From the Euthanasia List to the Red Carpet: Humboldt County’s Rosie Is in the Running for Best Pet in the Nation

Rosie Barks

A Belgian Malinois mix who nearly didn’t make it past eight weeks old is now representing Humboldt County in a national pet competition — and if she wins, the prize money goes right back to the animals and volunteers who make stories like hers possible.

Rosa Barks, known as Rosie, is a rescue dog adopted by Kate Macnab after a close call with euthanasia. Rosie and her siblings were slated to be put down because they were under eight weeks old and sick. Macnab stepped in, agreeing to foster the whole litter if Woof Project Malinois Rescue would pull them. Rosie, the runt of the litter and underweight due to a significant overbite, won Macnab’s heart completely. “I chose to adopt her and make her part of our pack,” Macnab said.

Now Rosie is competing in the Pet Lovers Choice Awards, where she is vying for Best in State. The top three finishers in California advance to Best in Nation voting. If Rosie makes the cut, she will travel to Los Angeles for a show hosted by comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, walk the red carpet, and compete against the top three pets from all 50 states.

Rosie has already decided what she would do with the $10,000 prize if she wins. She has chosen Woof Project Malinois Rescue, Redwood Pals Rescue, Humboldt County Animal Shelter, CARDA Search and Rescue, and Critters Without Litters as the recipients of her winnings.

“Someday you may get lost and need help getting found,” Macnab wrote of the search and rescue volunteers on Rosie’s behalf. “These volunteers are amazing at their jobs.”

Voting is open until 7 p.m. Saturday. Readers can cast their vote for Rosie at petloverschoiceawards.com/contestant/30279/contest=32. Results will be announced next week, with Best in Nation voting to follow shortly after for those who advance.