A senior shelter dog named Carter, representing the Bainbridge-Decatur County Humane Society, won the Tally Top Pets contest sponsored by Be the Solution, Inc., a spay and neuter organization in Tallahassee.

Carter fans and supporters were able to vote on-line once a day for the dog of their choice and in a touch and go contest, Carter came out on top with 3716 votes.

Carter celebrated by riding on the Be the Solution float in the Tallahassee Spring Time parade Saturday, April 2, along with his sponsors, Beth Eck and Ashley White.

White said he took it all in stride and slept nearly the whole length of the parade.

Carter has been at the local animal shelter since being picked up by Animal Control in May, 2015. They estimate his age to be close to 12 years.

Now he has even more cause to celebrate. He has joined the White household after being adopted by White last week. She said he acts as if he has always been there and gets along really well with her other pets.

The local shelter received a $250 cash prize and a large gift basket filled with treats, foods, toys etc. which have been distributed among the other shelter resident animals. This is the second year the local shelter has entered the contest, and they came close to winning last year. White said they will compete again next year.