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Winston Burk is a miniature Australian shepherd who loves going on long walks throughout the day, cuddling with his new doggy sister in their fancy doghouse and having his yearly birthday ice cream at Pleasanton’s Meadowlark Dairy.
However, after being named as the city’s 2024 Ambassadog earlier this month Winston’s mom, Ruth Burk, told the Weekly she hopes to use that title as a way for Winston to give back to the community.
“We’ve been in Pleasanton for 30 years now. So we’ve got a lot of history here and it would be nice now that Winston is the Ambassadog, to do something really, really nice and important for the city of Pleasanton, which is what we would love to do,” Burk said. “Whether it’s a therapy dog or in the Paws to Read program, we will probably be looking into that for him.”
Paws to Read is one of the Valley Humane Society’s educational programs that helps improve Tri-Valley elementary school students’ reading skills by having them read to comfort canines.
According to Melissa Adkins, marketing manager for the Valley Humane Society, the nonprofit has been offering the Ambassadog package at its annual Tails at Twilight fundraiser since 2017.
Things like the Ambassadog title, and even Winston’s miniature but realistic-looking house, are auctioned off at the gala and the proceeds go toward funding all of the work the society does to help animals throughout the Tri-Valley.
“Valley Humane Society has been saving animal lives and supporting our community for more than 35 years, so we are pleased to have the city participate with them in recognizing the Pleasanton Ambassadog,” assistant city manager Pamela Ott said in a press release from the organization. “Having an official canine representative highlights our dog-friendly community, while recognizing a valuable local nonprofit organization and its efforts to save and improve the lives of Tri-Valley companion animals.”
Burk had tried winning the bid for the 2023 title but lost. So when she went back to the gala last October she made it her mission to get that title, which she did and in the process helped her table raise almost $13,000 for the nonprofit.
Burk said her family has always been a dog family. She said she always has two dogs so that they can both have a companion to play with — so when one of her dogs died in 2021, she knew she had to get another companion for her other dog who also recently died late last year.
That’s when she got Winston. Ever since then, Winston’s personality has been a beacon of light wherever they go. He even does agility training with Burk who said she hopes to get him in competitions one day.
Apart from his love for playing with his newest doggy sister, Winston has an even deeper love for people, Burk said.
When he was proclaimed as the city’s 2024 Ambassadog at the March 5 City Council meeting, Burk said Winston couldn’t wait to give every person in the room his love, which is why she also said she wants to possibly look into making him help out as a therapy dog.
“Winston’s general good character sets an outstanding example for all dogs in Pleasanton,” Vice Mayor Julie Testa read from the March 5 proclamation. “The city of Pleasanton hereby confers upon Winston Burk, the distinct honor of serving as the 2024 Pleasanton ambassador, dog, and wishes Winston all the best, as he embarks marks on his new role for our city.”
Even though she said she was honored Winston received the Ambassadog title, she said she mainly did it because it was her own way of helping the nonprofit organization financially so they can continue to do the work they do.
“I have been an animal lover forever, all animals and so whatever I can do to support an organization like Valley humane, I will do it hands down,” Burk said.
The next Tails at Twilight gala, which will be the 10th anniversary of the event, will take place on July 13 at the Ruby Hill Winery. Tickets will be available starting in May, according to the organization.
