CARE STL rescue dog Thor wins Illinois title in Pet Lovers’ Choice Awards

METRO EAST, Ill. — A rescue dog once enrolled in a shelter program for animals facing uncertain futures has been named Illinois’s Best in State in the Pet Lovers’ Choice Awards, the first fan-voted, nationally broadcast awards show celebrating America’s dogs and cats. Thor, adopted through CARE STL (Center for Animal Rescue and Enrichment of St. Louis), will represent Illinois in the national round beginning July 14.

Three years ago, Thor was known as King Boo. Because of severe fear, anxiety, and stress, he was housed in Row 1 at CARE STL — the kennel row closest to the exit, reserved for dogs who could not tolerate walking past the other rows. Adopters passed his kennel. Only a small number of staff and volunteers could work with him at all.

“When I first started as a caretaker at CARE STL, I asked Nicole which dog needed out the most. She immediately showed me Thor,” said Scott White, founder of Camp Festidog. “He was terrified of his surroundings. Outside, he would plant himself and refuse to go very far. But once I got him out there with me, I saw the dog he truly was.”

White, who lives in the Metro East region on the Illinois side of the St. Louis metropolitan area, fostered Thor and then adopted him. The dog who once refused to leave the yard now hikes, swims, and runs rivers. His win capped a weeks-long grassroots campaign in which he climbed from fifth place to first across three rounds of public voting.

The Pet Lovers’ Choice Awards, hosted by comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, crowns one Best in State winner from each of the 50 states. The national winner receives a $10,000 prize and a feature in USA TODAY Pets. National voting opens July 14. Supporters may cast one free vote per day, and additional paid voting options are available. A portion of voting proceeds benefits Best Friends Animal Society.

About Camp Festidog

Camp Festidog is a rescue dog advocacy platform documenting the daily lives of a pack of rescued dogs. It works to change perceptions of shelter animals and promote adoption, while building a sanctuary for the lost souls that slip through the cracks. Finding Light in the Shadow.

MEET THOR

Fact Sheet • Illinois Best in State • Pet Lovers’ Choice Awards National Finalist

QUICK FACTS

• Name: Thor (formerly King Boo)

• Title: Illinois Best in State Champion

• Competition: Pet Lovers’ Choice Awards — National Round

• National Voting Opens: July 14

• Adopted From: CARE STL, Preventing Euthanasia Program

• Adoption Date: July 2023

• Home: Illinois

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THOR

1. He chose his own name. White names his dogs for Norse gods — he already had a Freya and a Loki. When he decided King Boo was staying, he ran through every enticing word he could think of, cheeseburger included, and got nothing. Then he said “Thor.” The dog’s head snapped around like he was standing at attention. “I knew then.”

2. The god of thunder is afraid of big trucks. When he left the shelter he was afraid of loud noises, leashes, and cars. He still barks at every big truck that passes.

3. He loses a daily standoff to the family matriarch. Freya takes whatever toy she wants and sits on it. Thor barks, circles, and waits — then steals it back the moment she looks away. This happens every day.

PERSONALITY

Stoic. Affectionate to a fault — his idea of showing love is lying directly on top of you, and taking your spot the moment you stand up.

FAVORITE THINGS

Hiking, swimming, tug-of-war, destroying stuffed toys, and giving slobbery kisses to everyone he loves.

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