Voting begins now to select the next Michigan Gas Utilities (MGU) “ambassadog” for the company’s safe digging campaign. The winner will help promote an important safety message: Doggone it! Call 811 at least three days before you dig.

MGU customers across southern and western Michigan submitted pictures of their canine candidates to be the company’s next ambassadog. The playful pups were picked, and it’s now down to the top 10 dogs.

Choose from:

Aaron — Aaron is a 3-year-old dog from Hopkins who loves to dig, whether it’s to create a hole behind his dog house or to chase moles by digging up their paths in his yard. When not on the hunt, Aaron’s owners say he loves to play with his dog sister.

A side-by-side collage of a dog with black and white hair. The dog is digging in a yard on the left side, and lying on top of a dirt mound on the right side.

Ace — Ace is a 1-year-old dog from Monroe who loves to play fetch, run around with other dogs and dig holes for his bones in the backyard. His owners describe him as a happy, energetic pup.

A side-by-side collage of a dog with brown hair. The dog is digging on the left side of the collage, and laying down with its tongue out on the right side.

 

Bandit — Bandit is a 1-year-old dog from Benton Harbor. When he’s not digging, his favorite activities are running, retrieving balls and playing with his dog friends. Bandit’s owner describes him as playful.

A side-by-side collage of a dog with black and white hair. The dog is digging on the left side, and laying down with a purple stuffed animal on the right side.

Bubbie — A 3-year-old German shepherd from St. Joseph, Bubbie enjoys playing in the water on a warm day. His family says the best way to describe him is that he is a loyal dog.

A side-by-side collage of a dog with black and brown hair. The dog is standing on top of sand on the left side, and laying down on grass on the right side.

 

Maverick — Maverick is an 11-month-old pup from Fruitport who has a nose for digging. His owners describe Maverick as playful, as he has been known to steal socks, hog the bed and have fun with outdoor activities.

A side-by-side collage of a golden retriever. The dog is digging in the sand on the left side, and sitting with its tongue out on the right side.

Poppy — This nearly 1-year-old dog calls Spring Lake home and is described as spirited by her family. If she’s not digging, Poppy loves playing around with her human brother and sister.

A side-by-side collage of a small dog with black and white hair. The dog is digging in sand on the left side, and standing of top of sand on the right side.

Raisin — This 2-year-old dog now calls Grand Haven home after being adopted from an animal rescue by her family. Raisin is described as joyous because she loves being around people, cats and horses alike.

A side-by-side collage of a dog with dark brown hair. The dog is digging in the sand on the left side, and standing on a beach on the right side.

Roadie — A 3-year-old dog from Newport, Roadie is an expert digger. His family says you can often find him digging several holes in his yard. When he’s not digging, Roadie loves to go for walks.

A side-by-side collage of a dog with black and white hair. The dog is digging in dirt on the left side, and standing with a blue birthday hat on its head on the right side.

Rusty — Rusty is a 2-year-old yellow Labrador retriever who always likes to be around people. Rusty loves to play with everyone, take walks and visit pet-friendly stores near his home in Sodus. His family describes him as special.

A side-by-side collage of a dog with yellow hair. The dog is digging in a back yard on the left side, and laying down underneath a tree on the right side.

Tillie — Tillie is a 7-month-old Australian shepherd who lives with her family in Temperance. Along with digging, Tillie enjoys training for competitive dog events. Her family describes her as smart.

A side-by-side collage of a dog with white, brown and black hair. The dog is digging in dirt on the left side, and looking into the camera on the right side.

Now, you have the paw-some responsibility of voting for the ulti­-mutt winner. Vote now at michigangasutilities.com.

You can vote as many times as you like between now and 11:59 p.m. Thursday, May 1.

MGU’s next ambassadog will be announced early next month. The winner will be featured in MGU’s safe digging awareness campaign on social media all year long.

About 811

Digging can be dangerous if you don’t call 811 at least three days in advance. Whether you’re planting a garden or installing a fence, it’s important to have the location of underground utilities marked to keep you and your family safe. Notifying MISS DIG 811 is easy, it’s free and it’s the law.