All For Animals #83: Simon the Basset Cattle Dog sworn is as 2nd Honorary Dog Mayor of New York City

New York politics went to the dogs on Sunday, Jan. 26, when Simon the Basset Cattle Dog was sworn is as the second Honorary Dog Mayor of New York City.

Photo Credit: Pat Plush

New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams officiated the swearing (uh, barking) in.

Simon, known as @UpperWestSimon by 24,000 followers on Instagram, succeeds @SallyLongDog, who has served with distinction for the past two years.

“Sally leaves behind an incredible legacy of activism, and earnestness — and lethargy,” quipped Dog Mayor organizer Stephen Calabria. That’s included making a number of personal appearances including at a Petco Love mega adoption event in Union Square.

Photo Credit: Pat Plush

The vote was a March madness-style race that ended with Simon winning on a double technicality.

“He came back into the race after a previous candidate dropped out, and then in the final, Bertram the Pomeranian bow-wowed out of the race, because he had something of an issue with the crypto community,” said Calabria.

Photo Credit: Pat Plush

The issue included apparent bot-votes that could have forced a recount of some 22,000 votes, something Bert’s person didn’t want to put anyone through. So, Simon was named Dog Mayor, and Bert, Deputy Dog Mayor.

Then, less than two weeks later, came the sad news that Bert, who was an elderly dog, had died. Calabria says they looked at the line of succession and determined that Pepper the Mini Chocolate Dachshund would take the spot. As for Bertie, Calabria says the Dog Mayor community will never stop loving him, and he will always be their Deputy Mayor.

Watch Simon tour the 1010 WINS newsroom and see Susan’s interview with his Dog Mom, Sophie Vershbow here: