Meet Reya, Mooresville’s new Dog Mayor

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Mooresville has a new top dog.

On June 30, a group of local teens elected Reya, a 12-year-old pit bull, as the fourth Dog Mayor.

Each year, the Mooresville Youth Council accepts nominations for the Dog Mayor position, allowing residents and followers to vote on their mayoral choice. The dog with the highest number of votes is the winner and then installed to serve a one-year term.

MYC members work with various town departments to coordinate the process as well as get the Dog Mayor involved in events, activities and more.

“I have had a chance to meet Reya on a couple occasions and she is wonderful addition to our Town,” said Mayor Chris Carney. “The voters got it right and she’ll do a great job! I’m excited to work with her over the next year.”

Mayor Reya has overcome various medical struggles. She’s had two knee surgeries (known as TPLO), had a dew claw removed because of a bone infection and struggled with skin issues. Reya’s owner Ashley says the Dog Mayor contest came at the perfect time for their family.

“We lost Reya’s fur brother, Rufio, in March due to bladder cancer,” said Ashley Potts. “We’re thankful for the Mooresville Youth Council for this yearly tradition. It came at the perfect time for our little family!”

Town officials say Reya is passionate about healthy eating, breed awareness, and the Sheldon’s K9s local organization. She can often be found strolling the streets of downtown Mooresville.

Part of Reya’s duties include attending various town events, including Bands, Brews & BBQ in September.

Reya and her owners encourage people to say hello if they see them.

In 2021, Daisy became the first Dog Mayor of Mooresville. In 2022, Buttercup was elected Dog Mayor, followed by Elmer in 2023.

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