Labrador named Carson Valley’s Cutest Creature

Carson Valley’s cutest creature Cooper the black Labrador is only 20 months old, but he knows a bone when he sees one.

Cooper was the winner of the fourth annual Carson Valley’s Cutest Creature hosted by The Record-Courier.

As the winner he received a gift basket with around $500 in gifts from contest sponsors, which included a big old bone that Cooper found fascinating.

Cooper is owned by Minden residents Donna Lonnegren and Jeff Mackinen.

“He is very loving. He is devoted to mom and dad,” Lonnegren said. “He’s a good boy.”

The couple obtained Cooper when he was 8 weeks old.

But like any puppy he was a chewer.

Lonnegren said she doesn’t have to trim up her plants because Cooper chewed the bottom limbs.

She said he likes to play with other dogs at the park.

“He’ll wait for certain dogs to come through the gate, and he will go play with them,” she said.

And he loves bones.

“We want to thank everyone for all the wonderful gift cards and baskets,” she said.

Cooper was one of more than 165 nominations in the contest sponsored by M. Scott Properties, Carson Valley Health, Carson Valley Vet and Sequoia Wealth Advisors.

“We appreciate being a part of this amazing event and loved to see all of the contestants,” said M. Scott Properties’ Marleanne Scott. “In our eyes, they are all winners.”

Scott said her office is filled with pets every day and they often have others who visit occasionally.

Sequoia Wealth Advisor’s Kristina Kuprina said one of their missions is to sponsor fun and meaningful events in the Carson Valley.

“Currently, in my life, I have rescue horses, chickens, and yes, pet rats,” she said. “Animals bring unconditional love and joy into our lives and community. They remind us of the simple, beautiful connections that exist between all living beings. It is so wonderful to see all the animals nominated—each one representing the special bond we share with our furry, feathered, or scaled companions.”