How did Grand Strand Magazine readers and voters possibly manage to choose from 149 Cutest Dog Contest submissions to pick a winner? It seems that Bayley Maks, a five-year-old AKC-registered Yorkshire Terrier had the right combination of smile and two dads who furiously campaigned to make the first cut from 149 to the final 30, and then go all the way to take home first place, including a prize package from the Veterinary Clinic of Myrtle Beach, a spot in the upcoming Market Common Fashion Show and a lifetime of bragging rights.

“He’s got that baby face, and that look in his eyes that people know he’s just a loving little dog,” said Steve Lanning of Myrtle Beach, who is one of Bayley’s proud dads. Lanning’s partner, Dieter Brown, often takes Bayley to work with him at Premier Tours & Travel in Pawleys Island where countless visitors drop by to offer treats. Lanning, originally from Asheville, N.C., has lived in the Myrtle Beach area for 11 years. He says Bayley endears himself to all he meets.

“He loves to play with his little Frisbee, and will play fetch all day long. He will wear you out, and wants to play tug of war, too.”

The neighborhood kids know Bayley from his many jaunts around the block. “He has a little basket that he sits in when we go on bike rides, and they call out his name. He just smiles back.”