School counselor Paige Blackford’s German Shepherd, Opie, has been crowned the winner of Bark Madness. The energetic-vocal 6-year-old, known for her impressive command repertoire and protective nature, has captured the hearts of students and teachers around the school.

Opie is a purebred long-haired German Shepherd.

“She is a very protective dog and is always sure to have an eye on her human brother and sister,” Blackford said.

Despite her outgoing personality, Opie also manages a condition called Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE). “Basically the dog version of Lupus,” Blackford said. Opie requires medication and close monitoring of flare-ups. 

Despite her condition, Opie is still a pivotal part of Blackford’s family.

“Opie is just the best dog and we are lucky to have her,” Blackford said.

Bark Madness is in its second year and has become a popular feature in the cafeteria. A large bracket of staff members’ dogs is set up on display and in an effort to make it similar to March Madness, people fill out their bracket on who they think is the cutest dog and will win each round and be the champion. Voting took place in the cafeteria during lunch time.

However, we can’t look at this year’s winner without mentioning the students who make it possible. One of the students being Rodriquez Johnson (12). Rod is known around the school as a nice and charismatic student. 

One of Rod’s classes is with Abbie Bollwork and during this class he and his peers worked together to set this up – from the brackets all the way up to making a creative video everything Bark Madness.

Rod loves dogs and doesn’t have any of his own, but his auntie has two “Brownie and Joey. One’s an American Bulldog and one’s a Shih-tzu,” Rod said.

There were 28 dogs that competed in Bark Madness in which students and staff could vote, but lucky for Rod, Opie won.

“My favorite dog is Opie,” Rod said.