Meet Mooresville’s Newest Mayor: Reya the Dog
Mooresville has a new mayor, and she happens to have four legs and a wagging tail. Introducing Reya, a 12-year-old Pit Bull, who has been elected as the town’s official Dog Mayor, as announced by the Mooresville Youth Council (MYC) on June 30.
A Year of Community Engagement
Reya’s term began on June 30 and will span an entire year. During her time in office, she will participate in a variety of events and activities around Mooresville, serving as a furry ambassador for the community.
The Meeting of Mayors
In an exciting “Town Hall Takeover” event, Mooresville’s human Mayor Chris Carney met Reya to officially welcome her to her new position. Carney expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The voters got it right, and she’ll do a great job! I’m excited to work with her over the next year,” in an interview with WCNC News.
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Reya’s Journey to Mayorship
Reya is not just a mayor; she is a survivor. Over her 12 years, she has overcome significant medical challenges, including two knee surgeries, skin disease, and the removal of a dew claw due to a bone infection. Yet, her spirit remains high, and she is beloved by many in the community.
MYC detailed Reya’s hardships and love for the community, stating, “Reya is a 12-year-old Pit Bull, who has overcome various medical struggles during that time. She LOVES people & can often be found hanging out in Downtown,” in a post on Facebook.
A Heartfelt Tribute
Reya’s election comes at a poignant time for her owner, Ashley Potts, who shared that the family recently lost Reya’s fur brother, Rufio, to bladder cancer in March. Potts expressed gratitude to the Mooresville Youth Council for providing this yearly tradition, calling it a perfect opportunity for healing and celebration for their family.
The Tradition of Dog Mayors
Mooresville has embraced the quirky tradition of electing a Dog Mayor since 2021. Reya follows in the paw prints of previous mayors Daisy, Buttercup, and Elmer, each of whom has left a lasting legacy in the community.
