Barking news! We have a top dog in the Pat’s Prized Pets challenge for 2024.
Dozens of News4 viewers shared their dogs, cats, birds and even a horse pulling off gold medal-worthy tricks (or simply being tricky). But one dog emerged at the front of the pack, impressing our judges with their intelligence and dedication.
Meet Phoenix!
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She's six years old, and lives with her mom Tia in their Hughesville, Maryland, home.
Why did Phoenix win -- with three perfect 10s from our judges, no less?
She is very, VERY good at finding her toys.
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Give her a specific command -- "Get your alligator!" or "Get your pink toy!" -- and her basket, and Phoenix will snuffle through and find exactly what you asked for.
How did Phoenix learn to do it? Turns out her mom Tia used to be a Metro Transit Police Officer, and served as the first female K-9 officer.
It was a tough choice. The finalists wowed with skills including speaking, tetherball and goal-keeping.
But Phoenix gets to take home the reward, a Pat's Prized Pets bowl.
We’re so grateful to everyone who shared their pets with us for the challenge that supports our annual adoption event Clear the Shelters.
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