Otto the Dog Elected Mayor of Middlebury

Middlebury, Vermont, just elected an eight-year-old dachshund named Otto as its new Dog Mayor for 2026 — a fun, fundraising twist to celebrate the local Humane Society’s 50th anniversary. Voters donated $5 to cast their ballots, raising over $8,000 for the shelter, with Otto winning 713 votes — beating out last year’s mayor Tela by nearly 300. His campaign slogan, “I’m all ears, so all voices will be heard,” paired with his promise to bark when needed, charmed the community. Otto’s not just a mascot — he’ll attend parades and events, rallying support for animal welfare. With 1,783 total votes cast, this quirky tradition proves how people unite for a good cause — and how a little pup can make a big impact. His official swearing-in is set for Thursday, May 18th, at 11 AM. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/ab8157d1ae3d3db8