b'realitysoundbites.And The Whiskar Goes To.Fur-starswerebornattheHumaneSocietyofGreater Miamis first ever virtual event and awardsshow, The Whiskars! (Think The Oscars, but forpets). Some of the most precious Barkley Coopersand Kitty Gagas of Miami were nominated for dif-ferent fun and furry categories to see who could takehome the Whiskar and continue on for the chanceto win the ultimate title of Top Dog or Top Cat. Inanormalyear,supportersoftheHumaneSocietyofGreaterMiamiwouldhavepurchasedtickets to attend a gala-style fundraising event thatincluded a sit down dinner and entertainment forthem and their four-leggeds. Due to social distanc-ingrestrictionsin2020,theHumaneSocietyofGreater Miami was forced to reimagine their annualevent, and think outside the box for a way to safely Gigi, a six-year-old Yorkie,bring supporters together and give their furry friends used her sassy anda special event, while still helping raise much-needed mischievous personalityfunds for the dogs and cats in their care.and adorable face to getThe Whiskars was not just a one night event, her to the top. This beautybut a two-part virtual extravaganza that showcased was nominated for BestsomeofMiamiscutestfur-babies.Itbeganon Ears, Best Furry Friends,Facebook, where all of the furry nominations in each Best Hair, Best Sidekick,of the 15 categories debuted for online voting and Biggest Trouble Makerthe power was put in the hands of the Facebook and Master Napper.Aftercommunity. Woofs, meows, oohs and ahhs flooded coming out victorious asthe Humane Society of Greater Miamis social media the Biggest Trouble Maker,as supporters cast their votes by liking and react- Gigi made it into the finaling to their favorite pets. Categories included Best running for Top Dog andStory,GoodestBoy/Girl,BestDressed,Most took home the title - andall the barking rights.Talented, Wiggliest Butt and Best Ears.Thetopfourdogsandcatsineachcategorymade it into The Whiskars premiere on November21, 2020. That night, the 15 victorious four-leggedswereannouncedduringaspecialbroadcastwhileticket purchasers and their pets enjoyed their custom Princess channeled the power of herpawty favors and treats. name and wowed the virtual audienceFinally, the big awards of the night, Top Dog with her majestic beauty and charm!and Top Cat, were announced. One dog and one cat This 12-year-old feline was nominatedwere randomly selected from the list of final catego- for Most Talented, Master Napper, Bestry winners. Drum roll please: And The Whiskar goes Kisser, Best Furry Friends and Bestto: Gigi for Top Dog and Princess for Top Cat. Sidekick. She snoozed and smoochedCongratulationstoallofthefurrywinners, her way into winning Master Nappersaid Melanie Ochoa, Senior Communications and and Best Kisser, which then led her toMarketing Coordinator for the shelter. And a big the biggest honor of allTop Cat! thankyoutoallofthesponsors,BarkBox,TheNewBarker,PurinaandTitosHandmade Humane Society of Greater MiamiVodka, who helped make the first annual Whiskars 16101 West Dixie Highway, North Miami Beacha great success. U 305.749.1817www.HumaneSocietyMiami.org18 THE NEW BARKER www.TheNewBarker.com'