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Lake Merritt
What does it mean to be the BEST DOG?
What does it mean to be the BEST DOG?
Dogs are remarkable creatures that transcend the boundaries of mere pets; they become cherished members of our families, offering a unique blend of companionship, love, and boundless joy. Being the best dog isn't solely about heeding commands or showcasing refined training; it encompasses a deeper essence rooted in affection, loyalty, and the ability to infuse every moment with comfort and delight.
A truly exceptional dog embodies qualities that extend far beyond obedience or specialized talents. They forge emotional connections with their humans, grasping their needs and feelings with an astonishing level of empathy. Their presence in the household becomes a catalyst for happiness, fostering an environment brimming with love, laughter, and a contagious zest for life.
What distinguishes these remarkable dogs is their innate ability to comprehend emotions, offer solace during difficult times, and amplify moments of joy. They possess an intuitive understanding that extends beyond words, providing comfort simply through their presence and unwavering affection. Their companionship is unwavering, their loyalty steadfast, creating a bond that elevates them to being cherished members of the family.
Above all, dogs have this extraordinary gift of making our lives better just by being themselves. Their capacity for love knows no bounds, and their steadfast companionship brings out the best in everyone they encounter. They embody the true essence of unconditional love, filling our homes with warmth and our hearts with immeasurable joy. In the tapestry of life, dogs weave threads of love, loyalty, and companionship, etching their pawprints forever on the canvas of our hearts.
Previous Winners
Previous Winners
Maggie
Maggie
1st Annual Vernon Street Dog Contest Winner
2022 Best Dog
Maggie, a beloved 15-year-old black Labrador, embodies the epitome of joy and companionship. Her days are devoted to leisurely walks, where she meticulously scouts for hidden street treats, savoring each adventure with an insatiable curiosity. While at home, Maggie's favorite pastime involves perching herself across the room, fixated on her cherished friends and family, her bright sugar-face radiating an aura of warmth and affection. Her infectious smile, a testament to her perpetual happiness, is a beacon that unmistakably identifies her in any room. Maggie's gregarious nature means that locking eyes with her is an invitation for an enthusiastic greeting – she can't resist the chance to extend her friendly hello to anyone willing to reciprocate her boundless love and affection.
In memoriam
2007-2022
Runner-up awards | 1st Annual Vernon Street Dog Contest
Runner-up awards | 1st Annual Vernon Street Dog Contest
Wesley
Wesley
2nd Annual Vernon Street Dog Contest Winner
2023 Best Dog
Wesley is a 6.5 lb chihuahua and loves eating, sleeping, shaking, and saying hi to his furry and non-furry friends on Vernon St. Say hi next time he passes you by!
Runner-up awards | 2nd Annual Vernon Street Dog Contest
Runner-up awards | 2nd Annual Vernon Street Dog Contest
Cupcake
Cupcake
Though she may not appear as a dog, this shetland pony is just a large ball of fur, ready to snuggle up in your lap.
Duckie Moose Coleman
Duckie Moose Coleman
He is a Virgo; he also loves giving people high fives, ordering iced chai lattes at Equator Coffee and working as a a serial barker!
Leo
Leo
3rd Annual Lake Merritt Dog Contest Winner
2024 Best Dog
Leo is your all around happy go lucky lab. He loves to go to lake Merritt and playing ball and snack on the treats the geese leave behind. His best features are obviously his looks (tall dark and handsome) but he also is super athletic and is training for the high jump dog Olympics! Everyone we meet loves him and he can’t wait to crowned Lake Merritt's Best Dog!
Runner-up awards | 3rd Annual Lake Merritt Dog Contest
Runner-up awards | 3rd Annual Lake Merritt Dog Contest
Gordo
Gordo
Gordo is a senior Chihuahua mix who was adopted from Muttville in 2020. He can be a grumpy old man, but he is at his happiest when he's basking in the sun, scrounging for floor snacks, and cuddling with his girl. He loves going for walks by the lake and making new friends in his office in downtown Oakland. Gordo has lost almost four pounds in the last few years, so soon we may need to change his name to Flaco!
Kobe James
Kobe James
Kobe James is a 9ish yr old border collie, chihuahua, and terrier mix. I always says he has the collie brains and the chihuahua attitude. He was adopted in 2018 after being found abandoned tied to a parking meter in San Francisco. The woman that rescued Kobe in SF lives down the street from Kobes grandparents! Some of Kobes favorite activities include car rides, exploring new locations, tanning, playing fetch, and supervising the yard work. One of the funniest memories is the day he woke me up at 4am to go outside. Here I am thinking its a bathroom emergency.... only for him to rush out of the door and look for a cheeseburger that he had seen on the sidewalk the day prior. The cheeseburger was gone and he was devastated.
Gordo
Gordo
4rd Annual Lake Merritt Dog Contest Winner
2025 Best Dog
Gordo is a lazy little potato! He only loves his bed and his mama, I'm sorry. He just turned 13 and celebrated his bark mitzvah, so very happy to announce that he is now a man! Congratulations Gordo.
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Gordo came in 2nd place for the 3rd Annual Lake Merritt Dog Contest, and has risen to the top spot to claim the title of BEST DOG!!
Runner-up awards | 4th Annual Lake Merritt Dog Contest
Runner-up awards | 4th Annual Lake Merritt Dog Contest
Ranchera
Ranchera
Ranchera is named after my dad’s childhood dog! Ranchera is a 9-year old pitbull/lab (and tank!) mix adopted from Oakland Animal Services! She loves squeaky toys and will look for one to squeak whenever she is overcome with excitement. We always says “ohhh she’s gotttta squeak about this.” Ranchera loves to nap and loves comfort above everything. You can usually find her in her bed or on the sofa or on my bed…the list goes on for she is a comfort seeking girl. Ranchera is also made of liquid! She loves to lay half of her body on her bed and half on the carpet, seeking ultimate comfort.
Ranchera was adopted just a year ago (as of April)! Loved ones asked me how I trained her to be the way she is, and I truly didn’t do anything - she just came like this. Perfect, loving, radiant, patient, and adaptable. This is just who she is - the perfect companion.
If Ranchera were human, she would be an older, retired woman selling art on Etsy. She would take custom orders and her secret ingredient would be love. She would send more than just the piece you purchased, for she wants you to be the happiest person ever.
Ranchera is truly the most perfect girl. She is the sun personified. She is a compilation of all beautiful things ever. She is my heart in dog form. Everyone who knows her can’t help but immediately love her.
Richard
Richard
He has a penis for a face and thinks he's a dog.
⚠️ Quick Note: Some dogs had to be re-uploaded and are listed separately at the bottom of the page. With over 200 dogs entered, it was too complicated to re-order them all—so please scroll down if you don't see your pup! 🐾✨
⚠️ Quick Note: Some dogs had to be re-uploaded and are listed separately at the bottom of the page. With over 200 dogs entered, it was too complicated to re-order them all—so please scroll down if you don't see your pup! 🐾✨
Sorry again for the upload hiccup! Re-ordering all 200+ dogs was too time consuming, so instead, please enjoy these missing pups showcased with slightly larger photos. 🐶✨
Sorry again for the upload hiccup! Re-ordering all 200+ dogs was too time consuming, so instead, please enjoy these missing pups showcased with slightly larger photos. 🐶✨
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