By 10 weeks old, the 2026 Grand Strand Magazine’s Cutest Pet contest winner was known by three different names in what would be a surprising gender reveal kerfuffle.

For 16 years now, readers have submitted engaging pics of their pets in our online contest, in which the most votes cast, wins. Camp Bow Wow, a very popular, top-notch dog boarding and grooming facility, has generously sponsored the yearly competition. Very Important Pooch, a lovely pet boutique in Grande Dunes, is an important and valued co-sponsor, with the winning pet getting a swag-filled gift basket full of treats and toys.

This year’s winner is Jaz (short for Jasmine), a Boxer-Beagle mix whose favorite activities are going on walks and playing ball. Jaz’s mom, Maria “Mia” Howell recounts the story of how she came to know and love her delightful dog.

She had seen pics of the puppy on a local website, and was searching for a male companion for her aging Lab, Tucker. 

“She (Jaz) was listed as a male pup named Jagger,”  Mia recalls. “We scheduled a meet and greet for the dogs and Jagger became one of the family. I renamed again what I thought was a male,  ‘Jax’. A few days later we took our new pup to Banfield during Covid. I had to sit in the lobby while the vet examined the dog. I still have the voicemail on my phone and they proceeded to tell me I had a FEMALE dog. Stunned,  I was then asked if I’d like to change the name. I did, to ‘Jaz’. Which was the closest to Jax that I could think of, as the pup was already responding to her name.” Mia then called the foster mom, “who was also stunned!” she laughs.

Now, Jaz is four-years old and an integral part of her life, she says. 

“She’s not much of a beachgoer as the ocean scares her,” notes Mia. “But she loves our walks around Sayebrook. Her favorite activities are our walks and our daily ball-playing with her giggle ball or soccer ball. And neighborhood kids love to play with her out front of our home.” 

And one final note from Mia: “She loves to talk to me. She mumbles like a lot of Boxers do!”