Each year, loyal Grand Strand Magazine readers submit adorable pics of their pets for our Cutest Pet Photo Contest, which is sponsored by Camp Bow Wow. Votes are then cast online and the finalists are chosen for another round. According to Publisher and Editor-in-Chief  Pete Banko, 17 finalists were gleaned from the dozens of submissions, with thousands of votes cast. And the 2024 Cutest Pet Photo Contest Winner is… Trixie, the airborne aerialist seen on page 98 of our June-July issue!

In addition to bragging rights, Trixie and her people received a swag-filled gift basket from contributing sponsor Very Important Pooch.

Trixie is a beautiful three-year old Coton de Tulear belonging to parents George DeCamp and Louise Ippilito of Myrtle Beach. She’s named for Edwin Norton's wife in the TV show “The Honeymooners.”

The breed is named for the city of Tulear in Madagascar and is thought to have originated from a group of small, white dogs that swam ashore from a wrecked ship. They’re also referred to as ‘The Royal Dog of Madagascar.’

Trixie is cuddly, lively, and athletic, according to DeCamp, and easily charms everyone she meets. Her white, fluffy, cotton-like coat (in French, ‘coton’) and small, fluffy stature makes her even more endearing.

“We believe she is part polar bear since she hates the heat, yet was born in Greenville, S.C.,” he laughs. “She loves the water and is always beating mommy in a doggy paddle race in our pool.” 

Though small, the breed is known for being sturdy and playful.

Trixie’s daily itinerary kicks off with light exercise—a walk—accompanied by her mom. 

“Along the way, Trixie has to visit all her neighborhood friends, if she sees them. If she gets a treat from one of them it is a bonus day,” DeCamp explains. She then goes for a bike ride around the neighborhood.
 
Like many dogs, Trixie loves food, and watermelon holds a special place in her heart.
 
“She is underfoot as you cut it waiting to get at it,” he notes. “She is a true Southern girl!”