Pittsburg’s Ryder, a San Francisco native who moved to the East Bay at age 23, entered her dog, Daisy Mae, in the “America’s Favorite Pet” competition with modest hopes.
“At first, it was just something fun … a way to celebrate her and share her joy with others,” said Ryder. “To have her on the cover of Modern Dog magazine would be something that I would cherish forever.”
However, the competition took on a deeper purpose once she learned that donation votes support the nonprofit Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), a group helping animals find homes and thrive.
“Even if we don’t win, funds raised from donation votes go toward helping other animals receive care and protection,” she said. “That turns something fun into something impactful.”
Daisy Mae, a golden retriever given to Ryder in 2022, has been far more than a pet. Ryder says that over the past three years the dog has been her constant companion through anxiety, stress and emotionally overwhelming changes in life.
“She’s brought stability, comfort and unconditional love into my life,” Ryder said. “She has an incredible ability to sense when I’m overwhelmed or stressed and simply stays close.”
Golden retrievers are known for their loyal and affectionate temperament, but Ryder said Daisy Mae’s intuition feels extraordinary, noting that if she’s anxious, Daisy Mae presses close and the if she’s emotional, the dog refuses to leave her side.
“She doesn’t just provide companionship — she provides presence,” Ryder says.
After navigating difficult personal challenges and moving 11 times in eight years, Ryder said Daisy Mae grounded her and helped her rebuild.
“She’s helped me become stronger, braver and able to tackle anything negative that may come my way,” she said. “There have been moments where simply having her nearby made the difference between feeling alone and feeling supported.”
Ryder says her path to having an emotional support dog began with recognizing she could benefit from one. After researching the process, she committed to training Daisy Mae, maintaining certification and continuing daily reinforcement. For Ryder, the bond extends beyond practical support. She describes Daisy Mae as “equal parts sweetheart and tiny diva” — affectionate, playful and eager for attention, especially from strangers.
“She walks into a room like she owns it but then melts into cuddles five minutes later,” Ryder said.
That personality has made Daisy Mae something of a local celebrity across Pittsburg, Antioch and Brentwood. Ryder said the community response has been overwhelming.
“Everywhere we go — work, the store or just walking down the street — she is welcomed with open arms,” she said. “It feels like Daisy Mae isn’t just my dog anymore; she’s the community’s little mascot.”
Supporters have been following Daisy Mae’s journey on social media, sharing posts and casting daily votes as the competition advances through the wildcard, semifinal and final rounds. Rankings shift daily based on free and donation votes. Ryder says she first learned about the contest through social media and never expected the outpouring of encouragement it would spark.
“The support has been incredible,” she said. “This journey has reminded me how powerful community and connection can be.”
The contest is organized by professional fundraiser Colossal as a registered campaign benefiting PAWS with support from partner group DTCare. Organizers say the company has helped generate more than $207 million for various causes to date.
Winners of the contest will be announced on or before March 27. Winning would mean Daisy Mae’s photo on the cover of Modern Dog magazine, a two-page feature story, $10,000 and the title of “America’s Favorite Pet.”
“It would validate not just Daisy Mae’s charm but the emotional journey behind it,” Ryder said. “Having her chosen, with an article explaining what an amazing dog and emotional support she has been not only for me but for the people she has met, would be a dream come true.”
Ryder works full-time as a server at Eight Acres Kitchen & Bar, a fine-dining restaurant that opened in Brentwood last August. Between shifts, she keeps up with the competition’s shifting leaderboard and rallies supporters as key deadlines approach. The contest finals are scheduled for early March, and Ryder stressed that every vote counts; that voters have a free vote every 24 hours; and that donations can be made at any time.
“All donation votes support PAWS,” she said. “That makes this so much bigger than just a title.”
Whether Daisy Mae ultimately takes home the prize, Ryder said the experience has already delivered something priceless.
“She started as my emotional support dog and somehow became a source of joy for so many others,” Ryder said. “That’s the real win.”
To vote for Daisy Mae or donate, visit americasfavpet.com/2026/daisy-4485.
Reach Charleen Earley, a freelance writer and journalism professor at Diablo Valley college, at charleenbearley@gmail.com or 925-383-3072.
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