The 2026 Candidates
Clyde
Breed: Husky/Golden Retriever mix
Platform/Desc: Clyde is a returning candidate who was adopted in 2023. He was almost feral when Foothills rescued him..he had never lived in a home in his life and was kind of scared of everyone and everything. But through their work and dedication he overcame so much and has really blossomed into a sweet old man that loves being in the woods with his family, laying around the house, or visiting his friends at Valhalla or Della’s Tacos. He’s still pretty shy, but he’s happy to do his part to raise money for the two great organizations running the election!
Age: 9
Food: Carrots or Watermelon
Twig
Breed: Rhodesian ridgeback mutt
Platform/Desc: Twig was a sole survivor of a liter of 7 and surrendered to a rescue in Texas at a week old before being adopted at 12 weeks of age in
Washington state. He loved exploring all of Washington before moving to Tryon where we found even more adventures.
Twig is an adventurer and a snuggler all in one. He loves to climb mountains and then cozy up by fire after a long day. He loves going on hikes, bike rides, and car trips. He is trained as a Search and Rescue dog and excels at it- he is moving up the ranks quickly.
He has a diplomatic aesthetic about him that seems to hold wisdom beyond our understanding.
Age: 4
Food: Avocado and fish skin
Slinky
Nicknames: Cheesepossum, Pig
Breed: Shepherd mix
Platform/Desc: Slinky was a lone explorer at only a couple months old , wandering the streets alone and perfectly content doing so! He came across a police officer one day and decided he wanted to hitch a ride, he climbed into the cops car and was brought into the local shelter for adoption.
He found a perfect match of a home with an active couple and their one dog. The dogs became inseparable, like brothers, and go everywhere together. They will sleep on the same bed, and play outside together for hours.
Slinky is self confident, goofy and very loving. He loves to hop like Tigger through the kudzu on hikes and when he wants something or attention , he bops it with his nose!
Age: 1.5
Food: Fish skin
Ethel May Mertzola (MaeMae)
Breed: Shih Tzu
Platform/Desc: As a young lady, you learn how important
life is and how important it is to be loyal to your family. I have a chosen
family, and they mean the world to me as dog mayor of Tryon. I would be very
supportive of all the functions .I would always dress appropriately and show my
best.
Age: 6 months
Food: Peanut butter
Demi
Breed: Dachsund
Platform/Desc: I am Small but mighty.
I am bringing smiles, and cutest everywhere I go.
Age: 4months
Food: Everything
Wilder
Breed: Hanging tree cattle dog mix
Platform/Desc: Candidate Description: Wilder is an 8-year-old, 79-pound Hanging Tree Cattle Dog mix and proud mountain-country boy. He loves swimming, hiking, exploring the creek, riding around town, and spending as much time outside as possible. Wilder is loyal, smart, adventurous, and believes every good day should include fresh air, a little mud, and plenty of treats. He takes his job as best friend, hiking partner, and property supervisor very seriously.
Wilder is running on a simple platform: More Treats. More Trails. More Tail Wags. He supports clean creeks for swimming, dog-friendly adventures, plenty of belly rubs, locally sourced snacks, and equal access to the best sniffing spots in Tryon. As Dog Mayor, Wilder promises to represent dogs of all sizes, breeds, and backgrounds—and to work tirelessly toward a community where no good dog is ever denied a treat
Age: 8
Food: Cheese or bacon
Parker (Evenstar-Wesridge Knock It Out of the Park)
Breed: Bluetick Coonhound
Platform/Desc: Parker loves everyone and loves to have a
good time. He believes everyone else
should as well. He is full of personality and charms a crowd. Parker can be opinionated and likes to share
his thoughts – usually about how you should join in on any fun happening. He also enjoys summer porch time, enjoying a
pretty view.
Age: 7mo
Food: Open Farm dog food, any snacks including but not
limited to peaches, banana pudding, coffee, yogurt.
Patrick “Cotter”
Breed: Irish Wolfhound
Platform/Desc: A Mayor for Everyone—Big, Small, Young & Old!
Cotter believes our community should be a place where everyone feels loved, welcomed, and cared for. His platform is simple:
More Love, Less Barking — Cotter loves people and believes every neighbor deserves a friendly face and a wagging tail.
Supporting Our Seniors — Cotter has a special heart for the elderly. He is gentle, patient, and always happy to offer a little companionship to those who need it most.
Protecting Our Littlest Residents — When it comes to babies and little ones, Cotter knows that gentle paws and a calm heart go a long way.
Explore Our Community — Cotter believes in getting outside, exploring new places, and making sure everyone has a chance to enjoy the community we call home.
Helping Others — Above all, Cotter believes in lending a paw whenever someone needs it. Whether it’s a comforting presence, a little companionship, or simply making someone’s day brighter, he’s ready to serve.
Vote Patrick Cotter for Mayor!
Because every great community deserves a mayor with a big heart, gentle paws, and plenty of love to give.
Age: 3 years
Food: Anything and everything
Birdie Belle
Breed: Golden Retriever
Platform/Desc: Meet Birdie Belle: A Golden with a Plan
Birdie Belle is a 2-year-old Golden Retriever with a big heart, boundless energy, and just enough mischief to keep everyone on their toes. She’s one of the three Golden sisters, along with Olive and Lola, and together they form what Birdie proudly considers her own personal campaign team.
Birdie loves to run, play, chase, and generally make sure nobody in the neighborhood is having more fun than she is. She’s sweet, social, and always ready for an adventure.
Of course, Birdie occasionally finds herself involved in a little trouble. Not that she starts it, exactly… she simply believes in being an enthusiastic participant. And when she’s not campaigning, running the neighborhood, or keeping her sisters entertained, Birdie has one very important hobby: Licking Dad’s bald head. She believes it’s good for his complexion. Dad remains unconvinced. Birdie Belle believes Tryon needs a mayor who is loyal, energetic, approachable, and willing to work for treats.
Vote Birdie Belle!
More treats. More trails. More tail wags.
Age: 2
Food: Chicken treats
Toot
Breed: Cairn Terrier/ Poodle/ Chihuahua mix
Platform/Desc: Small Dog. Big Plans. Zero Political Experience.
Citizens of Tryon,
My name is Toot, and I’m running for Mayor because frankly, I think this town could use a little more sunshine, snacks, and belly rubs. At just 10 pounds, I may be small but I have big plans for Tryon.
My platform is simple:
More sunny spots for afternoon naps
Treats available at all local establishments
Mandatory investigation of every suspicious squirrel
Safer streets for dogs, babies, and slow walkers
Absolutely NO fireworks without prior approval from the canine community
And a strict policy that dinner shall never be served late.
I’m tough on crime, particularly crimes involving unattended sandwiches.
I cannot be bought….unless you have cheese.
This election, vote for the candidate who is loyal, adorable, and already experienced at running an entire household.
Vote TOOT for Mayor of Tryon.
Putting the “paw” back in public service.
Age: 1 year
Food: Bacon and cheese please
Charlie
Breed: Basset Hound
Platform/Desc: To provide free treats to all doggies and
to have weekly dog walks in downtown Tryon
Age: 2 years and 6 months
Food: Nubz
Manchu Foo
Breed: Pekingese
Platform/Desc: I may be small, but I am mighty and although young, I have a wealth of experience in dealing with running the household.
Age: Three months
Food: Liver treats, please
Butterbean
Breed: Super mix!
Platform/Desc: We have recently moved to Tryon and love it here! Everyone is so friendly and sometimes I even get a treat at some of the local restaurants. For my platform I would like to encourage more Pup Cups!
Age: 4
Food: All foods and All snacks!!!
Griffin/Griffy Nuggets
Breed: Pitty Mix
Platform/Desc: If you have been to Foothills before February 2026 then you have met Griffin!! He’s well known everywhere and will soak up the spotlight very willingly!! He’s the best old man!!
Age: 5+
Food: Rawhide Chews..that taste like beef
Miga
(Pronounced MEE GAH) Nickname: Miga is short for Amiga/Mi Amiga
Breed: Shepherd Mix
Platform/Desc: Hi I’m Miga and I’m 11 years young. I love hiking, swimming, river/creek fun, splash wars, tug of war, attention, cuddles & pets, treats, furry friends, and human friends!
When I’m not at home thinking about my next adventure and/or treat, then I’m probably already out making new friends, enjoying the outdoors, catching up with old friends, or enjoying some of my favorite spots in Tryon. You can often catch me downtown with my friend Mel aka Horse either strolling the streets, visiting our community, or taking naps together at the Bud Bar. I hope we can all be friends!
Platform: Life should be friends, treats, attention, & adventures for everyone!
Happy to help raise money for two great organizations that are having a positive impact on our community!
Age: 11
Food: Freeze Dried Liver & Attention