Did you fear that sleep deprivation was causing you to hallucinate and see fury animals running around the halls of the Cannon House Caucus Building? Don’t worry, it was actually Pet Night on Capitol Hill. No political barking, just bipartisan paw shaking.
The Animal Health Institute celebrated its 17th annual Celebrity Pet Night Thursday evening, announcing winners of the 2013 Cutest Pets on Capitol Hill. AHI’s Pet Night is a favorite in the nation’s Capital, which brings together members of Congress, Washington influencers, and Hill staff for a fun night celebrating America’s pets and the important role in keeping animals healthy.
Cutest Dog went to Congressman Jeff Denham’s dog, Lily. Cutest Cat was awarded to Avon Barksdale, Aly Lubov’s cat in Congressman Tim Walz’s office and the Cutest Exotic Pet of 2013 went to Senator the Turtle. The proud owner Megan Thompson works for Senator Dianne Feinstein.
Rep. Kurt Schrader announced the winners of the claw-biting competition. Judges included Kate Bennett, Washingtonian Magazine, Benny Johnson, Buzzfeed and Nikki Schwab, US News & World Report.
This year’s event also provided attendees the opportunity to meet a pair of celebrity pets, the adorable “Baxter” who stars in the upcoming movie “Anchorman II” and “Lord Tubbington,” the four-legged star from the award-winning hit series “Glee.”
For more information about the contest and to view photos from the event, visit: http://www.healthyanimals.org/cutest_pets_hill_2013.html
Rep. John Shimkus with celebrity pets
Rep. Schrader unveiling Pet Night 2013 winners
Rep. Denham with Cutest Dog 2013 “Lily”
