Local service dog featured in 2023 calendar

A little dog who has had a big impact on others has been selected to appear in a 2023 pet calendar, according to her owner, Shirley Hutchinson of Vian.

Hutchinson said Cota, her 6-yearold half Shitzu, half Yorkie, is featured in this year’s 2023’s Exemplary Pets, Volume 2 pet calendar for the month of March.

“I’m so proud of her. She is the sweetest and most loving little dog,” Hutchinson said. “She won out of almost 10,000 others that entered the contest.”

Hutchinson said Cota is a therapy/ medical service dog and she has owned her for about five years.

“My son is a police officer and that’s where I got Cota from,” she said. “Cota was about a year old when my son witnessed her being thrown from a car while it was raining. He rescued her and then got a police dog that Cota didn’t get along with, so I took her in.”

Hutchinson said she gave Cota the love she deserved because she knows she didn’t always have it.

“Sometimes I cry when I think about all the bad things she went through to get here,” she said. “She is very special to me.”

Hutchinson said Cota loves to be around other people and is wellknown for her appearances in all the county Christmas parades.

“She will continue to be in the parades every year, it’s just something that she really enjoys doing. I also have people that stop by my residence on a regular basis just to love on her,” she said. “Anyone is welcome to stop by and see her, and get some love as well. I promise, she will make you smile within a minute.”

Hutchinson said Cota has most recently been entered in a beauty contest.

“I have ordered her a yellow polkadot bikini with yellow sunglasses and hat,” she said. “She has to be photographed by a professional but she could win $5,000 if she is selected.”

“Some might think I’m crazy but I don’t care. This little girl is my angel, baby and child. She loves and supports me every day, and I don’t know what I’d do without her. I bet I get 100 kisses a day so don’t let anyone say she is just a dog.”

Hutchinson said if you would like to get a visit from Cota or purchase one of Cota’s calendars (at $19.99), she can be reached at 918-208-9472.