Top Dog

A few weeks ago Old Navy searched for a new spokes-pooch, and although one of the six finalists called the Chicago area city of Bartlett home, a California canine ran off with the prize. Customers were able to “vote for the dog they dig” throughout July 7 while the canines were featured in stores around the country. Several celebrity judges including Betty White and Alfre Woodard from Desperate Housewives, chose Sandi “The Bandit” from more than 120,000 entries. While the new spokes-pooch, Paco, will become the new mascot, the previous mascot, Magic will not be forgotten. “The response to our search has been overwhelming and we’re thrilled that America has chosen Paco as our new canine mascot,” said Susan Wayne, executive vice president of Old Navy marketing. Paco is a two-year-old fluffy white dog who calls Venice Beach home.

Kitty Cash

While every dog may have his day, in the fall so will cats. The Michigan Lottery has asked cat guardians to send in pictures of their felines for the newest instant scratch ticket, Kitty Cash. Cat guardians were able to submit photos of their pets through July 14 for the ticket that will feature the faces of ten lucky felines. In October players can pick up Kitty Cash, which comes after the similar Lucky Dog game that debuted in April. Stores sold 5.4 million Lucky Dog game tickets in seven weeks, which is twice as fast as other tickets. The lottery commissioner believes Kitty Cash will be just as popular. The scratch-off ticket will cost $1, and will feature prizes up to $5,000.

A rational idea

Pop ARF artist Nathan Janes has joined paws with Rational Animal, a nonprofit organization that aims to increase awareness of at-risk animals. Janes has designed a special pewter lapel pin, available at animal rescue facilities, that will help with fundraising projects and support Rational Animal’s Animal Guardian Ribbon Campaign. The orange pin, which is in the shape of a ribbon with a paw print at the top, promotes animal guardianship rather than ownership. In addition to the pin, Janes has also created an original portrait of a dog sitting in front of New York City skyscrapers wearing an animal guardian ribbon and an orange “Adopt Me” vest. For more about Rational Animal, visit www.Rational-Animal.org. For more information on Pop ARF, visit www.PopArf.com.