The Alexander City Outlook

Julez takes Top Dog honors in Hollywood Paws contest

By Austin Nelson

When voting concluded last night in the Hollywood Paws photo contest, a local dog came out on top and was bestowed with the honor of Top Dog.

Julez, a yorkie poodle, is less than a year old and is more than just a dog to owner Mikey Sewell, of Kellyton.

“She is like my family,” Sewell said. “I know everyone likes to brag on their pets, but I always knew this dog was smart.”

Sewell had been trying to get the attention of dog food companies when he first learned about the Hollywood Paws photo contest. Hollywood Paws is a Los Angeles-based animal entertainment management company that is dedicated to cultivating animal actors of all kinds.

“I just got to get (Julez) recognized, and Hollywood Paws is going to do it, I just know,” Sewell said.

Julez and Sewell go everywhere together, Sewell said, from Home Depot to Petco, always drawing attention from passers-by.

“When people meet her, they fall in love with her,” Sewell said. “I have never seen an animal that can draw so much attention in my whole life.”

Sewell has a myriad of costumes and accessories for Jule and says that she doesn’t mind being dressed up.

“I bought her a bathrobe a while back, and she had never worn anything before,”  Sewell said.  “I put it on her, and sat her down and she just looked at me like she was saying – it’s on me, now what?”

She never tried to take the bathrobe off, Sewell said, nor has she ever tried to shed her top hat, which she wears on occasion.

“It doesn’t bother her at all, she even poses for the camera,” Sewell said.

Julez will be featured in the Hollywood Paws industry newsletter and get a free 30-minute private dog training session.

“I know this dog is going to make it,” Sewell said.