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Chico Suave

Photo provided by Julie Kremer

Chico lives with his mother Julie Kremer in the Citrus Park/Carrollwood area.

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 31, 2007

Updated: 10/29/2007 09:45 pm

CITRUS PARK - Almost one month and 55 pictures after announcing our pet costume contest, the Northwest News & Tribune has selected the overall winner.

The judging was not easy. But after looking through pictures upon pictures of witches, jesters, princesses and cowboys, we have our lucky winner: Chico.

The 7-year-old Chihuahua was a birthday surprise for his owner, Julie Kremer.

Chico continues to surprise her by becoming the top dog in our costume contest.

Although he doesn't usually like dressing up, Chico was willing one day to sport a colorful, spicy costume complete with poncho and tiny sombrero. We asked Kremer to tell us about her dog.

Q: How did Chico become part of the family?

A: My husband surprised me for my birthday with him.

Q: How did you come up with the name for Chico?

A: The family we got him from had already named him Chico. We really liked the name so we kept it, plus he just looks like a Chico.

Q: What inspired you to purchase or create Chico's costume and how would you describe it?

A: My mother, sister, aunt, and I made the costume for a local 'Pet Parade' contest. My young cousins dressed in the exact same sombrero and poncho as the dog and walked him in the parade.

Q: Has Chico worn costumes in the past? If so, what kinds?

A: Believe it or not, he really doesn't like to get dressed up. For some reason, he was particularly cooperative on the day the picture was taken. When we travel to cold weather areas, I try and put a sweater on him, but he looks at me with a stone cold stare, so I take it off.

Q: What does Chico do for fun?

A: He likes to go on car rides to Dairy Queen and chews on my dirty gym socks! Gross!

Q: What is his favorite treat/food?

A: He loves all treats but especially loves turkey and cereal.

Q: Does he live with any other pets?

A: No, but he loves to visit with my parents' Chihuahuas.

Q: What is the funniest thing he has ever done?

A: Usually about once a week my husband and I will wake up in the middle of the night and hear Chico making funny 'whoofing' sounds as he dreams. I think you just have to be there, but it cracks us up every time.

Q: With Halloween approaching, does anything in particular frighten Chico?

A: Yes. Our baby gate. It accidentally fell on him one time so now he runs away every time he sees it.

Q: Does anything make Chico mad?

A: He gets upset when anyone tries to mess with his bed. Even if we just want to wash the blanket in his bed, he goes nuts.

Q: What did Chico think of this whole contest experience? Was it? a) Ruff

b) Row-kay c) Grrrreat!

A: Grrreat!

Jason Geary

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