Mocha, an 8-year-old shih-tzu mix and local dog celebrity, is currently competing in a national contest while also facing a serious health battle. In December, Mocha was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, a condition caused by mitral valve disease that has left her heart enlarged and fluid building up around her heart and lungs. While medication has helped stabilize her condition, there is no cure.

Despite the diagnosis, Mocha continues to do what she loves most, like modeling, snuggling with her human, taking long walks and meeting new people and dogs.

Mocha’s journey is already remarkable. She was once a stray found wandering near the Ocala National Forest before being brought to the home of Sharon Dodsworth. After tracking down her original owner, it was discovered Mocha had escaped multiple times and had been missing for two weeks. Understanding the situation, Sharon offered to re-home her, and Mocha officially found her forever home.

She quickly bonded with Sharon’s dog, Royal, and it wasn’t long before Sharon noticed Mocha’s natural confidence and calm presence.

“She took to it naturally,” Sharon says of Mocha’s modeling potential.

That instinct paid off. Mocha began entering local contests and events, eventually earning recognition as a finalist in America’s Next Top Dog Model and appearing in Paw Prints Magazine. Her career reached a major milestone last year when she nailed her test shots at the studio of Chewy, a popular online pet supply company. She was invited to join the Chewy team and has since landed her second commercial gig.

Now, as Mocha competes in her latest contest, her story carries even more meaning. While she continues to shine in front of the camera, her family is also navigating the realities of managing a chronic heart condition.

Through it all, Mocha remains the same affectionate, resilient dog who went from wandering alone in the woods to walking red carpets and studio floors.

For those supporting Mocha in the contest, it’s about more than votes or titles. It’s a celebration of a dog who beat the odds once and continues to do so every day with grace, heart and an unshakable love for life.

Cast your vote here – https://americasfavpet.com/2026/mocha-6f6e