PLYMOUTH, MA …Honey Bear, a Golden Retriever, was crowned as this year’s America’s Hometown Hound earlier this month at America’s Hometown Hound Festival, rising to the top of 101 entries.
Hosted by Just Around the Corner (JAC), the Plymouth area’s premiere pet-sitting and dog-walking business, America’s Hometown Hound Contest is a local competition for dogs in Plymouth and the surrounding areas. After nominations were accepted, more than 16,000 votes were cast over three rounds, narrowing the field to the top three finalists – Honey Bear, Mick, and Elsa.
Judges Deb Iaquinto (chair of the Plymouth Select Board), Amber Bartlett (owner of the Barker House in Plympton), and Dr. Heather Geddes (lead veterinarian at Veterinary Urgent Care in Plymouth) met the finalists at America’s Hometown Hound Festival, held June 13 at Nelson Park in Plymouth, and listened to why they wanted to be America’s Hometown Hound. Honey Bear was declared the winner and signed the Winner’s Oath; Elsa came in runner-up and also signed an oath that she will step in if Honey Bear cannot fulfill his duties for any reason.
Although the festival was new this year, the America’s Hometown Hound contest debuted in 2020 and has crowned six previous winners: Charlie Brown, a German Shepherd; Otis, a Golden Retriever; Tim, a tiny mixed-breed, Daphne, a Basset Hound; Flynn, a Newfoundland; and Samson, a Pit Bull.
The community event also featured over 15 local pet-friendly business vendors, craft tables, a police department Comfort Dog, entertainment, a Blessing of the Animals, and a host of other family-friendly activities.
In partnership with Plymouth Helping Hands for Animals, Just Around the Corner also donated $1,300 – 100% of all vendor fees – to this charitable organization which is dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of pets and their owners by raising funds to help pet owners in need.
Many community members stepped up to support the event, including Platinum Paw Sponsors Veterinary Urgent Care of Plymouth. Ghost Scoopers, Cape & Plymouth Marketing, Riordan & Associates, Dapper Dog Grooming Pawlor, and GPub; Gold Paw Sponsors Brabo, Harborwalk Apartments and Tiny & Sons; Red Paw Sponsors Bamp’s Toy Vault and The Black Dog; and Blue Paw Sponsors Premier Notary & Advisory Services and Cartmell-Davis Funeral & Cremation.
“Congratulations to Honey Bear, and to all the wonderful pups who entered America’s Hometown Hound Contest,” said Pamela Ranheim, founder of Just Around the Corner and originator of America’s Hometown Hound Contest. “America’s Hometown Hound Festival was a wonderful day of celebration and happy pups and people, and we look forward to expanding the festival in the years ahead!”
Honey Bear’s first act as America’s Hometown Hound will be representing the town in this year’s 4th of July Parade. Honey Bear will also represent America’s Hometown at various events and appearances throughout the year, demonstrating local support at charity fundraisers, small business shopping events, and other community festivities.