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Popular poodle: ‘Idol’ voters rally up for Ava in annual contest

By Terri Castelaz 5 min read

IRON MOUNTAIN -- Was it the red bow? Maybe it was the colorful, silky scarf? Or possibly her professionally groomed coat that drew the attention of readers.

Whatever the reason, Spirit Wolf's Cosmo Girl -- known as "Ava" -- got top votes to win the 2023 Pet Idol competition.

This year, 38 pets competed in the annual Newspapers in Education program fundraiser to provide newspapers to area schools for classroom use.

"We had cats, dogs, chicken, an alpaca, dragons and our first ever snake," said Daily News Circulation Manager Jennifer Flynn, noting the field was reduced to 19 pets in the second round and to 10 in the third round.

"The lead changed constantly this year -- at the end Ava, Catatonic, Sammy and Smoochie Wallace were neck and neck, each of them taking over the lead a couple times," said Flynn. "Ava pulled it out in the very last half-hour of the last day."

The standard poodle takes over for Rosie, the black and white feline, as the new mascot for NIE for the 2023-24 school year.

Four-year-old Ava belongs to Liza and Russell Cram of Iron Mountain.

The certified groomer of almost 20 years experience and owner of Liza's Pampered Pets Grooming Salon in Kingsford received Ava as a wedding anniversary gift.

"I knew how much she really liked the breed and knew she needed a pallet to work with at the grooming shop," said Russell. "It fit two things and it also made her happy."

Liza explained that she did a lot of research before finding a reputable breeder in Homestead, Wis. Although she hadn't owned a standard size poodle prior, she did have a toy poodle named "Maggie," that passed away at the age of 17.

"I always loved standard poodles -- not only don't they shed, they are very intelligent," she said.

Liza says she always jokes that Ava came from the "Brady bunch litter."

"Her dad was black and mom was blond -- all three boys were black and three girls were blond," she said.

You could say Ava is a diva -- she loves her bling.

"She will let you know if she loses her bow -- she will tilt her head sideways," said Russell.

Ava also enjoys being groomed, and will jump on to the salon table herself to let them know she's ready to be pampered.

Liza says she's the perfect client, although she isn't fond of "spritzing." "She will give you the 'I love Lucy' ewww face," Liza said with a laugh, referring to the expression Lucille Bal would make during a funny scene showing her teeth. "If I would have known that when she was younger, I would have called her 'Lucy.'"

This summer, Liza plans to enter Ava in her first dog grooming competition in abstract runway design in Schaumburg, Ill. Her fur coat will be sculpted into a sea turtle, along with a cross as a memorial tribute to Liza's father.

When Ava's not hanging out at the salon, she enjoys going for car rides and to the dog park.

"She goes nuts there -- she gets along great with other dogs," said Russell.

Liza also hopes to work on her agility training in the near future.

As much as Ava loves her toys, her favorite pastime is being petted. "She loves affection," she said.

"If she isn't touching us, she is losing her mind," adds Russell.

The Crams noted that a unique trait they taught her at an early age was to use her quiet voice. "She doesn't bark, she grumbles," Liza said with a laugh.

Ava has several feline siblings at home. "We have always had an animal household," said Russell.

It was Liza's salon assistant who registered Ava into the competition. "She came in and told me I just entered Ava in the Pet Idol contest," she said. "Well, I thought now I've got to get everyone to vote for her."

Liza noted the task wasn't difficult, as everyone just loves her.

"She's such a wonderful dog, all-round," she said. "Couldn't ask for any better."

Flynn said the contest raises approximately $2,000 for NIE.

The second place winner was Catatonic, owned by Lynn Newcomer; third place went to Sammy owned by Robert Coffman; and fourth place was Smoochie Wallace owned by Conor and Kate Smith.

"A big thank you to BK Enterprises for donating the trophy again this year," said Flynn. "Also thank you to all who entered and donated."

"I look forward to this contest every year, not only to see everyone's pets and it brings attention to our Newspapers In Education program," adds Flynn.

Next year's contest begins in January 2024.

For more information on The Daily News' NIE program contact Flynn at 906-774-2772 ext. 218.

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.

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