Announcing the results of Warrenton Lifestyle’s
Sponsored by Allen Real Estate
2025 Cutest Pet Contest BY BROOKE ARTHUR
Dora
OWNERS: JOSH AND MICHELLE BELIVEAU TOWN OF RESIDENCE: WARRENTON
From former vigilant drug detection dog to life loving retiree, Dora embodies plenty of admirable qualities that make her Warrenton’s Cutest Pet of 2025. To owners Josh and Michelle Beliveau, Dora is not only an integral part of the family, but of the community as well. Born in Slovakia and trained in nearby Front Royal, Dora was paired with customs officer Michelle at age two and served as her loyal partner for five years. At home, Dora, a 14-year-old Belgian Malinois, lives with her much tinier best friend, Oliver, an Australian Cattle Dog mutt. Together they take on each day with some light wrestling and the occasional but well-deserved, retiree nap. For many, old favorites never die, like the fairly indestructible Goughnut toy that she received as a reward for discovering contraband during her working days. With her elevated palate, she prefers to snack on fresh produce like crunchy cucumbers or apples over a traditional dog treat. A beach lover during her career in California, Dora has found new outdoor activities for her life in Virginia. When
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1st Place
the weather warms up and the Warrenton Farmers market rolls around, Dora and her owners frequent the booths, never failing to stop by the micro greens booth to visit owner Tim and receive a handful of some leafy spinach micro greens for the road. Her love for friends, new and old, doesn’t stop
there, as she also attends First Fridays and shares an ice cream with the same little girl whenever their paths cross. When not out and about, Dora takes retirement to the next level, hanging out at home, napping, and gnawing on toys. After a nice meal at home she loves to go outside, walk up a small hill, and slide down it on her back—now that’s one way to travel! It turns out that hard work runs in the family too; in recent years, Dora’s brother was found through some doggy DNA testing which led to a brother-sister meetup. Always remembering her roots, Dora and her owners participate in outreach events for the organization Paws of Honor, which supports retired working dogs by covering their routine and emergency medical care. Hard work pays off in the long run and Dora continues living life to the fullest in her retirement.