Four-year-old Caysen Auchenbach, grandmother Diana Hames and “Baby.” Baby was voted cutest critter in The Record-Courier’s Cutest Creature contest recently.
Nothing says Carson Valley like horses and cowboys, so when a pony and his boy were entered into The Record-Courier’s “Carson Valley’s Cutest Creature” contest, it’s no surprise they were voted winners.
Minden resident Diana Hames entered her 4-year-old grandson Caysen Auchenbach and his pony, Baby, into the contest.
“I love that picture of Caysen and when I saw the contest, I just thought it would be a fun one to enter,” she said.
Promoted by The Record-Courier and sponsored by Double J Auto, Carson Valley Health and Fromarc Insurance, the contest showcases the variety of beloved animals in the Valley.
“We resurrected the Cutest Creatures pet contest in 2022 after almost 10 years and we’re happy we did because the Carson Valley loves their pets,” said Record-Courier Associate Publisher Tara Addeo.
This year 215 animals were entered and 1,500 votes were cast.
“The response with submissions and voting was overwhelming and I love having entries from pet iguana’s to livestock as well as domesticated creatures,” said Addeo.
Baby is a 7-year-old pony who lives in Minden with her buddy Caysen.
Caysen said he loves Baby and enjoys taking care of her, riding her and taking pictures with her.
“His favorite is when he walks her in and gets to feed her,” said Caysen’s Dad Brian Auchenbach. “He will say ‘come on Baby,’ and she will follow him.”
Auchenbach and Hames said Caysen loves the outdoors and tending to the other animals on their property, including the chickens.
“He loves the outdoors and any chance he gets to run wild,” said Hames.
Two time sponsors Allen Peake of Double J Auto and Carson Valley Health Marketing Manager Heidi Saucedo said they are always happy to participate in community events.
“We are always happy to support our local community, including our cutest critters,” said Saucedo.
First-time sponsor Fromarc Insurance Vice President Christy Lyons, an account executive, said she was glad to be part of it and enjoyed interacting with Caysen and Baby.
“We appreciate our wonderful sponsors Fromarc Insurance, Double J Auto and Carson Valley Health who rewarded our winner with prizes and swag, we can’t do it without them,” said Addeo.
The Record-Courier looks forward to another round of Cutest Critters in 2024.
“We look forward to bringing it back again, so the community should get their cameras ready,” said Addeo.
