Munchkin Is Madison's Top Dog

Nearly two dozen Rose City pooches were entered in Madison Patch's Top Dog contest. Now, the votes have been tallied and Madison's Top Dog is Munchkin Mindnich, who joined the Mindnich family on Christmas Day 2011.

You can vote for Munchkin in a contest with other local winners to see who wins a $250 gift certificate to the Morris Animal Inn.

"He is friendly, yet protective, sweet yet spunky, playful yet calm," said Darlene Bakur, in casting her vote. "He is the quintessential perfect dog!!"

Munchkin, a Jets fan, reportedly may have had a bone to pick with Santa when the above photo was taken, but we understand they worked things out.

And while Munchkin was voted Top Dog, there were many more beloved Madison canines in the contest.

Oscar, who loves a nap on a warm lap, received the second-most votes.

Belleza, who occasionally dresses up as a bumblebee, was delighted to be adopted after breaking his leg in a fall.

To name a few, there was Sandy, who speaks up when it's time to go out. Athletic, people-loving Jackson. Sammie, who bears an uncanny resemblance to an Ewok. Handsome Blue. Bunker and Bo, a duo known to take a dip in their pool from time to time. Loving Fenway. Achilles, who waits patiently by the window when the boys are coming home from school. Snickers, the runt of the litter who became a 4-year-old's best friend. And Benny, who talks in his sleep.