Purina announced Bowie, a Dalmatian puppy from California, and Cashew, a kitten from New York, as winners of the second annual Chief Snuggle Officer contest, each receiving a $25,000 brand ambassador salary and generating $10,000 donations to their local animal shelters.
- Winners: Bowie (6-month-old Dalmatian from Watsonville, California) and Cashew (5-month-old domestic shorthair from Wyoming, New York)
- Prize: Each winner receives a $25,000 honorary brand ambassador salary and their local shelter gets a $10,000 donation
- Contest Details: Over 2,000 applications submitted; six finalists selected by panel, then consumers voted for winners
- Purpose: Highlights importance of proper nutrition during puppies' and kittens' first 12 months of growth and development
- Nutrition Focus: Purina Puppy Chow and Kitten Chow provide protein, DHA, and antioxidants to support growth, brain development, and immune health
Purina Puppy Chow and Kitten Chow named Bowie, a Dalmatian puppy from Watsonville, California, and Cashew, a domestic shorthair kitten from Wyoming, New York, as winners of the brands’ second annual Chief Snuggle Officer contest.
Bowie and Cashew received the most consumer votes from among thousands of applications. Each will earn a $25,000 “salary” as an honorary brand ambassador, and a shelter in each winner’s city will receive a $10,000 donation. In their roles, the two will promote proper nutrition, growth and play for puppies and kittens.
Bowie, a 6-month-old Dalmatian, joined a family that had long wanted the breed.
“Our 3-year-old son has had an incredibly difficult few years since being diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis,” said Bowie’s owner, Kim Bonnema. "He has endured more than 10 endoscopy procedures, countless doctor’s appointments and more challenges than any little boy should have to face.
“We are hopeful that, with the right training, Bowie may one day be able to become a service dog for Blake," continued Bonnema. "But for now, Bowie has already given him something incredibly important: comfort, companionship, laughter and unconditional love.”
In honor of Bowie’s win, a $10,000 donation will be made to the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter.
Nestlé Purina PetCare
“We always thought we were dog people until we discovered Cashew living in a dairy cow feeder” said Cashew’s owner, Danielle Meyers. "Just as we spotted him, he fell into a tight spot, and we had to fish him out. He went home with us that day and hasn’t left our side since. He fits into our family so well that his favorite playmates are his dog siblings, and he loves going camping with all of us."
In honor of Cashew’s win, a $10,000 donation will be made to the Wyoming County SPCA.
Puppy Chow and Kitten Chow launched the contest to highlight the importance of proper nutrition during early growth and development.
“Most puppy and kitten growth happens in their first 12 months, which makes proper nutrition during this window so important,” said Dr. Callie Harris, a veterinarian at Purina. “Purina Puppy Chow and Kitten Chow formulas provide protein, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and antioxidants to support growth, brain and vision development, and a healthy immune system.
"And as Bowie and Cashew show, plenty of play, training and snuggles help build confidence and strengthen the bond between pet and owner.”
The contest opened in July and drew more than 2,000 applicants, who submitted photos, videos and short résumés. An independent panel selected six finalists based on cuteness, charm and submission stories before consumers voted for the winners.
More information about the contest is available at purina.com/chiefsnuggleofficer. Adoptable pets are listed at Petfinder.com.
