Ahwatukee Pet Idol 2008: The winners

Pax, a 15-month-old yellow Labrador retriever is top dog in the Ahwatukee Foothills News 2008 Pet Idol competition this summer.

The unique pup has fetched the hot spot in this year's competition from other canine finalists, Charlie Brown and Joy Delight.

"Pax kind of beats to the tune of his own drummer," said owner Michael Meister, adding that Pax enjoys going to doggie daycare, playing on the lake and spending time with his big brother, Steeler.

The playful puppy, described by his family as a "quirky rebel with a heart," is social and sneaky.

"There are times that Pax is mischievous, and you just can't help but laugh because it is funny," Meister said.

The Pet Idol enjoys looking out the front house window, cuddling, giving kisses and getting his picture taken.

"Pax loves to be the center of attention and always has to be around people," Meister said. "He is such a ham."

Pax is an energetic puppy who likes playtime and being the center of attention. He is also aware of his environment.

"Pax has always been protective," Meister said. "I like that he is cautious of people and very protective."

Pax's one-of-a-kind character makes him easy to love, said owner, Faryl Kander, who noted that his oddball personality brings the couple much joy.

"Pax is eccentric, odd and quirky at times; but he has a good heart," Kander said. "We thought Pax would mean peace, but really to us, it has meant love."

The couple said that Pax's individual and down-to-earth nature makes him the social puppy they adore.

"Has he saved any lives - no; can he sing - no; but he can love," Kander noted.

Meet this year's Pet Idol finalists

Charlie Brown

In second place, the son of last year's Pet Idol champion, an 11-month-old Yorkshire terrier puppy, Charlie Brown, has a personality true to his namesake.

"Charlie Brown is comical," owner Lynn Swartz said. "Every night before bed he tugs on my husband's pajamas to play with him. He also likes to take shoes that are laying around and place them side-by-side on the rug or near his bed."

Weighing about 3 pounds, the fully-grown, blue ribbon winner spends his days learning tricks, and playing. He also enjoys dressing up in his favorite costume, a red lifeguard outfit.

After Charlie Brown's first birthday this fall, he will become a certified Delta Society therapy dog like his dad, Jimeny Crickett, visiting patients in the Hospice of the Valley program.

"As I have said before, Charlie Brown may be little but he can make a big difference," Swartz said. "I know he will pass the Delta test next month with flying colors."

Joy Delight

The exuberant 8-year-old Labrador/Rottweiler mix, Joy Delight, is a certified therapy dog and third runner-up in this year's Pet Idol competition.

Each week she visits the Florence Creighton of Arizona facility to spend time with at-risk teenage girls.

The Gabriel's Angels and Delta Society therapy dog enjoys playing fetch, eating steak and mastering unique tricks.

"Joy Delight loves attention, and is great with people," owner Chris Fite said. "She has always been a ball of energy and is young at heart. The girls (at Florence Creighton) especially like her trick of turning a push-light on and off with her paw."

Joy Delight recently received the Top Dog award through the Gabriel's Angels program. And in May 2006, she was recognized as "Volunteer of the Year" from the Association for Volunteer Administration of Central Arizona.

"Joy is already my idol," Fite said. "She's a real companion to me. She gives love unconditionally and that is what Gabriel's Angels is all about."

Stephanie Riel is interning this summer at the AFN. She is a senior at Arizona State University.