Pictured above: Coco, Gulfport’s first pet mayor, walks along Beach Boulevard with her toy bouquet.
Courtesy of Elizabeth Olson
By Decker Lavely
The owner of Gulfport’s Historic Peninsula Inn says her dog, Coco, has two jobs: greeting guests and scouring the floor for missed crumbs.
Now Coco has picked up a third — as the city’s first pet mayor.
The 6-year-old rescue was one of 13 furry candidates running for the position as a part of a fundraiser organized by the Gulfport Historical Society.
Each voter paid $1 to support their favorite dog or cat while donating to the society and Rescue Pink, a nonprofit that works to provide funds to help low-income community members pay for their pets’ medical procedures.
“What’s better than a rescue dog running for mayor?” Coco’s owner, Veronica Champion, said on nominating her pet.
Awarded a bouquet of plush roses and treats, Coco accepted her mayoral duties ––including attending Geckofest and Gulfport’s Fourth of July parade –– on Feb. 22 during the 16th annual Get Rescued event. Each year, the event consists of vendors promoting their pet products, animal rescues and other organizations in downtown historic Gulfport.
Hundreds of tails wagged and visitors roamed Beach Boulevard on Saturday in hopes of finding the right furry friend to name and bring home. Organizations like Nine Lives Kitten Rescue and others brought a variety of pets for adoption.
Attendees could browse colorful collars and accessories, multi-flavored treats and even pose for a portrait with their pet.
The pet mayor election raised more $3,800 to split between the Gulfport Historical Society and Rescue Pink. Elizabeth Olson, founder of Rescue Pink, said she plans to use the funds for spay and neutering services to help avoid more animal euthanasia.
“I was just jumping up and down. I was thrilled,” Olson said.
After Coco’s inauguration, visitors could find her back at the Historic Peninsula Inn, greeting guests with her toy bouquet.
