PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- Tuesday night’s Pierre City Commission meeting ended with a rags-to-riches story, of sorts, about a dog adopted five years ago from PAWS Animal Rescue.

Commissioner Jamie Huizenga (hi-zinga) says his daughter Casi (Huizenga) Popko adopted Washburne while living in Pierre, and has since moved to Fort Collins, Colorado. He says last summer (2021), the now 7 year old dog was one of 56 entries in a contest to be the “face” of the Odell Brewing Company.

On Washburne’s fundraising page, Popko said the dog is an excellent adventure buddy. She says they have a yellow cargo bike with a side basket for him to ride in, which inspired the photo that’s being used by Odell. She says Washburne is one of three dogs in the pilot program “B.A.R.K. Rangers” with the City of Fort Collins. As a B.A.R.K. Ranger, he is an ambassador of dogs on trails in Fort Collins. He (and his humans) promote the ethics of leave no trace and respecting wildlife and people.

Between the 56 entries, over $15,000 ($15,111) was raised for the Northern Colorado Wildlife Center.