Female Chihuahua Named San Francisco Mayor for a Day

San Francisco has a new mayor. And she definitely barks.

According to a news report from Reuters, Frida, a female Chihuahua, has been hailed mayor of San Francisco for a day after her dog owner, Dean Clark, bid $5,000 for the title. The activity was in part of the campaign to support the city's animal shelter.

For the Love of Dogs USA said in a statement that Frida got a commendation from the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday afternoon at the San Francisco City Hall.

The commendation ceremony was followed by a reception at the park located across the city hall where people got a chance to meet Frida.

An unnamed spokeswoman for the Department of Animal Care and Control also revealed to Reuters that Frida also received a retirement package that consisted of a doggy bed, gift basket, and play products.

Citing Department of Animal Care and Control spokeswoman Deb Campbell, The Los Angeles Times reported that this is the first time that San Francisco had a "dog mayor." She also said that the fundraising event to support the animal shelter is somewhat "popular" that "there was a fight for it [the title]." She described Frida's win as a sign of her owner's "healthy donation."

Department of Animal Care and Control acting director Miriam Saez was quoted in the Reuters report praising Frida's "ability to rise above her humble start as a single mom in an animal shelter to Mayor for the Day."

In the report of CityLab, Dean Clark described his pet as a "chihuahua mix, rescue dog who weighs about six pounds." He added that Frida is a "very fair-tempered, wonderful dog."

For the Love of Dogs meanwhile described Frida as "a long term resident of San Francisco and would like to see equal rights for all dogs across the city as Mayor."

It also noted that she is "a mother of two who enjoys chicken with rice and long walks at the beautiful San Francisco parks." She is very sweet as she loves cuddling and kisses, it added.

She is also a constant participant of the Saint Patrick's Day Parade in San Francisco. She also goes to the monthly meeting of the San Francisco Chihuahua Meet Up Group. That meeting takes place at the Stern Grove Dog Park every first Sunday of the month. 

Dean Clark, a retired school teacher, also revealed to the CityLab that his family had political dreams. "Four years ago I tried to become District 6 supervisor...So the joke's going around that at least one member of the family made office," he was quoted as saying.