By Melissa Fili
MethuenLife Writer
Tails are waggin’ with last month’s announcement of Methuen’s second annual Top Dog winner!
City Clerk Anne Drouin opened the contest to residents who licensed or relicensed their dogs, inviting them to upload a photo of their pooch at the same time.
Cammi, a 5-year-old Border Collie mix, took first place. Her owner, “proud dog mom” Ariana Lee Ellsey, is a Methuen High alum who teaches fourth-grade at Comprehensive Grammar School.
“(Cammi) has been a Methuen resident all her life and is a vibrant and energetic girl who loves rubs, adventurous walks, and swimming in her Grammy and Gidu’s pool,” Lee tells MethuenLife. “Cammi is the best support system and has been through it all with her owner since COVID-19. Cammi is very loyal and protective of her ‘pack,’ which includes family and friends. Her favorite things to do are playing with her brothers, Cooper and Max, as well as napping in the sun. Cammi is the true definition of a ‘soul dog,’ and is simply one-of-a-kind!”
Second-place winner is Molly, owned by Shirley Winward, followed by Michael Hamilton’s dog Rudy in third and Nancy Marcoux’s Finley earning an Honorable Mention.
As the Top Dog, Cammi received a free 2025 dog license and her picture will be displayed in the City Clerk’s Office and posted on the city website. Second- and third-place winners also received a free license and online “stardom.” See all four adorable dogs’ photos on the MethuenLife Facebook page.
