Story by Ashley Beall
Photo by Luke Nankivell
The Most Beautiful Bulldog Contest brings joy to the Drake University campus simply because students love interacting with bulldogs. Many of the bulldogs dressed up in costumes and have themes to go along with them. This year’s winner was Huckleberry Hein from Norwalk, Iowa.
Huckleberry entered the contest back in 2010, but was not crowned the winner. His owners, Stephanie and Steven Hein tried to enter him again the next two years, but were unable to due to the changes in regulations. Because of the surge of entries a lottery system was created. The number of dogs per household changed, which caused a problem for the Hein’s because they also own Huckleberry’s sister, Ally. However, they decided to enter Huckleberry because he was more likeable and personable between the two.
This year, Huckleberry’s outfit went along with a Forest Gump theme. Stephanie, sewed the outfit for him and set up his props that included a box of chocolates and a suitcase by his side with a sign that said, “Bulldogs are like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.” Not all bulldogs are required to come dressed up in outfits but it is highly encouraged. This year’s contestant’s costumes had many different themes but a few consisted of Drake cheerleading outfits, Peter Pan, Dr. Seuss characters, ballerinas and a corn stalk.
The inspiration behind Huckleberry’s outfit was his personality.
“We always tease him that he’s not a smart dog but that he knows what love is,” Hein said. “He is so goofy and carefree that we always tease him for not being the smartest dog and we kind of ran with that moment.”
After being crowned “The Most Beautiful Bulldog,” Huckleberry proceeded to become a major part of Drake Relays and interact with all his fans and attend all the events. Huckleberry’s owners were excited to be a part of relays and give Huckleberry a chance to meet all different types of people.
“It was awesome, he was just so patient with everybody and he’s so friendly. We’ve had babies up to senior citizens to take pictures with him and he was so careful and patient. It was fun to interact with all the students,” said Hein.
While Porterhouse holds a special place in many students’ hearts, Huckleberry and Porterhouse will be attending many events together and give students a chance to interact with both of them.
“I love seeing Porterhouse on campus and can’t wait to see Huckleberry around too,” sophomore Sarah Enbretson said. “They are both so cute and it never surprises me to see Porterhouse surrounded by students. I can’t wait for Huckleberry to experience Drake students’ love too. I think it’s so great that the Beautiful Bulldog winners, and families, want to stay connected to Drake and the students.”
with him and he was so careful and patient. It was fun to interact with all the students,” Stephanie Hein said.
While Porterhouse holds a special place in many students’ hearts, Huckleberry and Porterhouse will be attending many events together and give students a chance to interact with both of them.
“I love seeing Porterhouse on campus and can’t wait to see Huckleberry around too. They are both so cute and it never surprises me to see Porterhouse surrounded by students. I can’t wait for Huckleberry to experience Drake Students’ love too. I think it’s so great that the Beautiful Bulldog winners, and families, want to stay connected to Drake and the students,” sophomore Sarah Enbretson said.
