FAIR HAVEN — The small Vermont town known for its quirky pet mayoral elections has a new top dog. His name is Duncan, and he’s a golden retriever with a talent for “treat negotiations” and a mission to “fetch the future.”
Duncan, who turned 1 in October, won Fair Haven’s annual pet mayor election in March by a single vote. His owner, Miranda Cox, has been dreaming about his candidacy since moving to town in 2023.
“I remember hearing about it a couple years ago when we had a goat mayor,” Cox said. “I wasn’t living in Fair Haven at the time, but I had a coworker that was telling me about it, and I thought it was so cool.”
When she saw a dog elected last year, inspiration struck.
“We did a little photo shoot with that and we put in that he wanted to be the mayor when he grew up,” she said. “So, it’s been, I’ve been plotting it for a while.”
Cox, who describes herself as creative and deeply involved in her dog’s upbringing, campaigned with flyers and the slogan, “Fetch the Future.”
Duncan’s resume was playful and persuasive.
“He has lots of experience patrolling the neighborhood … he’s an expert in treat negotiations … he’s got really big ears so everyone’s voice will be heard,” Cox said.
Duncan’s laid back demeanor and enthusiasm for public appearances are a perfect match for his new duties.
“Bringing joy for sure is one of his strengths. I mean, he’s a golden retriever. They’re such a loved breed and they’re so smiley,” Cox said.
“One of his duties as the mayor is attending town events and he’ll be walking in the Memorial Day parade. He will be perfect for that,” she added.
Cox has always prioritized enriching Duncan’s life, even setting a goal of taking him to 100 different places before his first birthday.
“Your dog’s world is only as big as you make it,” she said. “It just means so much to me to, like, give him a good life.”
The pet election has been a Fair Haven tradition for several years. Recreation Director Reece de Castro explained its dual purpose: fundraising and civic education.
“It was our town manager’s idea, Joe Gunter, and basically we use it as a way to introduce kids to civics,” de Castro said. “You submit your pet for five bucks … and it’s also a fundraiser. In the past, we raised money for playground equipment.”
This year, nearly 20 pets ran for office; from dogs to birds, even a horse.
“The sixth-graders count the votes,” de Castro said. “Terry (DeMasi) reads it at the end of the day and they say who won and she emails me.”
The election captured the attention of kids and adults alike.
“They want their pets to win,” de Castro said. “Some kids really get into it. Miranda was making shirts and buttons. She made stickers.”
Duncan has already made a mark, including appearing at a select board meeting to take his “oath of office” with a paw stamp.
Longtime Fair Haven resident Josh Phillips said the election fosters community pride.
“It’s fun. It gets the community together,” he said. “It’s not too serious. People aren’t gonna be fighting over it. It’s just a fun little thing.”
He first heard about Fair Haven’s animal election through a viral TV mention.
“My friend who lives in Ohio sent me a picture … one of the questions was ‘what small Vermont town has a goat mayor?’ I didn’t even know about it … I think it’s a very lovely, fun time.”
As for Duncan’s political future? Cox is in favor of a one-term limit.
“I don’t know if we’ll run next year,” she said. “I think term limits are important … and I would love another family to experience the joy of having the community see the light that you see in your pet.”
Still, Duncan’s story may be far from over.
“I would love to do children’s books based on his adventures as mayor,” Cox said.
She’s already set up an Instagram to document it all: @fairhaven__duncan.
Because in Fair Haven, democracy may be furry, but it’s very real.
Via Community News Service, in partnership with Vermont State University Castleton.
