 yrs old. I have lived  in Grafton all my life and love my town! I love people and my bff is a terrier named Lucy😍 I’d be happy to be the mayor of Grafton especially if chicken is involved 😋 Thanks for your vote or consideration  🇺🇸 Remember to wash your paws  Xo Dolly 

TYRO

Owner: Ann Marie Foley

Tyro has lived in Grafton for almost 14 years.  He was a rescue from down south and he was adopted from Sterling Shelter.   He knows all of the trails in Grafton and is always eager to meet new people and dogs.   He enjoys time outside and treats from Quite Fetching.   He knows all of his neighbors and loves to walk up the street and visit everyone.   Tyro loves Grafton!

LONDON

Owner: Candy Silverberg

Statement: I’d love to nominate my dog London!  She’s a 7 year old Beauceron which is a French herding dog.  I’ve been doing Scentwork with London since she was 2 or 3 years old.  We now have 19 titles with the United Canine Scent Sport association and 13 AKC scent titles and a Farm dog title.  London is a great family dog that loves “her” kids.  She a kind and polite dog that allows me to drag her to dog trials al over New England and New York with me, and enjoys it!

LEROY

Owner: Jennifer Hall

Statement: Leroy would love to be mayor! He just celebrated his 13th birthday. He loves everyone he meets and greets them with the waggiest tail and a beagle-y “Wooo-woooo!” Leroy’s favorites around town are doggie sundaes at Swirls & Scoops and pupcake (and any of the treats Miss Emily offers him) at Quite Fetching! Thanks for considering him!

CHARLIE

Owner: Sharon Keeley

Statement: Hi. My name is Charlie. I’m 2 years old. I love to play with my best friends, Lily and Angus, and to snuggle with my family. I like rides in the car, especially to Dunkin! I would make an excellent mayor because people adore me, and I adore them too. I’m also very handsome when I dress up.

SHEILA

Owner: Alli Sun

Statement: This is Sheila, a coonhound mix who was found as a stray in South Carolina about a year and a half ago. She lives in Worcester but her grandparents live in Grafton. I am her mom and I think she should be the doggie mayor of the Fourth of July parade because she loves spending time in Grafton. She is a sweet, gentle girl who parade goers will love.