By JULIE CARLE
BG Independent News
Charles Ralph is still in the running for America’s Favorite Pet competition for dogs. He has made it through seven of the nine rounds. He’s doing all the tricks he knows, except begging, to convince everyone he should be the top dog.
The four-year-old rescue dog of Jo and Raul Ascunce of Bowling Green is in the contest, not only to prove he’s everyone’s favorite but more importantly to raise funds for the Bowling Green Dog Park that is moving closer to a reality. A city council committee approved a lease agreement for the dog park that will go before council of the whole soon.
The $10,000 prize for winning would go a long way in helping the dog park’s progress, she said. It could help with design and construction, as well as other items needed, such as benches, trees and shade for the park.
Today is crucial for Charles Ralph, also known as Chuck, Chucky Cheese and Charlie. He must be in first place to move to the semi-finals, Jo Ascunce said in a phone interview this morning.
“He’s been in first place against 40 dogs, 20 dogs, 10 dogs, and now he is in the current round of five dogs,” she said. His fiercest competitor this time is a Mastiff. They’ve been trading spots between first and second place ever since this round began.
Charles Ralph—part-Australian cattle dog, part-Catahoula Leopard and maybe a little shepherd—was adopted from the Wood County Humane Society during COVID. Jo and Raul were independently checking out adoptable dogs online. When Charlie’s face was posted, they agreed to check him out.
They filled out all the paperwork and took their two granddaughters with them to the shelter. Though Charles was described as a young, small dog, they were greeted by a 40-pound pup. He immediately was smitten with the girls and their grandparents. He hopped into the back of their car like it was where he belonged, she said.
Jo regularly posts on social media as a reminder to family and friends to use their one daily free vote for Charles Ralph. Today’s post is of her wearing a T-shirt that says, “This human belongs to Charlie” and a photo of Charlie and Jo with her fingers crossed.
She has also posted his tricks and many of the “conversations” they have with the smart dog. “The conversations we have with him, why, he’s just brilliant.”
Charlie is also a food-hound. He loves his water buffalo horn, which is wearing thin and might be replaced with a new one. But he is also a treat fiend, who won’t play fetch unless he’s rewarded with treats. He sneakily got into two packages of Moon Pies, they had purchased for their planned backyard eclipse party, Jo said.
Raul, a freelance columnist, also keeps Charles Ralph’s name on the minds of his readers and friends, sending reminders for the daily votes.
“We will not ask anyone to pay for the votes, but some people are doing it,” Jo said.
A woman they do not know explained her generous $50 gift was given after her tithe, to support another nonprofit organization. She chose Charles Ralph and the Bowling Green Dog Park.
Funds raised from the paid votes support PAWS, a nonprofit organization devoted to helping injured cats and dogs. People who pay to vote know it’s going to a good cause, Jo said.
“We were so appreciative,” Jo said. “It’s pretty amazing to think he’s made it this far. I think it’s because we have so many friends and supporters of the dog park.”
As Charles Ralph often says, “A vote for me is a vote for the dog park.”
Charles Ralph is certain he (and the dog park) are worthy of the prize as well as the cover photo on Modern Dog magazine and an article inside the magazine.
“We know it’s a big IF, but we are going for it,” Jo said, asking for the community to take the time to vote today to get him to the semi-finals, which will run March 22-28. The final round of voting will take place March 29 through April 4 and the grand prize winner will be announced by April 12.
Vote to keep Charles Ralph in the competition and move him into the semi-finals. Then, if he moves on, vote daily to keep him moving ahead. Voting for the quarter-finals ends tonight (March 21) at 10 p.m. Free votes are done through a Facebook link, scroll to the bottom of the website to find the free vote link. Paid votes require a credit card.
