By Victoria Andrews

In addition to the 500+ adults enjoying life at Wesley Des Moines, there are many treasured four-legged residents. One of them, an Aussiedoodle named “Bubbles,” now has a special title: she has been elected as Wesley’s honorary Mayor.

Residents were invited to nominate their pets for a primary election. Sixteen dogs and cats, assisted by their “campaign managers” (aka owners), submitted candidate statements and photos. Some were hilarious, others poignant. Neighbors really got into campaigning: buttons, posters, door-knocking, the works.

The two final candidates, a cat named Riley and Bubbles the dog, faced off in the final election. Bubbles was honored on May 26 at the monthly “Towne Meeting,” where she got to meet Des Moines’ other mayor, Yoshiko Grace Matsui.

Bubbles’ campaign managers, Rich and Pam Nomura, said in their statement that “she makes friends so easily we call her our goodwill ambassador. She is smart, compassionate and loves everybody.” She proved it when the mayor, a dog-lover herself, picked her up. Bubbles immediately nestled in for a warm hug.

Her only official duty has now been completed. But she will serve a two-year term, and who knows what ideas others may have to feature this sweet ambassador? She will likely be game for anything.

Rich and Pam Nomura, along with Des Moines’ “other” Mayor Yoshiko Grace Matsui, holding Wesley Homes’ new Mayor “Bubbles.”