For a second year, the Cadbury chocolate company held a competition this spring to see which adorable Easter-spirited animal would be the season's honorary "Cadbury Clucking Bunny"—and this year, the winner is a two-legged dog that will absolutely sweep you off your feet.
Lieutenant Dan, a rescue dog from New Richmond, Ohio, was born with a genetic defect that caused severe pain and deformity in his hind legs and tail before the limbs were eventually amputated. That hasn't stopped the sweet, spirited pup from living a life full of fun and joy, though—which includes dressing up in long bunny ears to steal the hearts of the Cadbury judges.
The contest, which is in just its second year, saw Cadbury overwhelmed with applicants hoping to be the face of the chocolate company in their 2020 Easter ads. But Lieutenant Dan with his doggie wheels and sunny personality caught the eyes of the judges and made it through the judging process, first getting named a finalist before winning the entire contest outright based on a fan vote.
It wasn't an easy path to the top for the pup. There were a total of 10 finalists for the honor, each seemingly more adorable than the last. There was a llama, a hamster, a duck, a pig, two cats, two other dogs, and even a pony that the adaptable rescue dog had to stand out among. But stand out he did—and now, he'll get to preen for the cameras as this season's Easter "Bunny" to hopefully spread some much-needed springtime cheer.
As the victor, Lieutenant Dan and his owners will receive $5,000 in cash, and he'll get to star in this year's Cadbury 2020 ads. The company will also donate $10,000 to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or ASPCA.
“Lieutenant Dan is the epitome of inspiration, passion and energy, showcasing that no matter what challenges you (have), you can overcome it,” Mandel said. “With almost 200,000 votes cast, America showed love and support to all of our finalists.”
As for Lieutenant Dan? He'll go home $5,000 richer with his owners, but he'll also go home having made hundreds upon thousands of new fans cheering him on while he jump-starts his modeling career.
“The outpouring of support for our Lieutenant Dan was just amazing! We received so many heartwarming messages saying how much joy and inspiration he brings to people’s day,” Laura Person, Lieutenant Dan’s owner, said in the release. “We love him but to see the love America showed for him means so much to our family. We are thrilled for him to be the next Cadbury Clucking Bunny and his rambunctious spirit shows how excited he is as well.”
