The Best Dog of Summer Contest has found a definitive winner! Originally hailing from Spain, Yago is a 7-year-old Swiss Shepherd with a passion for life who now spends his days living with family and friends near County Line in Malibu. His family who nominated him described Yago as “friendly,” and detailed his many talents, including acting dead, rolling over and dancing.
Yago makes friends wherever he goes and does not discriminate — not only is he friends with other dogs, but he adores bunnies and is a nurturing figure for his favorite baby chicks.
“When the baby chickens were born, Yago fell in love with them and followed them around. The baby chickens would climb up him and jump off; he loved them so much!” owner Noah Lia told The Malibu Times in an email.
Yago is not just a pretty face, either — due to all of the wonderful tricks he can perform, he could be considered a multitalented individual. Overall, Yago was selected because he is a role model for other dogs in the community; his simple belief that the achievement of happiness and joy only comes from cultivating compassion for all life is what made him a clear choice.
“Yago is super good with other pets,” his owner said. “We have guinea pigs, other dogs, chickens and a bunny. He always goes around the house playing with the other dogs.”
This year was full of top dogs that came in right behind our winning pup — one could say it was a ruff competition. Nearly 50 entries were submitted, from tiny Chihuahuas to enormous German Shepherds. This year’s runners up are: Daisy Mae, Bindi and Mochi.
Daisy Mae is a white Labrador who loves spa treatments and swimming as much as possible, whether it’s splashing in the waters at Zuma Beach or diving off her dad’s boat into Lake Nacimiento.
Bindi is a Rat Terrier who loves to sleep, party and drink margaritas while lounging by the pool in her lawn chair.
And, last but not least, Mochi is a Shiba Inu that is somewhat timid around new people — but once he gets to know you, his owners said, he’s as sweet as can be.
Yago will be the recipient of several luxurious prizes including two cases of Charlie’s Chow — fresh poultry, vegetables and rice from Monrose Catering; a one-hour pet portrait session by Devon Meyers Photography (includes high-res photos on disc); a $50 grooming at the Malibu Vet Clinic; a $25 Eco Auto Spa $25 gift card; and a Pacific Coast Pets $50 gift card.
