The Cutest Pet in PR race was close and the campaigning impressive as the votes poured in.
Alden the beagle dominated in the beginning, along with Dotty the hamster. Even Sherlock the cat clawed his way to the front at one point.
Then midway through, in a stunning change of events, the race tightened. Koki the liver Shih Tzu and Samson the eight-month-old English cocker spaniel were neck and neck.
But, in the end, Koki utilized his 27,000-strong Instagram following to pull ahead and establish an impressive lead - capturing 25% of the 1,650 votes cast.
So without further ado, PRWeek's inaugural cutest pet honor officially goes to Koki!
"Koki is thrilled to be voted PRWeek's cutest pet," his pet parent Vijay Lowlani, SVP marketing and comms at 48 Communications, told PRWeek. "Koki wants to share this recognition with all of the adorable finalists!"
Samson's pet parent Thomas Gensemer, chief strategy officer at Burson-Marsteller, said despite the loss, his young pup is humbled and honored by his nomination and strong showing in the PRWeek poll.
"Samson is disappointed that his politico father didn’t do better at GOTV," said Gensemer. "But as a recent immigrant from Ecuador who arrived in his 'forever-home' only two months ago, to already win a silver medal here, he knows he is living the American Dream!"
Thank you again to all who voted and to all the PR pets and pet owners for participating. And look out for more animal-themed content in January as PRWeek profiles the most important canines in the new influencer space and talks to PETA's EVP of campaign, marketing, corporate affairs, and youth outreach, Tracy Reiman.
