MENDOCINO CO., 7/7/26 — Bodhi, the 120-pound Giant Alaskan Malamute, has been announced as winner of the mayor of Mendocino race. Based on balloting that concluded Sunday at the polling station/bake sale in front of Harvest at Mendosa’s, Bodhi received well in excess of the 2,500 votes needed to win. Bill Mahon, a 50-year resident of Mendocino and retired pediatrician, cast the vote that put Bodhi over the top.
Bodhi will introduce members of his administration at the Mendocino Dog Park during a yet-unscheduled press conference. He will also thank the many citizens and businesses that showed such enthusiasm for his candidacy and good sense in voting for a dog for mayor.
Befitting a candidate of his stature, on Saturday, Bodhi’s entry in the 4th of July Parade in Mendocino won the medal for Best Float.
Bodhi’s election culminates a months-long fundraiser for the Mendocino Dog Park. Every dollar donated to the park equaled a vote for Bodhi. Once a minimum of 2,500 votes (dollars) were counted, Bodhi was elected.
It has not yet been determined if he now holds the position for life, nor has opponent Milo, the seven-pound cavamaltipoo vice president of happiness at the Mendocino Tea Company, commented on the votes-for-bucks policy or conceded the race. A request for comment was not returned by presstime.
Milo was also raising money with his candidacy. Donations in Milo’s name still can be made to the Mendocino Coast Humane Society, Kelley House Museum, West Business Development Center, and the Mendocino Film Festival.
Gwen Seymour, co-founder with Scott Shepley of the Mendocino Dog Park, said, “$2,500 is the annual cost to replace the special bark needed to keep the park the best it can be. The campaign has always been about bucks for bark, and now Mendocino also gets Bodhi as mayor – that’s a win/win.”
While in office, in the spirit of delivering “Pawsitive Change One Tail Wag at a Time,” Bodhi will advocate for adoption-first initiatives, shelter fundraisers, foster family recruitment, working with libraries, schools, and seniors, and promoting a dog culture that improves Mendocino’s barkonomic growth.
The Mendocino Dog Park welcomes locals and visitors to enjoy two fenced play areas, one for large dogs and one for small or shy pups. Both foster free-play and socialization opportunities for dogs, while helping to develop stronger community ties for “doggo” parents.
The park is located at 998 School Street on the grounds of the Community Center of Mendocino.
Hi Bodi,
Glad to see you and mom are doing well.. you made quick friends with my dog ,Kya.. and you and mom gave us a ride home…🥰