A bone to pick: Why is someone targeting Calgary’s dog mayor?

There is a mystery unfolding in a northwest Calgary neighbourhood, and it centres on a community’s newly elected dog mayor.

Kero, a three-year-old Shiba Inu, was recently crowned ‘Dog Mayor’ of the Ranchlands off-leash area following a sanctioned community event complete with dignitaries and official documents.

“Three-year-old Shiba Inu…at our house we call her, your highness,” said owner and campaign manager Jodi Armstrong.

After Kero’s victory, Armstrong installed a sign at the park celebrating the dog’s new title. But about a week later, she discovered someone had vandalized it.

“We noticed that some actually folded the sign over and they were trying to rip the sign off,” Armstrong said.

The damage has left residents wondering why anyone would target a sign dedicated to a dog whose campaign was built entirely around fun.

“Her campaign was a hill to rule a park to drool…she wanted to increase the cheese tax and to abolish any squirrels,” Armstrong said.

While not everyone in the community was familiar with the controversy, the vandalism has become a talking point among park users.

“I heard about it, I didn’t know a lot about it,” said one resident.

Another local resident, identified as Streeter, said he doubts the act was motivated by opposition to the sign itself.

“Well I don’t think it would be anybody who had a beef with the sign,” he said.

For Armstrong, the sign represents more than just a playful title for her pet.

“I just don’t understand, like, it’s not just a sign, it’s community…it’s Ranchlands coming together and campaigning behind a dog,” she said.

The mystery is particularly puzzling given Kero’s platform. Unlike most elected officials, the dog mayor’s priorities appear limited to more walks and chasing squirrels.

“I’m hoping that adults can be adults and not like old children,” Armstrong said with a laugh.

As for Kero, she remains unfazed by the controversy surrounding her office.