The Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation announced the winner of the 2021 Animal Archives Pet of the Year is from Jefferson City.
The Archives offers an internet-based memorial program devoted to departed pets. This year's winner is Angela, a 12-year-old mixed breed dog owned by Cecil Caulkins, of Jefferson City.
Angela was one of six nominees in this year's competition. Nominees are chosen from the previous year's submissions to the Archives. The public was invited to vote online for their favorite departed pet based on its life story and the bond between the pet and its owners.
"Angela was a large, very sweet dog I adopted from the Callaway Hills Animal Shelter," Caulkins said. "She had been at the shelter for a long time, eight years, I think, when I adopted her. I was sure she would die there because no one would adopt an old dog. So Angela became my girl, all 90 pounds of her.
"We spent three-plus wonderful years together," Caulkins continued. "I wanted to give her the best life she could have, and I know I did that. And she brightened my life as well. I will miss her. I plan to adopt again."
To view and vote for the next Pet of the Year candidates, go to the Animal Archives of Missouri website at www.mopetmemorial.com.
As a public charity that supports the charitable and educational purposes and activities of the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association, the Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation focuses on public education and animal welfare issues to further the health of animals in Missouri. For more information on the foundation, go to movma.org.