MIDDLEBURY — The Middlebury Dog Mayor election season is in full swing! We have 5 candidates in the running, all well qualified and capable of doing an outstanding job for the Shire Town.

The polls close at 11:55 p.m. on Monday, June 15. Each vote is $5 and there is no limit — supporters can vote as often as they wish for as many of the candidates as they wish.

The candidate headshots are attached, and their bios are as follows:

CANDIDATE #1:  Angel Bess: “A vote for Bess brings Happi-ness! Vote Angel Bess Zeliff for your next Mayor!”

All about Angel Bess:

• No arrest record
• Mature (13 years)
• Quiet, hardly barks
• Loves to walk
• Cute
• Loyal
• Works for Milk Bones
• House trained
• Unique perspective (only sees through one eye)
• Adopted from Homeward Bound, Addison County’s Humane Society

 

CANDIDATE #2: Huckleberry: “You’re in Luck with Huck!”

All about Huckleberry:

• Expert greeter, professional tail-wagger and full-time good boy
• Neutered, fully vaccinated and a proud patient of the Homeward Bound clinic
• Middlebury resident
• Friendly with children, adults, dogs and cats alike
• Has many canine friends throughout Middlebury
• No criminal record, unless being excessively adorable is considered a crime

“As Mayor, I would work hard to bring people and pets together, encourage kindness throughout the community and ensure that every dog gets the chance to make a new friend. I am proud to support Homeward Bound and would use my position to help bring awareness to the many wonderful services they provide, including adoptions, affordable veterinary care, community events and programs that help keep pets and families together.”

 

CANDIDATE #3: Lulu: “Licks for all!”

All about Lulu:

• Summited the tallest peak in Vermont (Mount Mansfield) despite standing less than one foot tall.
• Excellent sniffer
• Chicken connoisseur
• Master of diplomatic relations with humans and dogs alike
• Extensive field experience in squirrel reconnaissance
• Committed public servant, available for belly rubs 24/7
• Masterful napper: can nap anytime, anywhere, on any surface
• Lulu has her own campaign website! Visit it here: tinyurl.com/luluformayor

 

CANDIDATE #4: Otto: “I’m all ears, so all voices in Middlebury will be heard! Even though I’m small, I can have a mighty bark when needed to get things done!”

All about Otto:

• Dachshund
• Eight years old but young at heart.
• Has lived in Middlebury his whole life.
• Loves squeaky toys, going for walks and smelling along the way.
• Enjoys supervising the office staff at Comfort Hill Kennel.

 

CANDIDATE #5: Tela: “Because she’s a good girl.”

All about Tela:

• When she’s not working up at the college, Tela can be found exploring the woods throughout the state
• A very social and happy-go-lucky demeanor accompany her every whim
• At home she enjoys the company of her best cat bud Jimmy Paige as well as her big brother Drexel for visits
• Due to her extensive work with students from many different backgrounds Tela has developed a bilingual repertoire of tricks!
• She is just as happy bringing comfort for any/all reasons in this cold climate
• She is as sweet as a lullaby on a whispering breeze

Note: Tela is the current Middlebury Dog Mayor; she won the inaugural election in 2025. As per town management, a dog may serve up to two 1-year terms, so Tela is eligible to run again.