The 2025 Candidates
Stella
Breed: Rescue mix
Platform/Desc: When not working her day job as Wild Petunias’ shop dog, Stella can be found hanging out at local wineries or hiking our many foothills trails. Stella paws-atively loves everyone she meets! With one ear up & one down, she listens to every side and takes her job as a good will ambassador very seriously. Vote for Stella for Tryon’s next dog mayor!
Age: 1 yr 2 mos.
Food: French fries
Winnie
Breed: mixed terrier
We have never had a dog like this. Having her reminds us of having teenagers all over again.
The only commands she will obey are “sit” (for treats) and kennel-up, usually because she gets a treat for doing that! She will not come when called, will run to and get into the Amazon Truck, the neighbors, or anyone coming into our driveway. I guess she just wants to see if there is a better “gig” out there. Not sure there is because she is spoiled rotten.
She was abandoned in Spartanburg with huge wounds on her back and the Greenville Shelter picked her up, and my daughter Emily claimed her for as, as she has done with every dog we have ever had, including the one she left us with when she left home for college!!!
In spite of this, we love her to pieces. She tries very hard to speak when she wants something and is excited. Really funny little crazy dog. Kind of like Tryon, small and a little quirky!!!
Age: 2
Food: Anything a human will eat
Daisy
Breed: Mini Golden Doodle
Platform/Desc: It is my great honor & privilege to announce my candidacy for Tryon’s next dog mayor. Toby was an inspiration and I intend to follow in his legendary paw prints. I will continue to bridge the gap between our amazing dog community and the humans who live in Tryon. I envision a town with bowls filled with fresh water in front of every store, tasty grasses planted along the sidewalks and complimentary treat jars on every counter.
I wish all my fellow candidates a good, clean race and challenge any of them to a good ‘ol fashioned sniff & wag.
Cast your vote for me, Daisy Doodle, and not only will Tryon be the Friendliest town in the south, but, also, the PET friendliest town in the south.
Age: 6
Food: Garbanzo Beans
H. Diggety Dog
Breed: 1/2 Dachshund/mutt
Platform/Desc: While we bid Adieu to Mayor Toby as he
sails across the pond, I want to let the Tryon folks know that I am ready to step up and bring my knowledge of “Pawlitics” to help the transition go smoothly. I’m charismatic and just down right cute! I promise to be visible in town and willing to lend an ear and a paw if you need assistance. One of my promises that I hope is attainable, is being sure that all business have clean, full water bowls out front and of course a few treats will be awesome.
Age: 6
Food: Charlee Bear crunchies
Clyde
Breed: Goberian (golden retriever/husky mix)
Platform/Desc: Clyde is a returning candidate who’s twice finished in 3rd place, and whether this is his year or not he’s thrilled to help raise money for Foothills Humane Society. That’s because the good folks there rescued him, trained him, and got him adopted. Clyde loves going for walks around Tryon, saying hi to people, and finding a stream or pond to wander into. He’s come SO far….from the nervous, semi-feral dog that Foothills saved, to the playful live-action teddy bear you see here. Clyde would love your vote…or if you have some carrots, that might be even better!
Age: 8
Food: Carrots
Mojo (Buddy, Boo)
Beed: Husky / Whippet
Platform/Desc: I will keep the streets of Tryon free of squirrels and provide free coffee to all dogs under twenty five pounds.
Slogan: I will hear your concerns. I’m a great listener!
Age: 8
Food: Chimken
Pierre
Breed: Standard poodle
Platform/Desc: Already known around town as a really good boy who loves everyone! Looks great on cakes! People keep telling us he should be dog mayor so here we are!
Slogan – Friendliest dog in the south! Really!
Age: Age 2 on Sept 4
Food: Anything! He will sit, be patient and he takes gentle nibbles
Scout
Breed: Yellow English Lab
Platform/Desc: Scout has always loved to Tryon, it is the only home she ever knew. She walks the streets of Tryon every day to protect our citizens.
She loves live music and live entertainment would certainly loves to pour her own libations, and do trivia in the heart of our fair city (Town).
But most of all she loves to warm people‘s hearts with her friendly smile most people say she has the friendliest smile in the south!
Age: 3
Food: Everything!
Gwendolyn (Gwennie)
Breed: mix of all good things, likely border collie/ spaniel +
Platform/Desc: Gwendolyn was adopted as a puppy from Foothills Humane Society. From the start, she has been a super friendly and chill dog. She loves to meet fellow dogs and people. In younger years she was awesome in agility and made several presentations of her skills to audiences in an effort to promote the adoption of shelter dogs. She is always in a good mood…her tail always swaying. Remember the good witch of the East in The Wizard of OZ? Her namesake, Gwendolyn, was always swaying her magic wand, very much like this G’s tail.
She runs on a platform of peace, goodwill and being good to pet.
Age: 11 years young, will be 12 soon
Food: Sweet potato chews for sure, but has a very expanded pallet.
Harry (Choo Choo)
Breed: West Highland Terrier
Platform/Desc: Harry is a people doggie that truly believes love can conquer all. He loves to give kisses and is very popular with the ladies, human and canine.
He would love to be doggie mayor of Tryon as he loves this little town and would like to promote it whenever he can.
He loves shaking hands and high tens which are important traits in being mayor.
He looks forward to meeting everyone in August 22 nd. Please vote for Harry. Woof!
Age: 8
Food: Any kind of dog treats.
Mel (aka Horse)
Bred: Great Dane
Platform/Desc: Who would be better for mayor than Morris the Horse’s doppleganger?
When he’s not ‘mel’lowing out on one of the Back Alley Boutique couches, you can find Mel chilling around all our nature trails. Always down for a day-long couch cuddle or an outdoor adventure (as long as it includes some treat breaks of course), Mel’s here to match any good vibes. His ears may not work (deaf dog), but his heart does twice as much to make up for it 
.
6’2″ on his hind legs, and a whopping 226 lbs, this big boy is running on a campaign of full bellies for all! Let’s all help raise money for our furry friends at Foothills Humane Society
Age: 6
Food: Hip & Joint Treats from Honeybee Hemp
Rocket
Breed: Great Bernese
Platform/Desc: In Tryon, the friendliest town in the South, it only makes sense to elect the friendliest dog — Rocket. This big, fluffy ambassador of goodwill greets everyone like an old friend, whether they’re two-legged or four. He’s a devoted protector of his crew — his best friend Lylla, Oreo the cat, the horses, chickens, and goats — and he extends that same watchful care to the whole community. Rocket’s platform is simple: keep Tryon safe, happy, and welcoming. No squirrel, butterfly, or suspicious breeze will slip past his vigilant watch, and no neighbor will leave without a wag, a smile, and maybe a little drool. With Rocket as Dog Mayor, you’ll have a leader who barks for the good of all and believes every day is better when shared with friends.
Age: 8
Food: Fresh Tenderloin from The Nest (best served medium rare stolen off the counter)
Rio
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Platform/Desc: Rio is a 4-year-old Labrador Retriever with a big heart, a wagging tail, and a serious love for his community. A natural social butterfly, Rio loves meeting new friends—human and canine alike—and spreading joy wherever he goes. He’s known for his soulful howls when someone plays the piano and his adventurous spirit when swimming in Tryon’s local rivers. Whether he’s lending an ear, chasing a tennis ball, or campaigning for more treats and tail wags, Rio is ready to lead with a friendly spirit, enthusiasm, and a splash of fun.
Age: 4
Food: Mountain View BBQ leftovers
Sweetie Pie (aka Sweetness, Girl, Chatty Catty and Pie)
Breed: Tabby
Platform/Desc: Sweetie Pie is for green spaces for all, fresh water and unconditional love. She loves to be brushed and get butt spanks. Sweetness was adopted from Foothills Humane Society 4 1/2 years ago. She will come to you when you call her. She likes to zoom late at night. She’s purrfect!
Video from her last campaign is below…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3JmDF0gWik
Age: 9
Food: Catnip
Butters
Breed: Pitbull
Platform/Desc: Animal control made Butter’s owner surrender her to LANDRUM Vet and we took her in under Paws, Prayers, and Promises. She was starved and had numerous health issues when she came in but is healthy now and her tail never stops.
Age: 6 years old
Food: Any food will do.
Jerry Lee
Breed: German Shepherd Dog
Platform/Desc: While I’m “jumping” into the Mayoral race late, sometimes the best is saved until last. I moved to Tryon with my mom and dad 2 1/2 years ago and, as Dog Mayor, can bring a fresh, four-legged perspective to our friendly town. While people think I’m a guard dog, I do have a goofy side which, combined, makes me a good candidate for Mayor. I can help keep the town safe, and enthusiastically announce every delivery truck rolling through, while enjoying all the fun events and variety of visitors. I’m a rescue pup and know how important pet adoption can be…we can become one of the family if given the chance and with treats at every stop, and plenty of fresh water available in town, every family member will feel welcome in Tryon.
Age: 6
Food: Bacon and Pup Cups