[ad_1] <br><div><aside aria-label="advertisement" class="gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__bv"/><aside aria-label="advertisement" class="gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__bvd gnt_x__h"/><aside class="gnt_em gnt_em__fp gnt_em_vp__tp gnt_em__el" aria-label="Video - Purina Puppy Chow and Kitten Chow announce finalists for first ‘Chief Snuggle Officers’"><div class="gnt_em_vp_w" data-g-r="vp_tp" data-c-vt="teal" data-t-pl="teal-hero"><button class="gnt_em_vp_a gnt_em_vp__tp_a" data-g-r="vp_ap vp_tg" data-c-vpattrs="{"muted":true,"bContent":false,"an":"ca-salinas-C1078","pn":"Salinas Californian","vidNum":1,"docking":true,"t0060":1,"cut":1}" data-c-vpdata="{"adsEnabled":true,"awsPath":"lifestyle/pets","byline":"Christina Cardona","canonicalURL":"","contentSourceCode":"USAT","credit":"","duration":42000,"headline":"Purina Puppy Chow and Kitten Chow announce finalists for first ‘Chief Snuggle Officers’","hlsURL":"https://hlsmedia.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/videos/zype/renditions/67b8c896c1f2e900015aef82/480p_30fps,720p_30fps,1080p_30fps,master.m3u8?subtitles=79443459007","id":"79443459007","image":{"opto":true,"url":"/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2025/02/21/USAT/79443854007-trnd-meet-purina-chief-snuggle-officer-finalists-thumb.jpg?crop=1919,1079,x0,y0"},"keywords":"Pets,Dogs,Cats,Trending Video,Video Syndication - OTT Platforms","mp4URL":"https://downloadmedia.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/videos/zype/renditions/67b8c896c1f2e900015aef82/1080p_30fps.mp4","origin":"USA TODAY","pageURL":{"long":"https://www.usatoday.com/videos/life/pets/2025/02/22/adorable-finalists-announced-for-first-chief-snuggle-officers/79443459007/"},"promoBrief":"Purina Puppy Chow and Kitten Chow announce finalists for first \"Chief Snuggle Officers,\" winners will be announced in late March 2025.","propertyName":"USATODAY","series":"","ssts":{"section":"life","subsection":"pets","topic":"","subtopic":""},"tags":[{"id":"b9607c17-98d5-4f69-89e7-22712cbaa444","name":"Pets"},{"id":"1f9dba9b-1963-44d7-870a-65c330319f77","name":"Dogs"},{"id":"555b7e5d-3cc7-4387-ba0f-d4f0648e8ad7","name":"Cats"},{"id":"90d1fdbc-2188-446c-82d9-27dd7aea699a","name":"Trending Video"},{"id":"16fe9f9b-4247-4e2e-a73c-9fac5b14d01b","name":"Video Syndication - OTT Platforms"}],"title":"Adorable finalists announced for first ‘Chief Snuggle Officers’","url":"/videos/life/pets/2025/02/22/adorable-finalists-announced-for-first-chief-snuggle-officers/79443459007/"}" aria-label="Play video"><img alt="" class="gnt_em_vp_img" src="https://pets.einnews.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2025/02/21/USAT/79454920007-chief-snuggle-officers.jpg?crop=3104,1747,x75,y0&width=660&height=371&format=pjpg&auto=webp" data-g-r="vp_po" fetchpriority="high" elementtiming="ar-lead-image" decoding="async"/><svg class="gnt_em_vp_svg"><use xlink:href="#gnt_svg_video_play"/></svg></button></div></aside><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Who says the perfect job doesn't exist? Purina is looking for a new chief snuggle officer, but not everyone is qualified for it.</p><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">The popular pet care product manufacturer in January announced it has launched a search for the new chief snuggle officer position, who will represent "all things cute and cuddly" and earn a salary of $25,000 each.</p><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Key responsibilities of the chief snuggle officers include promoting good nutrition, growth, and lots of play. While the position does not require prior executive experience and only demands a "passion for snuggles and a knack for inspiring others," qualifications for the ideal candidate include:</p><ul class="gnt_ar_b_ul"><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Being adorable on camera.</li><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Ability to provide quality snuggles (start time is negotiable).</li><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Be able to calm anxious humans with cuteness and charm.</li><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Tail wagging or purring skills are strongly appreciated, though no further training (crate, litterbox or obedience) is required.</li></ul><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">"The CSOs will create a positive atmosphere simply by being their adorable selves," Purina said.</p><p class="gnt_ar_b_p"><strong>Need a break?</strong> Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.</p><img class="gnt_em_gl_i" data-g-r="lazy" src="https://pets.einnews.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2025/02/21/USAT/79447536007-site-64-dog-picture-98960-1.jpg?crop=3020,1698,x0,y957&width=660&height=372&format=pjpg&auto=webp" srcset="https://pets.einnews.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2025/02/21/USAT/79447536007-site-64-dog-picture-98960-1.jpg?crop=3020,https://pets.einnews.com/1698,https://pets.einnews.com/x0,https://pets.einnews.com/y957&width=1320&height=744&format=pjpg&auto=webp 2x" decoding="async" alt="" width="660" height="372"/><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">The company received more than 4,000 entries for chief snuggle officer position during the application period which ran from January 8 to 24, Purina said.</p><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">An independent judging panel then shortlisted the six finalists from all entries received. The final candidates were chosen based on their cuteness factor, overall impression and the content of the entry’s written submission.</p><aside aria-label="advertisement" class="gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al"/><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">"Through the Chief Snuggle Officers contest, Purina Puppy and Kitten Chow will promote one kitten and one puppy to the brand's 'C-Suite' where they will serve as special brand ambassadors representing all things cute and cuddly and earn a 'salary' of $25,000 each," the company said in the news release.</p><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Here's a look at the six finalists - three pups and three kittens - for the position of the chief snuggle officer.</p><h2 class="gnt_ar_b_mt">Oliver</h2><figure class="gnt_em gnt_em_img gnt_em_img__inset"><img class="gnt_em_img_i" style="height:346px" fetchpriority="high" data-g-r="lazy" src="https://pets.einnews.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2025/02/21/USAT/79445625007-oliver-puppy-finalist.jpeg?width=300&height=346&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" srcset="https://pets.einnews.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2025/02/21/USAT/79445625007-oliver-puppy-finalist.jpeg?width=600&height=692&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp 2x" decoding="async" alt="Oliver, a four-and-a-half-month-old Rottweiler is one of the finalists for Purina's Chief Snuggle Officer position."/></figure><ul class="gnt_ar_b_ul"><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Age: Four and a half months</li><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Birthday: Oct. 1, 2024</li><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Breed: Rottweiler</li><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Owner: Heidi Disbennett-Rogan</li><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Location: Ostrander, Ohio</li></ul><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Oliver, who has ginormous paws, per his owner, was adopted by his parents in "a spur of the moment decision," who were hoping to get a companion for their one and half year-old Rottweiler Oscar. Oliver's owner said the family was discussing getting a second dog but didn't pursue one until she saw that Rottweiler puppies were available in a nearby town in Ohio while scrolling on Facebook. Disbennett-Rogan said she immediately messaged the breeder and went the next day to choose a puppy.</p><aside aria-label="advertisement" class="gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al"/><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">They were given four puppies to choose from and "chose Oliver right away" because he "just felt right for us," Disbennett-Rogan said, describing Oliver as playful but calm and cuddly. And while Oscar didn't immediately warm up to him, they are now the best of the friends and are inseparable.</p><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">"Oliver has truly been a blessing for our family," Disbennett-Rogan said in her submission. "He has brought an immense about of joy to our lives and to Oscar's life. He loves to give kisses, loves to play tug of war, loves belly rubs, loves snuggling and REALLY loves the snow."</p><h2 class="gnt_ar_b_mt">Ruby</h2><ul class="gnt_ar_b_ul"><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Age: 1</li><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Birthday: Jan. 24, 2024</li><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Breed: French Bulldog</li><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Owner: Laurie Glass</li><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Location: Waterford, Pennsylvania</li></ul><figure class="gnt_em gnt_em_img gnt_em_img__inset"><img class="gnt_em_img_i" style="height:400px" fetchpriority="high" data-g-r="lazy" src="https://pets.einnews.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2025/02/21/USAT/79445624007-img-9380.jpeg?width=300&height=400&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" srcset="https://pets.einnews.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2025/02/21/USAT/79445624007-img-9380.jpeg?width=600&height=800&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp 2x" decoding="async" alt="Ruby, a 1-year-old French Bulldog, is one of the finalists for Purina's Chief Snuggle Officer position."/></figure><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Ruby, whose nickname is Cozy, came to her owner's house the same day their Grandpa Poppy died a few years ago as comfort. Ruby's owners said because of her, that date changed from a day of sadness to a date of celebration exactly how "Poppy would have wanted it to be."</p><aside class="gnt_em gnt_em_anc" id="gnt_atomsnc" data-g-r="lazy" data-gl-method="loadAnc" aria-label="Newsletter signup form"/><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Ever since she came to her new home, Ruby has been cuddling and snuggling with her four human brothers, her owner said.</p><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">"Ruby takes turns snuggling them each to bed and that is why her nickname is Cozy," Glass said. "She also loves to be carried like a baby and can easily bring a smile and a sense of calmness to anyone around her."</p><h2 class="gnt_ar_b_mt">Pudim</h2><ul class="gnt_ar_b_ul"><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Age: 4 months</li><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Birthday: Oct. 24, 2024</li><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Breed: Cavapoo (mix of Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel)</li><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Owner: Vanessa Hayakawa</li><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Location: Overland Park, Kansas</li></ul><figure class="gnt_em gnt_em_img"><img class="gnt_em_img_i" style="height:495px" fetchpriority="high" data-g-r="lazy" src="https://pets.einnews.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2025/02/21/USAT/79445623007-5.jpg?width=660&height=495&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" srcset="https://pets.einnews.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2025/02/21/USAT/79445623007-5.jpg?width=1320&height=990&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp 2x" decoding="async" alt="Despite being tiny, Pudim, is "giant in charisma.""/></figure><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Pudim arrived at his family house as a Christmas present, brightening their holiday. Though he was tiny and weighed less than a pound when he first came home, he had a "giant personality," his owner said.</p><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Pudim's activities include battling with the "other dog in the mirror," warring with the living room rug and waking everyone up every two hours hoping to play, even at 3 a.m. His favorite toys include balls, a blue teddy bear, and water bottles, which initially used to scare him.</p><aside aria-label="advertisement" class="gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al"/><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Pudim, whose name comes from Portuguese and means "pudding," has also quickly learned the "sit" command, especially when a meaty treat is involved. His special skills also include finding lost socks, jumping like a kangaroo when he's happy, and burrowing into the bed covers to find the perfect sleeping spot.</p><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">"From day one, Pudim proved that size does not define attitude," Hayakawa said, adding her pet is "giant in charisma."</p><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">"Every day with Pudim is a new discovery, and he has come to transform our routine, making life lighter and turning every moment into a big adventure filled with joy and cuteness," she added.</p><aside class="gnt_em gnt_em_cp gnt_em_cp__sp" aria-label="Headlines about your favorite four-legged friends" data-c-cta="READ MORE DOGGONE GOOD NEWS"><div class="gnt_em_cp_cw"><img class="gnt_em_cp_cw_i" data-g-r="lazy" src="https://pets.einnews.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2025/02/19/USAT/79194415007-relic.jpg?crop=2879,2159,x384,y0&width=258&height=193&format=pjpg&auto=webp" srcset="https://pets.einnews.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2025/02/19/USAT/79194415007-relic.jpg?crop=2879,https://pets.einnews.com/2159,https://pets.einnews.com/x384,https://pets.einnews.com/y0&width=516&height=386&format=pjpg&auto=webp 2x" decoding="async" alt=""/></div></aside><h2 class="gnt_ar_b_mt">Miyagi</h2><figure class="gnt_em gnt_em_img"><img class="gnt_em_img_i" style="height:639px" fetchpriority="high" data-g-r="lazy" src="https://pets.einnews.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2025/02/21/USAT/79436436007-miyagi-kitten-finalist.jpeg?width=660&height=639&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" srcset="https://pets.einnews.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2025/02/21/USAT/79436436007-miyagi-kitten-finalist.jpeg?width=1320&height=1278&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp 2x" decoding="async" alt="Miyagi"/></figure><ul class="gnt_ar_b_ul"><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Age: 6 months</li><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Breed: Exotic Shorthair</li><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Owner: Melody Ann Vujicich</li><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Birthday: Aug. 23, 2024</li><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Location: Irvine, California</li></ul><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">After Miyagi's owner Vujicich's beloved cat Figaro died the same month as her dad, she decided she would never get another cat again. However, both she and her dog Bailey mourned the loss of their best friend with Bailey searching for his partner.</p><aside aria-label="advertisement" class="gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al"/><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">A few months later, Vujicich's friend introduced her to exotic shorthairs, and she fell in love with their "adorable faces." Vujicich said she found a kitten in Portland and flew there to get him and named him after the city she found him. However, Miyagi's name was later changed to Miyagi because he reminded his owner of Mr. Miyagi from "The Karate Kid."</p><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">"Now, at five and half months old, he’s my little shadow, running to greet me at the door, cuddling with me every night, and insisting on endless pets," Vujicich said. "Best of all, he brought joy back into Bailey’s life, giving him a new best friend. I never thought I’d have another cat, but Miyagi was meant to be mine."</p><h2 class="gnt_ar_b_mt">Ika</h2><figure class="gnt_em gnt_em_img gnt_em_img__inset"><img class="gnt_em_img_i" style="height:400px" fetchpriority="high" data-g-r="lazy" src="https://pets.einnews.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2025/02/21/USAT/79436438007-ika-kitten-finalist.jpeg?width=300&height=400&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" srcset="https://pets.einnews.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2025/02/21/USAT/79436438007-ika-kitten-finalist.jpeg?width=600&height=800&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp 2x" decoding="async" alt="Ika"/></figure><ul class="gnt_ar_b_ul"><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Age: 7 months</li><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Breed: American Shorthair</li><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Owner: YuFei Lin</li><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Birthday: July 10, 2024</li><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Location: Flushing, New York</li></ul><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Ika was rescued by her owners from a parking lot as they were taking a walk after eating too much during their anniversary dinner. Fifteen minutes into their walk, they saw a tiny, dark figure about 20 feet away which made them stop in their tracks. They decided to investigate and slowly approached it because they didn't want to scare him away. As they got closer, they realized it was a tiny, lone kitten, who was underweight and covered in fleas and ticks.</p><aside aria-label="advertisement" class="gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al"/><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Lin said she and her boyfriend spent a good half an hour looking for Ika's mother or other kittens but when they didn't find any traces of them, they decided to adopt the kitten without a "second thought."</p><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">"The moment we found him, we fell in love," Lin said. "We had always wanted a cat but never felt like it was the right time. As cliché as it sounds, the cat distribution system decided we were the chosen ones."</p><h2 class="gnt_ar_b_mt">CJ</h2><figure class="gnt_em gnt_em_img gnt_em_img__inset"><img class="gnt_em_img_i" style="height:419px" fetchpriority="high" data-g-r="lazy" src="https://pets.einnews.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2025/02/21/USAT/79436440007-site-64-cat-picture-74217-1.jpeg?width=300&height=419&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" srcset="https://pets.einnews.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2025/02/21/USAT/79436440007-site-64-cat-picture-74217-1.jpeg?width=600&height=838&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp 2x" decoding="async" alt="CJ"/></figure><ul class="gnt_ar_b_ul"><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Age: Five months</li><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Breed: Siamese</li><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Owner: Jessica Garcia</li><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Birthday: Sept. 28, 2024</li><li class="gnt_ar_b_ul_li">Location: San Fernando, CA</li></ul><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">C.J.'s parents describe her as the best snuggler with the "spunkiest personality in the world."</p><h2 class="gnt_ar_b_mt">How to cast your vote for chief snuggle officer?</h2><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">The public can vote for their favorite candidate on Purina's website here until March 3. Winners will be announced in late March, the company said.</p><aside aria-label="advertisement" class="gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al"/><p class="gnt_ar_b_p"><em>Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.</em></p></div> <br>[ad_2] <br><a href="https://pets.einnews.com/article_detail/788524084/tDUYYEKyeY7N-jTh?ref=rss&lcode=xZl7CNgb6ngP-bo8kCEaTw%3D%3D">Source link </a>
