Meet Your Face of the Race Contestants!

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Cooper

With ears that defy gravity and a smile as wide as his heart, Cooper isn’t just a good boy—he’s the best boy. This happy-go-lucky pup radiates joy, energy, and pure charisma. Just look at that confident sit, leash-ready and eager to go, with his tongue lolling in the summer sun like he just crushed a 5K and still has fuel to chase squirrels. But Cooper’s charm doesn’t stop at his good looks: • Resilience? Check. He’s alert, proud, and clearly ready to lead the pack—on paws or with paws up. • Spirit? Check. That tongue-out grin says “Every mile is...

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Queenie

Queenie was a stray in our neighborhood for six months, she managed to stay alive with the help of a few neighbors. She gave birth to six puppies and managed to keep them alive during the winter storm and snow. Queenie and her puppies were picked up by ACS and were put on the list to be euthanized, she stayed strong and continued to be a great Mommy. San Antonio Pets Alive rescued all of them just in time, since then all of her puppies have been adopted, and she has a forever home with me and my family. She...

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Freddy French Fry Jr.

Freddie is almost five years old and was adopted from SNIPSA back in August 2020—definitely a true COVID pup. From the start, he brought a ton of personality and spunk into our home. Despite all that energy, he’s always been a bit of a nervous nelly with some anxiety, and he’s deeply bonded to me (his mom). Every evening, he waits patiently outside until he sees my car pull up—it’s his favorite moment of the day. He’s got four furry siblings, but he’s not always into their rowdy games. Freddie proudly serves as the “fun police,” stepping in when play...

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Deckard

Deckard is a wonderful 7-year-old purebred San Antonio Mutt. He is my running buddy and friendly to everyone. He looks very serious in his photos, but can be a silly dog when any type of mud is available. We adopted him as a puppy from SNIPSA and would like to help raise awareness for getting dogs as wonderful as Deckard a great home.

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Rey

Rey is my sandwich-snatching, side-eye slinging, ride-or-die best girl. As a true Heeler, she's loyal, smart, and always one step ahead. (Sometimes I think she's smarter than me.) Beneath all of her sass and energy, she is the sweetest soul; always leaning in for a pat, and she truly has my back at all times. Rey reminds me every day of the joy that comes with rescuing. I found her at SNIPSA at a time when I was searching for genuine companionship, and I truly feel like the luckiest girl to get to call her mine! Rey should be SNIPSA's...

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Rocket

Meet Rocket! He’s a fluffy poodle mix with a heart full of love and just a bit of mischief. His favorite thing in the world? His “bear,” which he carries like it’s a prized treasure. Rocket loves cheese almost as much as he loves attention—and yes, he thinks he’s a cat, often caught lounging on the counters like it’s totally normal. Whether he's slurping a pup cup or riding shotgun in the car, Rocket’s charm is off the charts. With his sweet face and goofy habits, he’s the obvious choice for SNIPSA’s Face of the Race!

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Happy Happy Hazel

Hazel has spent her life bringing joy, comfort, and healing to those who need it most. As a certified therapy dog since 2017, her focus has been helping children navigate grief. In 2022, she was deployed to Uvalde, where she provided support to the community in the wake of tragedy. Her impact extends far beyond one organization. Hazel has also brought smiles and support to young patients at the Children’s Hospital, families at the Ronald McDonald House, and children of deployed military service members through her visits with NEISD. Now preparing for retirement, Hazel is making one final effort to...

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Mooney

Mooney was my eleventh foster, but from the moment I saw him, something felt different. After just one night, I knew he was meant to be mine. He came to SNIPSA heartworm positive and battling a common cold known as kennel cough. Even after I officially adopted him, SNIPSA continued to stand by us, making sure he received all the treatment he needed. Thanks to their love and care, Mooney is now healthy, happy, and full of lots and lots of love!! He connected with my other dogs instantly—it was, and still is, impossible to keep them apart! Mooney...

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Mani

Mani was rescued from the streets of S.A. some months after my father and one of my dogs passed away. I was devastated and Mani brought so much joy to my life. He has a HUGE personality, although he is only 15 pounds. People stop me everywhere we go. We made stickers for him because he is quite the celebrity in my neighborhood! He has the most sweet underbite, loves to give licks and stretches. Follow us: @haveamaniday. One Dog. One Race.Thousands of lives saved.

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Paloma

Because she was adopted from SNIPSA at a time when I didn’t know my older dog was going to die. Three weeks after her arrival, we lost Bliss. Paloma is not a replacement dog; she is simply the dog that Bliss knew was going to keep me going even after losing her.

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Sookie

Sookie is a proud SNIPSA alum with a heart full of sass and charm. She’s living her best life now, but she’s not done giving back. Sookie is competing in Face of the Race to raise funds for the rescue that changed her life and continues to save thousands more. Every dollar donated supports SNIPSA’s vital programs, from adoptions to community outreach. Help Sookie make an impact and show that one little dog can inspire a whole lot of good.

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Pearl

Pearl joined our family in 2020, right in the heart of the pandemic, and she’s been our constant source of comfort and joy ever since. Thanks to a wonderful SNIPSA representative, we were perfectly matched with this sweet pug. A true snack enthusiast and professional cuddler, Pearl brings love, laughter, and plenty of tail wags wherever she goes. She’s not just running the race — she’s winning hearts along the way!

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Missy

We adopted Missy through SNIPSA in February of 2025. She is getting spayed on 7/8/25 at SNIPSA. She has the totally 80s look with her big hair on top and spunky attitude. She is really settling in and is learning new things every day. She will look amazing in leg warmers and can rock all the neon colors.

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Odie

Odie is a rescue with a great attitude and a big heart. He loves to smuggle, play and is the sweetest boy known to dog kind!

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Darla

Darla is the perfect choice for the face of the race! She's incredibly loving and friendly, always ready to greet everyone with her wagging tail and happy growls. She's never met a stranger, only new friends to charm with her sweetness. Darla absolutely adores people, especially her little humans, they’re her favorite. Plus, she's already kind of a local celebrity in the Oak Park Northwood neighborhood, so she is used to the limelight. She is known for bringing smiles to everyone she meets on her daily walks, and she won’t let you walk away without giving you some love.

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Muffin

Muffin may not be a SNIPSA alumni, but she is an advocate for what rescue can mean to people as well as other animals, she is currently helping foster a litter of kittens. Muffin is the four-legged boss at Miss Chickpeas Bake Shop and the Queen at the local Farmers Markets she is at with the Chickpeas in tow. She is also a trained athlete who can be seen at numerous local 5Ks, including SNIPSA's every year.

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Nolan

Nolan is a working dog, she spends her days assisting her hooman and supervising all her foster siblings. In her free time, she enjoys playing soccer, going to her dog training classes, and responding to her fan mail. Surrounded by her many toys and treats, you'd never guess she spent the first year of her life on the streets of downtown San Antonio. Nolan wants to be the Face of the Race so she can share her story and help all dogs find their forever homes. Follow for more on IG at nolan_wildandfree.

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Ginger

Ginger is the perfect pup for Face of the Race! She is animated, lively, always smiling, and the sweetest dog on the block. Everyone knows Ginger by her golden, flowy locks that glisten in the sun and her big, beautiful smile that lights up every room. She is a participant each year in the SNIPSA 5k and has even WON running alongside her dad! She’s a total star with the temperament to match. Everyone who’s ever met her says she’s special, and I think that quality can help raise the most amount of money for SNIPSA and dogs in need...

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Cowpony

CowPony is a 10-year-old boy with the sweetest heart. He has many health issues and disabilities, but he never lets that get him down. He was 6 when we rescued him, and he was unneutered. This caused many health problems as he aged, as well as behavioral problems. We were able to get him fixed, and he's living his best life now. He has cancer now, but even when I know he feels bad, he will still show me his best smile and sit for a photo.

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Orlo

I don’t know how to explain what it’s like to be saved by someone who doesn’t speak your language but knows your soul better than anyone ever has. Orlo came into my life when I was unraveling. And somehow, without saying a word, he’s held all the pieces with more care than I knew was possible. He’s been there through every version of me—shattered, numb, barely holding on—and he’s never once walked away. When I couldn’t show up for myself, he still did. When I disappeared into myself, he brought me back. Quietly. Gently. Without needing anything but to be...

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Kit Kat

Hi, I’m Kit Kat—a 2yr-old rescue with a comeback story worth wagging about! I started on the streets of San Antonio, but SNIPSA found me and placed me with the wildest, kindest foster family (four boys, a sweet pittie, and lots of love). I quickly charmed them with my smarts, and they decided to keep me forever! These days, I’m leaping on beds, chasing lizards, and cuddling on the couch. After a scary battle with immune-mediated meningitis, I bounced back stronger than ever. I’m living proof that second chances matter—and I’d be honored to be your 2025 SNIPSA Face of the Race!

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Mitzi

Mitzi’s Winter Tail: It was February 2021, during the Big Freeze—the kind of storm Texas hadn’t seen in a generation. The world had turned white and silent, iced over in a sheet of cold that brought the whole city to a standstill. Roads were impassable, pipes were bursting, power was out across neighborhoods, and even emergency services were stretched thin. We bundled up inside, huddled under blankets, listening to the wind whip through the trees and creak against the windows. But Mitzi, my fearless little dachshund, was itching for adventure. Even the cold couldn’t dim her enthusiasm. She bounded out...

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Atticus Rex

From Forgotten to Family...In March 2024, Atticus Rex was found wandering the outskirts of Cibolo — alone, scared, and in terrible shape. It took a dog trap to finally bring him to safety, and once caught, it was clear just how much help he needed. He was suffering from demodex mange, hookworms, and his skin was so damaged it was sloughing off. When Cibolo Animal Services reached out to me, they knew I wouldn't say no to a German Shepherd in need. And Atticus was in desperate need. At first, he was untouchable — physically and emotionally shut down...

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Ivy

We brought Ivy (formerly Sephora) home as a SNIPSA foster back in November 2024 and never returned her! We adopted her in January when we realized she belonged in our family. I believe Ivy should be crowned SNIPSA's face of the race because she represents a true SNIPSA success story. She came to us malnourished from living on the streets and is now the happiest and healthiest pup! She has also been a great playmate and older sister to our other SNIPSA rescue Bexar (formerly Chevron). Ivy is a quirky, playful, happy girl who has never met a stranger. She can be found in somebody's lap which is why she has her name, she crawls all over you! She brings me so much joy and by being the face of the race I know she would bring that same joy to all who meet her and see her!

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P.J.

P.J. is a natural-born athlete and would make a perfect Face of the Race with her photogenic chug charm and endless energy! A little about our girl. She was rescued from the overcrowded pound, dirty, covered in ticks and sick with Ehrlichia. With a little medical care and a lot of love from her SNIPSA foster family, P.J. (formerly known as Pebbles) blossomed into a happy, energetic girl. We adopted P.J. in September of 2024 and her antics are an endless source of joy and laughter for us. She is the unrelenting master of fetch, vertical leaping, zoomies, and...

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Scottie

Hi I’m Scottie, your future mixtape-loving mascot for this year. I may only run on four paws, but I’ve got enough energy to hype up the whole pack. I’m blonde, bubbly, and born to boogie — especially when there's music playing and people moving! I’ll be the furry face cheering you on with unstoppable tail wags and good vibes. Let’s make this 5K unforgettable — Go for Gold and vote Scottie!

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Billie

Billie is a proud Texas girl—born in Austin and adopted from Austin Pets Alive, but she’s been raised right here in San Antonio. This month, we’re excited to celebrate her very first birthday! Billie has completely changed my life. She’s not only my best friend, but also my inspiration to give back. Because of her, I began volunteering with local animal welfare organizations. One of my absolute favorites is SNIPSA. I deeply admire their dedicated employees, veterinary staff, and volunteers. In fact, this past December, I organized an animal supply drive to support shelters and rescue organizations across the city...

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Otto

Otto is a rescue pup with the cutest face! I foster failed after one day because of his sweetest, most loving, inquisitive personality that I wanted to get to know better. He grew from a terrified-of-everything boy into a terrified-of-many-things boy, and I’m so proud of him! I completely lucked out with him, and he’s a great example of why people should adopt not shop!!

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