Grandview Heights will crown its first Dog Mayor on Friday, Oct. 9, at The Wag, the dog park and bar at 1330 Norton Ave.
The winner, chosen by resident vote from a field of five finalists, will be announced and sworn in at a public ceremony. The new canine mayor will serve in an honorary role, attending the city's dog-focused events throughout the year.
Grandview Heights Mayor Greta Kearns partnered with The Wag to create the position. The race drew 93 nominations after the city opened submissions Sept. 8–16. A committee of two Wag representatives and three city representatives narrowed the field to five finalists: D'Artagnan (D'art), Hank, Kiki (short for Zucchini), River and Tater.
The platforms ranged from practical to absurd. D'Artagnan campaigned for accessible sidewalks and more poop bags. Hank, a 6-month-old Yorkipoo, pushed for pup-friendly patios and ensuring smaller dogs "get a fair shot at the biggest sticks."
Kiki ran on a "Cheese Tax," requiring humans to surrender one piece of cheese every time they open a bag. River promised daily whipped cream pup cups and weekly block parties. Tater prioritized a longer dog swim season and strengthening the neighborhood squirrel patrol.
Public voting ran Sept. 23 through Oct. 7 and was limited to Grandview Heights residents.
"We were blown away to receive more than 90 nominations, and now we're excited to let our Grandview Heights friends have the final say," Wag owner Casie Myer said in September, when ABC6 reported the five finalists.
Myer and Kearns appeared together on Good Day Columbus with several finalists to introduce the candidates during the voting period.
The Wag opened in November 2025 and offers indoor and outdoor play areas for dogs while their owners grab a drink. Dogs are welcome at Friday's ceremony if they are Wag members. Membership requires dogs to be at least 4 months old, up to date on vaccinations and spayed or neutered if older than 1 year.
The ceremony is open to the public at 1330 Norton Ave.
Upcoming in the community:
- Friday, Oct. 9: Grandview Heights Dog Mayor swearing-in at The Wag, 1330 Norton Ave. Open to the public.
