And the votes for the cuddliest pets are in!
Bowie, a Dalmatian puppy, and Cashew, a shorthair kitten, have been chosen as Purina Puppy Chow and Kitten Chow's new chief snuggle officers. The two will join Purina C-Suite and each receive a $25,000 "salary" as they set the "standard for top-tier snuggles and cuteness" and "champion good nutrition, growth and lots of play."
"The ideal candidates showcased a strong track record in comfort delivery, cross-functional cuddle collaboration and consistent performance in high-stress situations," Purina said in an Oct. 14 news release. "And while prior executive experience wasn't required, Bowie and Cashew proved to be natural leaders."
Purina launched its search for its new chief snuggle officers back in July.
Six finalists − three pups and three kittens − chosen from over 2,000 entries were announced in August.
In addition to the chief snuggle officers' salaries, the popular pet care product manufacturer said it will donate $10,000 to a local shelter near each winner, as "part of the brand's mission to give puppies and kittens the best start possible."
Here's a look at the puppy and kitten crowned Purina's chief snuggle officer for the year.
Bowie
- Age: 5 months
- Birthday: April 20, 2026
- Breed: Dalmatian
- Owner: Kimmy Bonnema
- Location: Watsonville, California
"Equal parts comedian, troublemaker, cuddle bug, and loyal little shadow," Bowie is an expert at stealing hearts and sometimes shoes. The professional tail-wagger and lap warmer is the head of security at her home.
Bowie's owner, Kimmy Bonnema, said she brought the pet home at the urging of her daughter, Kali, who has adored Dalmatians since she was only 3.
"When she turned 8, we finally decided it was time to make her dream come true, and that’s how Bowie came into our lives," Bonnema said.
Bowie's arrival became a meaningful moment for the family.
"From the moment Bowie came home, it felt like she had always belonged here," Bonnema said. "She arrived during a season when our family needed a little more joy, and she has brought an abundance of it."
Bonnema said the family hopes Bowie will eventually become a service dog for her 3-year-old son Blake, who is diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis, a chronic immune system disease.
"But for now, she has already given him something incredibly important: comfort, companionship, laughter, and unconditional love," the pet owner said.
Bowie's owner said winning the contest "means more to our family than we could have ever imagined."
"Bowie has brought so much laughter, comfort, love, and joy into our lives, and seeing her recognized as this year’s puppy winner feels incredibly special," Bonnema said. "It’s about celebrating a one-of-a-kind puppy who has already made such a big impact on our family."
Bonnema added that for Bowie, the win means "she finally has an official title to go along with all those very important responsibilities—snuggling, stealing hearts, protecting us from suspicious leaves, and occasionally relocating our shoes!"
The pet owner also thanked her community and those who voted for Bowie for rallying behind the Dalmatian, noting they "were completely blown away by the support she received."
In honor of Bowie’s win, the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter in Santa Cruz, California, will receive a $ 10,000 donation from Purina.
Cashew
- Age: 3 months
- Birthday: May 10, 2026
- Owner: Danielle Meyers
- Location: Wyoming, New York
Cashew, who also responds to "Cash," "Cashman," and "Mr. Man," was born and rescued from a dairy farm after he "purr-posely fell into an unsafe spot (a dairy cow feeder) in front of (his) new Mom, who had to take (him) home!"
The kitten's strengths include climbing up the back of the couch, crashing his dad's work calls and shadow chasing. Favorite activities include taking long walks, sniffing in the yard with the siblings, and playing with balls.
Cashew is also an emotional support kitten for his dog sister, who doesn't like thunder, the laundry, or fireworks.
Meyers said Cashew's win means so much for the family.
"While Cashew wasn't rescued from a local shelter, we've had continuous support from the community throughout the contest," Meyers said. "We couldn't be happier for a local shelter to receive the donation from Purina and give back to our community."
Wyoming County SPCA in Silver Springs, New York, will receive a $10,000 donation in honor of Cashew’s win.
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@usatodayco.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dalmatian puppy, shorthair kitten win 'chief snuggle officer' contest
