USA TODAY’s Favorite Pet: Mizu, the Charming Goat from Texas
After an exhilarating contest with over 20,000 entries, USA TODAY proudly presents the winner of its Favorite Pet contest: Mizu, a captivating and affectionate goat from Florence, Texas. The illustrious Mizu, whose name translates to "water" in Japanese, is not just an ordinary farm animal; he is an adored family member to the Ace Lopez family.
At the tender age of two and a half, Mizu revels in the company of the family’s children, embarking on leisurely strolls with them. Apart from his recreational pursuits, Mizu fulfills an important role on the farm as a lawn trimmer and fertilizer extraordinaire. However, his true passion lies in indulging in sweet treats, namely the delectable strawberry.
Mizu shares an extraordinary bond with Lopez. "He’s always following me everywhere. He’s always spoiled. He lets me brush his hair, so he is definitely my pet," she remarked. This connection transcends the physical realm, with Mizu attuned to Lopez’s emotional state. "If you’re happy, the goat is happy. If you are sad, the goat actually looks down and it’s like ‘pet me’. So, it’s an exchange of energies," Lopez said. "I think it’s something curious about the goats, but it’s really interesting to be around them."
The prestigious judges for this contest were none other than Peggy, a renowned British dog actress who graced the silver screen as Dogpool in "Deadpool & Wolverine," and her family. Among the myriad entries from across the nation, Florida pet owners emerged as the most enthusiastic, submitting an astonishing 6,325 entries. Ohio and Michigan trailed closely behind with 2,582 and 2,347 submissions, respectively. Notably, all 50 states and the District of Columbia were represented in the contest.
The nominations showcased a diverse array of species, with dogs dominating the field with an overwhelming 15,645 entries. Cats, birds, reptiles, snakes, and rabbits followed in popularity. However, the list extended beyond these familiar companions to include rodents, a spider, pigs, goats, cows, a raccoon, hedgehogs, a crab, and many more.
In terms of names, Chloe emerged as the clear favorite, with 105 entries. Daisy, Bella, Charlie, and Luna completed the top five.
As the victor of USA TODAY’s Favorite Pet contest, Mizu’s family will receive an impressive package of rewards. They will be presented with $5,000 in cash, a generous $5,000 gift card to their preferred pet store, and an additional $5,000 donation to Living Grace Canine Ranch in Georgetown, Texas, an animal charity selected by Lopez. Mizu will also be featured in a special article in USA TODAY, highlighting the extraordinary bond between pets and their owners.
Conclusion
Mizu’s triumph is a testament to the extraordinary relationship between pets and their families. His affectionate and playful nature, coupled with his unique connection to the Lopez family, embodies the essence of what it means to have a beloved companion. As the winner of USA TODAY’s Favorite Pet contest, Mizu serves as a shining example of the joy and unconditional love that pets bring into our lives.
