RABBIT HASH, Ky. -- Rabbit Hash may be one of the only places in the world where the rise of a new political leader is a cause for celebration on both sides of the aisle.
That’s because Rabbit Hash’s mayor is far cuddlier than most politicians: Since 1998, the position has been held by a dog.
Brynneth Pawltro, or Brynn, a rescued pit bull mix, won the popular vote for a new mayor Tuesday night and took the reins from Lucy Lou, a border collie who presided over Rabbit Hash for eight years.
Rabbit Hash’s canine mayors don’t make legislative decisions for the town, which is owned by the Rabbit Hash Historical Society, but their elections raise money to keep the town’s historic buildings in good condition. It costs a dollar to cast a vote for the dog of one’s choosing in each election, and Brynn alone brought in $3,367 from people who wanted to stand with her as the town’s leader.
"We raised a whole lot of my money for our little bitty town and that is something we all did together," a Rabbit Hash spokesperson wrote on Facebook Tuesday.
The proceeds from this year’s election will go toward rebuilding the Rabbit Hash general store, a 185-year-old landmark that was gutted by fire in early February.
Brynn, like her predecessor, will likely spend her time in office advocating for the town and attending local events to represent her constituents’ interests. We hear she’s a big proponent of mandatory belly rubs for all dogs.
