Dog named mayor of San Francisco for a day in campaign to support animal shelter

Frida, a female Chihuahua (left), and owner Dean Clark walk up a flight of stairs in City Hall before the San Francisco Board of Supervisors issues a special commendation naming Frida "Mayor of San Francisco for a Day" in San Francisco, California on
Frida, a female Chihuahua (left), and owner Dean Clark walk up a flight of stairs in City Hall before the San Francisco Board of Supervisors issues a special commendation naming Frida "Mayor of San Francisco for a Day" in San Francisco, California on Nov 18, 2014. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
Dean Clark kisses Frida, a female Chihuahua, while waiting for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to issue a special commendation naming Frida "Mayor of San Francisco for a Day" in San Francisco, California on Nov 18, 2014. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
(From left) Supervisor Katy Tang, San Francisco Animal Care and Control Acting Director Miriam Saez, Frida, a female Chihuahua, dog owner Dean Clark and Supervisor Scott Wiener pose for a photograph after the San Francisco Board of Supervisors issued a special commendation naming Frida "Mayor of San Francisco for a Day" in San Francisco, California on Nov 18, 2014. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
Dean Clark carries Frida, a female Chihuahua, outside City Hall after the San Francisco Board of Supervisors issued a special commendation naming Frida "Mayor of San Francisco for a Day" in San Francisco, California on Nov 18, 2014. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
Dean Clark carries Frida, a female Chihuahua, outside City Hall after the San Francisco Board of Supervisors issued a special commendation naming Frida "Mayor of San Francisco for a Day" in San Francisco, California on Nov 18, 2014. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
Frida, a female Chihuahua, is shown next to a special commendation issued by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors naming Frida "Mayor of San Francisco for a Day" in San Francisco, California on Nov 18, 2014. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

SAN FRANCISO (Reuters) - A previously unknown female Chihuahua named Frida has won its first political office, being named Mayor of San Francisco for the day as part of a campaign to support the city's animal shelter.

Frida, whose owner bid US$5,000 (S$6,485) for the privilege, will spend its special day touring Bay Area landmarks and receiving a commendation from the Board of Supervisors, according to a spokesman with the city and county Department of Animal Care and Control said.

"Her Honour" will then be shown around city hall and presented with a retirement package that includes a doggy bed, gift basket and play products. "We applaud Mayor Frida's ability to rise above her humble start as a single mom in an animal shelter to Mayor for the Day," said Ms Miriam Saez, acting director of the Animal Care and Control department.

Last November, the city of San Francisco transformed itself into the fictional Gotham City so that a little boy could celebrate his win against cancer by becoming "Batkid" for the day.

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