In our fourth annual Top Dog issue, we invite readers and their furry friends to join in on the fun and share information not only about what makes their pup special, but what is special about their relationship. Several dogs this year showed off their talents and wardrobes, and each had unconditional love for their paw-rents.

<strong>Name:</strong> Arya

<strong>Breed:</strong> Newfoundland

<strong>Owner:</strong> Jennifer Rodgers

<strong>About:</strong> Arya is a gentle giant. She may look like a bear, but she has the sweetest disposition. We knew this early on and wanted to share it with as many people as possible. She is a certified therapy dog with Therapy Dogs International, as well as a member of the Animal Ambassadors for Riverside Medical Center. She also spends time visiting with the veterans at the Manteno Veterans’ Home. She gets most excited for her visits with the kids at the Manteno Public Library for Reading Buddies every other Tuesday.

<strong>Name:</strong> Bruno

<strong>Breed:</strong> Pembroke Welsh Corgi

<strong>Owner:</strong> Samantha Tewes

<strong>About:</strong> Bruno is a 10-year-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi. He has to be the most patient dog and loves to have his belly rubbed. Bruno loves to hang out with family (especially his two younger human sisters, Claire and Charlotte). He is loyal, happy and a great asset to our family. The joy he brings is endless... We love you Bruno!

<strong>Name:</strong> Cache

<strong>Breed:</strong> Black Labrador

<strong>Owner:</strong> Megan Brooks

<strong>About:</strong> Cache not only helps catch predators by being able to locate hidden electronic devices that contain important evidence needed to solve crimes, but he was twice rescued and repurposed for law enforcement. He is a great family companion at home when not working and he doubles as a comfort dog to children and other adults when on the job during his down time. He has separation anxiety and because of his super busy life and training schedule, the anxiety is now at low levels. How can you not love Cache? Even the suspects find a soft spot in their hearts for him! He is now between 8 and 9 years old and continues to shine every day.

<strong>Name:</strong> Cooper

<strong>Breed:</strong> Golden Retriever

<strong>Owner:</strong> Taylor Brown

<strong>About:</strong> Cooper is a year and six months old. He is a super playful pup and LOVES meeting new people. He enjoys going to training at PetSmart, going on car rides, and playing with his favorite chicken ball. He is the sweetest boy and loves to make others happy, including taking tons of pictures for his mama. He’s our best friend and fur baby.

<strong>Name:</strong> Gizzy

<strong>Breed:</strong> Maltese

<strong>Owner:</strong> Deborah Geisler

<strong>About:</strong> She is such a dedicated and lovable little girl. She loves to travel and sleep in bed with her mom. She is the pure joy in my life.

<strong>Name:</strong> Maui

<strong>Breed:</strong> Bully

<strong>Owner:</strong> Jennifer and Fernando Barrera

<strong>About:</strong> Maui is the most lazy, cuddly dog ever. He is laid back and doesn't speak dog at all. What I mean when I say this is he doesn't make dog noises like barking but instead he sounds like a baby trying to talk; it's funny. He loves skateboards and the water and he is everyone's best friend when they come to visit.

<strong>Name:</strong> Pappy

<strong>Breed:</strong> Pittie Mix

<strong>Owner:</strong> Wendy and Rende Langlois

<strong>About:</strong> Pappy came to us from the Kankakee County Humane Foundation. He was eight weeks old, apparently found in a ditch and brought to the foundation. He had parvo and the future did not look promising for this little guy. However, Jordan [Chapman], the director, gave him a chance. He was hospitalized and eventually fostered by our son and daughter-in-law. We met this guy and couldn't stop thinking about him. We took him for an afternoon, and as they say, the rest is history. He stole our heart! Pappy is the best lap dog ever, he's a great therapist, best listener in the world! Pappy loves EVERYBODY and everybody LOVES our Pappy.

<strong>Name:</strong> Piper

<strong>Breed:</strong> Goldendoodle

<strong>Owner:</strong> Cathy Boicken

<strong>About:</strong> Piper is the top dog here at Municipal Bank. Every day she comes to work with the president, Cathy Boicken! She is always working hard warming the hands AND hearts of our customers! Piper is our very sweet and loving bank employee who works hard every day to put a smile on our customers’ faces. What other bank has a friendly dog as an employee!? Municipal Bank makes is PAW-ssible!

<strong>Name:</strong> Snoop Dogg

<strong>Breed:</strong> Goldendoodle

<strong>Owner:</strong> Abby and Ryan Magruder

<strong>About:</strong> Snoop Dogg is the happiest dog who loves to run zoomies and can't pass up a good pacifier. He loves to fly on airplanes, snuggle with his family and “help” his mom with her garden (by running through the mulch). If he wants your attention, he will give you a polite tap until you show him some love. He has to be in whatever room his family is in to always protect them and even sit with them at the dinner table. Snoop Dogg is always a gentleman!

<strong>Name:</strong> Tucker

<strong>Breed:</strong> German Shepherd

<strong>Owners:</strong> Tyler and Sydney Bailey

<strong>About:</strong> “Tucker is so full of personality. He loves everyone! He is Sgt. Tyler Bailey and Sydney Bailey's dog. He had a very "ruff" year in that he couldn't be with his people while Tyler recovered from his injury. But, he was LOVED by both grandparents and he was very well cared for until his people came home. He's had quite a few changes in the last year, but has stayed his sweet and fun self. He even took up swimming at Grandpa Bailey's house last summer. He loved it and you can't get him out of the pool!! I nicknamed him "Traveling Tucker" because he stayed at both grandparents' homes during the past year! Just a wonderful pet who we all love so dearly! He deserves this honor!” — submitted by Tucker’s Grandma, Amy Denault-Gibson