Oct. 5, 2025
By: Sarah A. Neikam, SPCA Albrecht Center Marketing Director

Jade Garrett, SPCA Events Manager, poses with Top Dog 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners.

This past Saturday, October 4th, the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare hosted our very first Aiken’s Top Dog competition at Good Girl Brewing Co., and what a fantastic day it turned out to be! Months of fundraising, weeks of anticipation, and a stage full of wagging tails all came together in one unforgettable celebration of dogs, community, and compassion.

Since April, dozens of dedicated dog lovers have been rallying friends and family to raise more than $15,000 to benefit the homeless pets at the SPCA Albrecht Center. Each dollar raised not only secured votes for their favorite canine contender but also ensured food, shelter, and medical care for the animals who depend on us every single day.

When the fundraising wrapped up, the top fundraising dogs advanced to the live competition. These finalists, whose stories and personalities won hearts across the community, represented the best of Aiken’s love for dogs.

After five fun events and thousands of votes, one lucky pup, who arrived with her own cheering section, walked away with the title of Aiken’s Top Dog 2025 – congratulations to Katie, the mascot of the Palmetto Pickle Park!

Grand Prize Winner, Katie poses with her owner, Ben Lacy & SPCA’s Jade Garrett.

Katie greets members and guests at the park and walks them back to the courts and pro shop. She even struts her stuff on court, but has yet to perfect the art of retrieving pickleballs. Katie’s dad, Ben, says she “loves all humans, especially those bearing treats.” Katie’s happy smile shows what a friendly, loved dog she is, and now she has even more to smile about with the grand prize title, a beer brew named in her honor, a trophy, a $500 Chewy gift card, an SPCA Dog Park membership, her own photography session, and of course lots of well-earned bragging rights.

Right on Katie’s tail were our talented and very popular runners-up who went home with some great prizes of their own and lots of cheers and applause. Congratulations to first runner-up, Ginny, an adorable, petite, ball of joyful energy who is “four-legged happiness in its purest form” according to her proud mom, Alyssa.

1st Runner Up, Ginny!

If you’ve ever been enthusiastically greeted by a happy pup while shopping downtown, you’ve probably already met Ginny. Adopted from Home for Good Dogs, she has become Aiken’s unofficial welcoming committee. Ginny’s favorite activities include exploring Hitchcock Woods and charming shopkeepers out of treats. From horses to kittens, no one is a stranger to Ginny – just a friend she hasn’t kissed yet.

And congratulations to the second runner-up, Beau, a very handsome SPCA Albrecht Center adoptee! Shortly after adoption, Beau began his puppy training and has learned many basic commands. He learns quickly, loves treats, including any raw vegetable or fruit his mom, Yolanda gives him, and has not one but two girlfriends! Beau showed himself to be a very happy Top Dog contestant, earning lots of applause and making new friends.

2nd Runner Up, Beau with his owner, Yolanda Olsen.

After a grand total over $25,ooo raised, the fundraising and event may be over, but the celebration doesn’t stop there. Our friends at Good Girl Brewing Co. will soon be unveiling a brand-new specialty brew named after Top Dog winner, Katie. Even better, 20% of the sales from that brew will be donated back to the SPCA Albrecht Center, creating a lasting impact with every pint poured. We encourage everyone to check back in with Good Girl Brewing soon and raise a glass to Katie for her big win, to Kate, Good Girl Brewing Co. owners Andrew and Rachel’s adopted dog who inspired their business, and to the truly special bond shared between people and their dogs.

None of this would have been possible without the incredible support behind the scenes. We extend our appreciation to our event sponsors: Aiken High Student Government, Scenthound, Downtown Dog, SRP Federal Credit Union, Sullivan Turner Team at Meybohm Real Estate, Breezy Hill Self Storage and of course our presenting sponsor, host and proud partner – Good Girl Brewing Co.

Many thanks to our talented emcee, Cliff Bennett of WRDW/WAGT’s “Morning Mix”, to Good Girl Brewing Co. staff for keeping the crowd fed, and of course our truly heartfelt gratitude goes out to our passionate and hard-working staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly to bring this event together and make sure it ran as smoothly as possible. Their time, energy, and love for animals made this event something truly special.

SPCA Volunteers

And of course, the biggest thanks go to our animal-loving community. To every single donor, fundraiser, supporter, and attendee: you made a difference. Together, we’ve raised vital funds for hundreds of homeless pets in need and introduced more supporters to the cause of local animal welfare. Every dog that wagged its tail on stage – and every cat, dog, kitten, and puppy still waiting in our shelter – now has a brighter future because of you.

As we look back on the inaugural Aiken’s Top Dog, we’re already excited about what’s to come next year. Until then, let’s keep the momentum going. Visit us at the SPCA Albrecht Center, stop by our Veterinary Care Center or Thrift Store, and follow along on social media for more opportunities to help animals in need. Because when Aiken comes together for a good cause and a good time, the tails keep wagging, and the love truly lives on. 🐾

See more pictures from the day on our Facebook page!

Sarah Neikam is the Marketing Director for the SPCA Albrecht Center in Aiken, SC. She has been with the organization since 2012, holding various roles including Volunteer Coordinator and Director of Operations & HR. A Certified Animal Welfare Administrator as of 2022, Sarah is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. She resides in Aiken with her husband, Tom, and several beloved cats.