Rogersville dog competes for state title in Pet Lovers' Choice Awards

ROGERSVILLE — A goldendoodle from Rogersville is in the running to win the Tennessee level of the Pet Lovers' Choice Awards, according to a press release from the dog's owner, Shari Mefford. The Pet Lovers' Choice Awards is a national online competition where people vote for dogs and cats based on photos submitted by their owners. Luna Rose, Mefford's dog, earned first place in the state's qualifying round and fourth place in the semifinal. Now, with one round left, she's competing against 59 other Tennesseean pets. If Luna Rose places in the top three, she will advance to the national championship. Also called the "Tripawd Princess," Luna Rose has three legs. A car accident left her with multiple injuries, including a collapsed lung and severe trauma to the nerve bundle that controlled her front left leg. After attempting physical rehabilitation and treatments, Luna Rose's veterinary team decided amputation was the best path forward. The diagnosis was heartbreaking, Mefford said. "I honestly didn't think I'd ever see her run or jump again," she said. "Those were two of Luna's favorite things in the world." But the loss of limb didn't slow Luna Rose down. Instead, Mefford said, it "amplified her joy." The day after Luna Rose's surgery, Mefford created a Facebook page to keep friends and family updated on her dog's recovery. Within five weeks, the page gained over 800 followers. What began as a way to provide medical updates, Mefford said, turned into a community centered around resilience and love for animals. "Luna has taught us that life is worth embracing and celebrating," Mefford said. "She doesn't focus on what she lost. She focuses on what she has. Every day she reminds people that happiness isn't about having a perfect life — it's about finding joy in the life you have." To vote in the Pet Lovers' Choice Awards, visit petloverschoiceawards.com and scroll to "Tennessee." If a pet isn't featured, you can search for them by name. Voting for the state final round ends June 13 at 10 p.m.