A furry, wrinkle-faced three-year-old named Lucy will serve as the official mascot of the 2011 Drake Relays. Lucy was crowned “top dog” by a panel of judges today in the 32nd Annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest in Des Moines.
Lucy’s owner is Nancy Brown of Johnston. “Last year, we got ‘Miss Congeniality’ and this year, we won,” Brown said. “We can’t believe it. We were going for ‘Best Dressed’ and we won, so we’re so excited.”
Lucy and Nancy both sported 1950s-style sock hop outfits, while Nancy’s sons Aaron, 11, and Colin, 7, had greased-back hair and wore black jackets, white t-shirts and jeans. The Browns got Lucy as a puppy just over three years ago.
“I just always wanted a bulldog,” Nancy said. “We had a picture of a bulldog on our refrigerator and it was just something we always wanted to have around the house.” After being outfitted with a crown and cape, Lucy sat still and seemed to enjoy posing for photographs on the winner’s royal throne.
“She’s excellent,” Nancy said. “She sleeps and plays and loves to be loved…that’s all she does.” Colin says he’d rather spend time with the dog than with his older brother.
“Sometimes when my brother asks if he can come and play with me, I say no,” Colin said. Lucy will serve as the official mascot of the 102nd running of the Drake Relays this week.