We sent out a call for Madison’s cutest pups and, boy, did you answer! From breeds large to small, here are some of the area’s hot diggity dogs.
Edited by Shayna Mace | Photography by Shalicia Johnson
Taiga
Breed: Samoyed
Family: Mary Hopkins-Best and Richard Best
Favorite Madison place to visit: Taiga’s favorite day is the annual UW-Madison Homecoming Parade because he gets to be in it. He rides along while his mom and dad drive a local celebrity in their convertible (shown) — but Taiga knows he’s the real celebrity.
If Taiga had a job, it would be: Chief solicitor of smiles and “awwws.”
Cooper
Breed: BullMastiff mix
Family: Maggie, Nick & Izzy Conrad
Favorite Madison place to visit: He loves to walk Izzy to school in the neighborhood! He also loves going trick-or-treating, hiking and visiting family.
What we love about Cooper: He is 120 pounds and is a gentle giant! Lots of people are afraid of big dogs — but they just want love, too. It’s good to show how even big guys like him can be sweet and loving.
Harry & Mango
Breed: Chihuahua (Harry) and terrier mix (Mango)
Family: Kayla & Ross Kahler
If Harry and Mango had jobs, they would be: Harry would be a secret agent. You’d trust his adorable face, but his big ears would hear everything! Mango would be a super-peppy summer camp counselor keeping the fun going, but he’d be able to comfort you when you’re homesick on night one.
What we love about them: These two happy guys love exploring Madison, walking around to see friends and trying new things. They’re also big fans of BRAVA Magazine — we read every issue together!
Gill
Breed: French Bulldog
Family: Rebecca Gasper
Favorite Madison places to visit: Gill loves visiting any Madison park, wandering around the lake (trying to drink the lake water!) and sharing sweet treats from Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream.
If Gill had a job, it would be: A cheese critic. He knows when the cheese drawer opens and will not leave you alone until he gets a piece! He is a real Wisconsin boy.
Why we love Gill: Gill is a momma’s boy who loves cuddling while we page through BRAVA Magazine when it arrives.
Ozzy
Breed: Pitbull
Family: Mallory, Danny, Vaughn, Dillon & Simone Wedel
Favorite Madison place to visit: Ozzy loves long walks on the west side of Madison and playing Frisbee at Marshall Park. Prairie Moraine Dog Park (shown) is his favorite — he can explore, sniff and get all of his zoomies out there.
What we love about Ozzy: Ozzy is always smiling and is such a good ambassador for his breed. We were lucky to have the chance to adopt him through the Dane County Humane Society and are so very thankful he’s ours!
Hondo
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Family: Jennifer & Brian Schmeiser
Favorite Madison place to visit: Hondo loves to go swimming in the lakes, hiking on trails, visiting dog-friendly patios and playing in the snow.
What we love about Hondo: We call him handsome Hondo — he is a good-looking dog, well-behaved and a lover. He wants to be everyone’s best friend and he is certain they all want to be his best friend, too. He brings us so much joy!
Kevin
Breed: A mix
Family: Missy Dickson
Favorite Madison place to visit: The American Family Children’s Hospital, where he can hop up in bed and comfort and cuddle with inpatient kids and staff.
If Kevin had a job, it would be: Chief Barketing Officer at Wisconsin Credit Union League and Caring Canine therapy dog at the American Family Children’s Hospital. He has a calming energy and wise golden eyes that help people feel welcome, that he understands whatever you’re going through and that everything is going to be OK.
Motley
Breed: Dalmatian
Family: Becca, Doug, Hailey, Rayah & Wyatt Hewison
Favorite Madison place to visit: Pet-friendly stores to meet people or local trails — particularly Pheasant Branch Conservancy in Middleton.
Why we love Motley: He is Mr. Personality — he has lots of silly antics and is very entertaining! He is a “unicorn” in that most people haven’t seen a real Dalmatian and that draws a lot of attention. We enjoy that he is quite active, yet still cuddly.
Simon
Breed: Teddy bear
Family: Leslie, Brett, Kendall & Talia Riemen
Favorite Madison place to visit: He loves to drive our boat! We live on Lake Waubesa.
If Simon had a job, it would be: UPS driver — he loves people.
Why we love Simon: Everyone loves Simon. He is a fantastic greeter at our office, a smart guy and loves to snuggle.
