The quest to crown America’s Favorite Pet has progressed from a vast pool of contenders to a select few, including an unexpected entrant from the Great White North.
Hailing from Vancouver, Canada, Rose has emerged as the lone Canadian cat among the impressive lineup of feline finalists.
America’s Favorite Pet, an annual competition that invites pet owners to submit profiles of their beloved companions for online voting, has garnered participation from hundreds of thousands of cat and dog enthusiasts. Through successive rounds of elimination, the field has narrowed to showcase the standout pets vying for the coveted title.
Rose’s journey has led her to the semi-finals, where her devoted “paw-rents” are rallying local support for the “true north kitty.” With voting open to all, supporters have the opportunity to cast their ballots once per day in favor of Rose’s candidacy.
Introduced to Raj Pala and Trisha Dulku’s family just last year, Rose has already left an indelible mark on her adoring owners.
“Rose holds a special place in our hearts,” shares Dulku, describing the young cat as playful, amusing, and a source of stress relief. “She enjoys playing pranks on us by stealthily hiding around corners and then pouncing out to startle us.”
Born at the Surrey Animal Resource Centre after her pregnant mother was abandoned, Rose and her littermates (all named after characters from Dr. Who) found themselves at the shelter when Pala and Dulku crossed paths with them. Rose’s instant connection with the family, including her daring act of climbing Dulku’s leg, sealed her fate as their chosen companion.
“The shelter is always eager to find loving homes for their cats,” notes Pala.
Currently undergoing leash training, Rose revels in outdoor adventures with her family, from park excursions to recent jaunts along the seawall.
“One of Rose’s admirable qualities is her courage,” remarks Dulku.
Adding to her allure, Rose’s status as a tortoiseshell cat carries significance in various cultures worldwide, where she is regarded as a symbol of good fortune.
Despite currently occupying the fourth spot in her semi-final group, Rose’s journey may yet bring unexpected rewards to her devoted family. Champions of America’s Favorite Pet stand to gain widespread recognition, with the winning pet featured on the cover of Modern Cat (or Modern Dog for canine winners) and awarded a $10,000 prize. Claiming the prestigious title of America’s Favorite Pet would be a remarkable achievement, particularly for a Canadian feline.
“It would be quite amusing if a Canadian kitty were crowned America’s Favorite Pet,” quips Dulku.
Pala echoes her sentiment, affirming, “It feels like the right thing to do.”
