We are working on an epic prize pack that includes event tickets and exclusive opportunities as well as some treats and merch. Stay tuned for more details!

Visit the Voting Hub Here: https://givebutter.com/2025hburgdogmayor

Voting Procedures

Donation-Based Voting (open now)

We are making the donation-based voting campaign more enticing by offering campaign managers prizes when teams reach certain donation benchmarks! Campaign managers can opt into receiving rewards for hitting the donation milestones below.

Reward Tiers

• $25 Team Total = 12 custom stickers
• $50 Team Total = 10 custom buttons
• $100 Team Total = custom lawn sign
• $150 Team Total = custom t-shirt
• $1,000+ Team Total = custom pet portrait

There are multiple ways for people to vote for their favorite dog mayor candidates, including “Joining a Team” as a “Team Member” and voting directly on the page. Instructions for both are below.

Joining a Team as a Team Member

• Teams are pre-made for all of our dog mayor candidates. Find your team by scrolling the Team Leaderboard or using the drop down menu after clicking “Join a Team” or “Fundraise” and creating a profile.
• As a Team Member for your candidate, you can create a personal goal and share more information about your candidate and campaign as a “Story.” This will create a custom page that you can share with friends, family and followers.
• Teams can have multiple Team Members

Voting Directly

• If you would like to donate to vote without creating your own page, you can click “Vote” at the top of the hub.
• Donors will select the number of votes they want to submit, or enter in a custom number.
  • IMPORTANT – Donors will need to select a team or team member from the drop-down in order for the vote to count toward a specific candidate
• Donors can opt to leave a name, message, image etc.
• Donors will be prompted to enter in payment information.
• If donors would like to donate via check, please make payments to HDR and send to 217 S. Liberty St. #204, Harrisonburg VA, 22801.
  • Please write the candidate’s name in the memo line.

What Do Donations Support?

Donations from this campaign support HDR’s nonprofit mission to build a downtown destination where businesses thrive, and people enjoy memorable experiences.  The PAWSOME donations from the Harrisonburg Dog Mayor go towards making our work possible, including initiatives like:

• HDR’s festivals and concerts which are pet friendly.  Learn more about HDR’s annual events page.
• Supporting small business owners downtown.  Learn more about Downtown’s Dog-Friendly businesses page.
• Keeping up the momentum with HBurg Hounds dog influencer program. Learn more about HBurg Hounds under the FAQs.

Our HDR team FUR-EVER grateful for your support!  We are working on other dog-friendly projects and events so please stayed tuned, subscribe to email newsletter, or follow HDR on social.  If you would like to learn more about HDR’s work or how to get involve please feel free to email hdr@harrisonburgva.gov or call 540-432-8922.

Social Media Voting

Facebook Votes (starting May 2):

Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance will created a Facebook album here with a campaign graphic for every candidate along with the candidate’s campaign (i.e. platform, slogan, etc.) in the description. Each like on the individual’s photo will be one vote for that candidate. Likes on the album, posts about the album, etc. will NOT be counted as votes.

Instagram Votes (starting May 5):

Visit @downtownharrisonburg on Instagram and locate our Dog Mayor highlight in our profile to see and vote on our candidate’s campaign videos. Each like on the individual’s video in the story highlight will count as a vote. We will randomly select the order of videos that are posted starting the week of May 5, with all videos posted by May 9.

In-Person Voting

HDR may also have in person voting at various booths and events this month. Votes from these events will be added to the social media portion of the campaign.

The winner will be calculated through a combination of donations and social media engagement (50/50 ratio). For donations, $5 = 1 vote (through this GiveButter campaign page). For social media engagement, 1 like = 1 vote (on designated Facebook and Instagram posts only).

Harrisonburg’s first dog mayor will be announced in June with an inaugural celebration during Best.Weekend.Ever. on Saturday, June 14.

HDR’s nonprofit mission is to build a downtown destination where businesses thrive, and people enjoy memorable experiences.  The PAWSOME donations from the Harrisonburg Dog Mayor go towards making our work possible, including initiatives like:

• HDR’s festivals and concerts which are pet friendly.  Learn more about HDR’s annual events page.
• Supporting small business owners downtown.  Learn more about Downtown’s Dog-Friendly businesses page.
• Keeping up the momentum with HBurg Hounds dog influencer program. Learn more about HBurg Hounds under the FAQs.

Our HDR team FUR-EVER grateful for your support!  We are working on other dog friendly projects and events so please stayed tuned, subscribe to email newsletter, or follow HDR on social.  If you would like to learn more about HDR’s work or how to get involve please feel free to email hdr@harrisonburgva.gov or call 540-432-8922. 

For any more questions, please email us at hdr@harrisonburgva.gov. We’ll get back to you at our earliest convenience!

Catch the Cookie Fever

I want more dog parks, especially one downtown!! My mom and I would love to create a community dog parents involving doggy play and walking groups, meetups downtown, and outdoor adventures.

Cookie has a ton of favorite downtown businesses including, Dart, the Farmer’s Market, Thistle Hill, Klines, The Lady Jane, Blue Ridge Dog, Aristocat, Sage Bird, and Pale Fire.

You can find Cookie on Instgram (@cookie_n_mochi_)

1. No Pup Left Behind
- Molly was born to herd, and she takes it seriously. She’ll work to keep every citizen — canine or human — connected, included, and moving in the right direction.

2. Parks, Not Politics
- She believes in more green spaces, more sniff spots, and free poop bags for all. Molly will push for expanded access to dog-friendly areas and regular “sniff & mingle” events.

3. Ban the scary lawn mowers- 
Under a Molly administration, lawn mowers will be banned until the hoomans come up with a better solution to keeping lawns tidy without the scary noises.

4. Chase More. Love More-
Molly is focused on harmony. While she’ll keep a close eye on squirrels and mail trucks, her motto is “paws before panic.” However, she will implement monthly “chase days” where all the herding doggos can live out their chasing dreams.

5. Leadership That’s Fluffy But Firm- 
Don’t let the floofy tush fool you. Molly may look like fluffy cow, but she runs a tight pack. Expect accountability, belly rub diplomacy, and a firm stance on regular walkies.

6. Anti-Shedding Stigma Ends Now
- As a proud fluffball, Molly supports policies that embrace long-haired pups, de-shedding resources, and the right to leave a little hair on everything you love.

7. Lamb Chops for All – her most important act in office will be giving every Harrisonburg dog citizen two free lamb chops per year.

Molly loves Geeks Who Drink Trivia at Pale Fire and meals at Mashita on their back deck.

You can find Molly on Instagram (@missmolly_theaussie)

Good Girl. Great Leader.

Naia’s Dog Mayor Platform “Putting paws to the pavement for a happier, healthier community.”

1. Mental Health & Wellness for All

Promoting pawsitive mental health through tail wags and unconditional love. Advocating for more therapy dogs in schools, hospitals, and courts.

2. Sniffing Out Loneliness

Championing connection and inclusion, especially for kids, seniors, and those who need a friend. Weekly “Wag & Walk” meetups to encourage community bonding.

3. Clean Parks & Open Spaces

Supporting clean, safe dog parks with ample tennis balls and hydration stations. Proposing new “Sniff Zones” and “Treat Stops” in public spaces. “Scoop the Poop” awareness campaign—because being a good citizen starts with clean paws.

4. Better Treat Access

Fair and equal distribution of treats in public spaces. Subsidized peanut butter KONGs for all dogs.

5. Community Snuggles & Tail Wagging Diplomacy

Visiting schools, courts, and city events to spread joy and comfort. Using tail wags and belly rubs to bridge divides and promote unity.

Naia enjoys visiting the Harrisonburg Farmer’s Market every Saturday morning with her paw-rents and sister. Her first stop is always Broad Porch Coffee where she can sit outside and greet people as they walk by. Naia has made many friends at the Farmer’s Market, but her best friend and cheesy bacon supplier is Jennifer at Thistle Hill Pet Treats! Naia is always included for outdoor meals at Jack Brown’s, Mashita, and Magpie Diner. She looks forward to a dessert dog bowl at Kline’s Dairy Bar. Naia goes to work every day at the Ice House. She makes a quick stop at Drifter’s Cafe and then goes up to the Collins Center, a local nonprofit where she supports child and adult victims of sexual violence. Naia loves Downtown Hburg events like Best Weekend Ever and Skeleton Fest because she gets to meet so many friendly people! She was also a frequent guest at the Leavitt AMP Harrisonburg Music Series throughout the summer. Naia’s favorite stop of all is Blue Ridge Dog, where she stocks up on treats and toys! Downtown Hburg has lots to offer for both humans and their canine companions.

You can find Naia on Instagram (@naia_cac)

Dogs are people too!

Dogs can’t drive (yet) so the only way we can get around town safely is by using sidewalks. Lola will work to provide more sidewalks for dogs (and their humans) so that everyone can get around town safely!

Lola loves Jack Browns, especially the outside seating!

More Pups More Places

PB doesn’t tolerate the heat well and wants to see more public water fountains (with dog bowls!) stationed throughout downtown. Obedience training has made PB more calm and confident and she believes that every dog should have access to training! Free public workshops or credits to attend a few classes could make a big difference for a lot of local dogs! PB would like even more establishments downtown to have dog-friendly spaces, extra treat points if there’s a pup-safe snack available! She or rooftop access that overlooks the city streets so she can watch all the people and puppies pass by from her perch.

Kline’s! She gets so excited for her dog bowl ice cream treats. The farmer’s market is a favorite of P.B.’s, she’s always trying new treats, scrapping rogue bread on the ground, and engaging with the public!

Tiny Paws, Mighty Cause

Mandatory belly rub and cuddle breaks.

Tater loves walking downtown, especially if there is an event in the square! He loves Pride events and makes frequent pit stops at the Texas inn for a hot dog and Broad Porch Coffee for pets and water!

Paw-litics done right. Bandana optional, enthusiasm required.

Barry Gene for Mayor: Small Dog. Big Dreams. Bigger Attitude.

Barry Gene is a small breed dog with a huge personality—a true sassy gremlin in a bandanna. He lives for treats, belly rubs, and getting into just the right amount of trouble. Now, he’s bringing that same energy to city hall.

Barry’s Pawsitive Platform:

• Protect Downtown’s Dog-Friendly Vibe
Barry will make sure patios, parks, and storefronts stay pup-welcoming and wag-worthy.
• More Events, More Fun
Think Yappy Hours, Pup Parades, and Treat Trails—because dogs deserve a social calendar too.
• Support Local Pet-Friendly Businesses
Barry backs small businesses that roll out the water bowls and welcome wagging tails.
• Lead with Sass
He may be tiny, but Barry’s got bold ideas, a stylish bandanna, and the confidence to chase big change.

Barry Gene’s favorite downtown spot is the farmers market—where he can sniff everything in sight, pick out the perfect bandanna from Thistle Hill Pet Treats, and soak up all the love (and treats) he can handle.

You can find Barry Gene on Instagram (@thetwonamedtrio)

RUFF on DIRT!

As the face of Dirty Dog Carpet, Surface & Duct Cleaning, Marley knows that a healthy home starts from the ground up. But this platform isn’t just about floors—it’s about people, pets, and public health. Marley believes that every family, regardless of income or circumstance, deserves a space that’s clean, safe, and breathable—especially the most vulnerable: children, seniors, and furry companions.

Marley supports:

Professional exterior surfaces, carpet, tile, upholstery, and duct cleaning to reduce allergens and improve air quality in Harrisonburg homes and small businesses.

Air quality awareness, with a focus on homes with pets, aging residents, and children with respiratory sensitivities.

Partnering with local nonprofits and housing organizations to offer special pricing cleaning services to those in need—because a clean start shouldn’t be a luxury.

Promoting community-wide clean-up days and inclusive local events that foster neighborhood pride, collaboration, and connection—with plenty of dog-friendly fun to bring people (and pups) together.

For Marley, a clean space is more than appearance—it’s dignity, safety, and a foundation for a strong, united community. His goal is to inspire a cleaner, kinder, and more dog-friendly Harrisonburg—one home, one paw, and one heart at a time.

Marley loves Kline’s Dairy Bar!

You can find Marley on Facebook.

Harley for Mayor: Barking Up All the Right Trees!

Harley believes Downtown Harrisonburg should be as tail-waggingly wonderful for pups as it is for people! Harley is a true ambassador of joy and is committed to making the Friendly City friendlier for our four-legged citizens. With his nose to the ground and his heart in the right place, Harley’s vision is one where pets and people thrive together — exploring, playing, giving back, and building a stronger, more compassionate community.

As Dog Mayor, Harley will champion a platform focused on connection, kindness, and community engagement, where every dog has a voice (or at least a good bark!) and every Harrisonburger is part of a more pup-inclusive downtown.

Here are Harley’s top priorities:
🐶 Host a Downtown Dog Day Festival with splash pools, treat stations, a costume parade, and community dog adoptions!
🦴 Encourage downtown businesses to provide water bowls, shade spots, and treat jars so pups feel as welcome as their humans.
🌳 Advocate for a downtown dog park or designated green space where dogs can roam, play, and make new furry friends off-leash.
📜 Create the “Paw-triot Pledge” – a special partnership with businesses that commit to being dog-friendly and supporting animal rescues. Participating businesses receive a sticker to proudly display in their windows signifying their commitment to Hburg pooches!
🍻 Establish monthly “Yappy Hours” at local breweries, cafes, and outdoor patios to benefit local shelters and celebrate Harrisonburg’s dog-loving culture.
🎁 Launch the “Paw It Forward” campaign – encouraging local kids to adopt a pet nonprofit for their birthdays by collecting supplies for shelters like the RH-SPCA and Anicira instead of receiving gifts. Harley believes that even the smallest hands can make the most significant difference for paws in need.
📚 Start “Tails & Tales” storytimes with local schools and libraries – where kids can read books to shelter dogs, boosting literacy and lowering anxiety in both species!

With his paws-on leadership and commitment to joy, generosity, and plenty of pup hugs, Harley is ready to lead the pack and ensure Harrisonburg remains the Friendliest City on Four Paws!

Harley’s favorite event in Downtown Harrisonburg is the Rocktown Turkey Trot — a Thanksgiving morning tradition that combines fun, fitness, and a sense of community. While Harley may be small, his zoomies are mighty, and he loves cheering on his fellow runners (especially the ones in turkey hats!).

From the festive costumes to the four-mile course winding through his beloved Friendly City, Harley is always eager to sniff out the action and soak up the energy of the day. Whether trotting along with his humans or offering moral support from the sidelines, Harley believes the Turkey Trot embodies everything great about Harrisonburg — togetherness, joy, and a dash of quirky fun.

As Dog Mayor, Harley hopes to one day introduce a “Turkey Trot Tails Edition” — a pre-race dog dash or costume parade for pups who want to join the celebration too!

Follow Harley on Instagram at @downtownhburg_harley