Harvey Sadowski and Senator are headed to New York.
NORTH REDINGTON BEACH – When Harvey Sadowski went on the Purina Web site recently in search of some dog food coupons, something caught his eye.
It was early December and Purina had posted information about a sweepstakes called Wagging in a Winter Wonderland.
The rules were simple. Just post the perfect holiday season from your pet’s point of view and you might win a prize.
The contest offered five grand prizes, ranging in value to almost $6,800, and 78 other prizes.
Sadowski, the owner of a 15-month-old Bassett Hound named Senator, put together a creative entry and tossed in a photo of Senator. Two weeks ago, he heard back from the contest judges and, to his surprise, he was the winner of the top prize.
The 44-year-old dog owner and Senator won a package valued at $6,795.
It includes round-trip airfare to New York for two, plus Senator, to attend the Biscuits and Bath Training School; hotel accommodations for three days and two nights, dinner for two in New York, a private training session with one of Biscuit and Bath’s trainers, a customized grooming session for Senator and a luxury dog house that measures 8-feet by 10-feet.
Sadowski said the judges based their selections on 50 percent originality, 25 percent humor and 25 percent heart-warming nature.
Sadowski’s entry went like this:
“My owners were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of squeaky toys danced in my head,
”When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I arose from my doggie bed to see what was the matter,
“When what to my wondering eyes should appear, but the mailman delivering sacks of pig ears,
“I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight, Merry Christmas to all and thank you ... no bite!”
Sadowski, of 17035 Gulf Blvd., has owned Senator since January 2009 when he purchased the 50-pound dog from a breeder in Brooksville.
Sadowski and his sister Tracy walk Senator daily around the neighborhood where he is a big hit with residents at the Frog Pond restaurant, Red’s Sports Bar, the Little Pelican Gift Shop and Sporty’s Bar.
“Everybody knows him,” said Sadowski. “He’s like a celebrity.” Now more so than ever.
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