First Place Winner
October 2025 Competition
From Unexpected Companionship to an Unbelievable Win:
Hershey’s Story
I never set out to become a dog mom. For years after leaving the military, my life was filled with long hours, multiple jobs, and a relentless focus on earning my bachelor’s degree and building my career. While work flourished, my personal life felt quiet and, at times, lonely. In 2024, I poured my energy into transforming my home into a peaceful oasis—renovations that wrapped in February 2025. Even then, I still came home to an empty house.
The Day Everything Changed
On Saturday, May 17, 2025, during a routine FaceTime call with my cousin, I found myself unexpectedly drawn to his dog. I’ve never been a “dog person,” so I can’t explain why I suddenly needed to meet her—or why I asked if there were more from the same litter. My cousin mentioned the breeder had a few puppies left, but that it was the last day before they’d be taken to a shelter due to an upcoming move. The urgency sent my anxiety soaring. I had just finished renovating—could I really handle a puppy?
My mom and I went to Pet Supplies Plus to price out the basics—leash, collar, bowls, food, kennel, bedding, toys—and even daycare for days I’d be in the office. Still unsure, I asked to meet the puppies in person. When we arrived, the breeder came downstairs with two: a spunky black-and-white female and a gentle brown-and-white male. As I watched, the little brown-and-white pup quietly waddled over and sat between my feet. In that moment I knew—he was mine, and I was his.
The breeder told me they called him “Hersh,” short for Hershey. I took one look at his sweet face and said, “Hershey is perfect.” We got him bathed at my cousin’s place, gathered his essentials, assembled his kennel, and then it was just the two of us—learning each other.
Becoming Hershey’s Person
Day by day, Hershey and I built a bond I didn’t know was possible. His trust, loyalty, and unconditional love surprised me—and healed parts of me I didn’t realize needed healing. He truly is my son. He goes almost everywhere with me; I dress him each morning, he’s groomed weekly, and he’s treated with the same care and attention I’d give a child.
A few days in, I discovered the wonderful (and slightly dangerous) world of dog fashion—clothes, shoes, hats, jewelry, and shades. I happily went overboard. In our neighborhood, Hershey is the only pup who’s fully outfitted every day, and our community adores him. Friends and neighbors encouraged me to create social media accounts for him. Eventually, I did.
Entering America's Favorite Photos
While scrolling Instagram, I came across Americas Favorite Photos. I read the rules and entered one of my favorite shots of Hershey—dressed in his army green shirt, matching hat, and little crocs. I wasn’t aiming to win; I simply loved that photo and wanted to share his charm.
Round by Round: The Roller Coaster
- When the first round closed and Hershey advanced to the Quarterfinals, I was stunned.
- By day three of the Quarterfinals, he was in first place. I was so nervous I stopped checking the leaderboard.
- Then came the email: he’d advanced to the Semifinals—and had actually placed first in the Quarterfinals. Suddenly, winning felt possible.
The Semifinals were nerve-racking. I avoided refreshing the page and waited for updates by email. When we learned Hershey made the Final Round, I literally shook with disbelief. I posted his voting link on social media, texted and emailed friends, and reached out to everyone who had met my sweet boy.
A Community Rallies
Hershey’s grandmother, our friends at Pet Supplies Plus, Pet Suites, PetSmart, Petco, Hollywood Feed, my coworkers, and so many neighbors in the Rockbrook community rallied behind him. Their support humbled and amazed me. The day before the Final Round ended, Hershey was in second place. I said a quick prayer: whatever the outcome, we were grateful for the journey.
When it was all over, I couldn’t bring myself to check. Then my mom called—screaming with joy. I thought she must be joking, until I refreshed our dashboard and saw it: first place. Hershey had won the October 2025 America's Favorite Photos competition. I was speechless.
Gratitude and Giving Back
Winning was a beautiful surprise, but the heart of this experience has been community and connection. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who voted, encouraged us, and celebrated along the way.
I’m especially excited about the opportunity to be more directly involved with how the donation supports Make-A-Wish. It would mean a great deal to witness—or even participate in—the impact, and I would be honored for America’s Favorite Photos to document that story whenever the timing is right.
Hershey may have started as a surprise, but he became the piece I didn’t know my life was missing. This journey—from a FaceTime call to an unforgettable win—has been nothing short of magical.
