A Nesquehoning pup needs your help in a contest that could land him on the cover of a pet magazine.

Chief, a 5-month-old Bernedoodle owned by Tyler and Allyson Schlier, is currently in the contest, Colossal’s America’s Favorite Pet competition, a nationwide campaign raising funds and awareness for Progressive Animal Welfare Society.

He currently stands in fourth place, with this round of voting concluding at 10 p.m. If Chief ends in the top 5, he will move on to the next round of voting.

Voting is through Facebook. There is a daily free vote or you can make donations for extra votes.

The competition began Jan. 5 and runs through March 12, with winners being announced by March 27.

The winner will receive $10,000 and be featured on the cover of Modern Dog Magazine.

“It would be so awesome for a local Nesquehoning pup to win America’s Favorite Pet, bringing some joy to our small-town community,” Allyson said.

Chief was born on Aug. 19, 2025, and is a first generation Bernedoodle. His mom is a pure breed Bernese mountain dog while his dad is a pure breed poodle.

He was adopted by the Schliers in October after a conservation between the couple led to a trip to pick up the pup.

“My husband Tyler and I always knew we wanted a dog,” Allyson said. “We moved into our new home two years ago and were excited we finally had a fenced in yard for a pup to run around in. After a few years of infertility struggles, I joked with Tyler about adding another furry friend to our already home of four cats.”

Tyler vetoed the idea of another feline, but told Allyson to start looking for a dog — with the stipulation that she can pick the dog, but he gets naming rights.

“Next thing I knew, we were on our way to a breeder in Morris, Pa., late at night Oct. 17 to pick him up,” Allyson said.

Tyler named the pup Chief, which is “very fitting as he is the fire chief of the New Columbus Fire Company,” she added.

“He has been the best addition to our home,” Allyson said. “He loves everyone and every pet he comes in contact with. He is super smart, loyal and loves snuggles. He also loves the snow.”

But life for the new puppy family hasn’t been smooth sailing.

Chief has some urinary medical issues the Schliers have been working through and will most likely need surgery through a veterinary specialist.

Allyson said that is one of the reasons winning this contest would help the family provide for Chief as he grows and recovers from the surgery.

To see Chief’s profile and to vote, visit https://americasfavpet.com/2026/chief-0a7a.