Meet Hodges, Little Rock Soirée’s Cutest Dog 2023

The dog-tor is in. Sporting a happy grin and the kind of big puppy dog eyes that say “I’ve still got it,” senior therapy dog Hodges made his way through a panel of judges, two rounds of reader voting and a slew of cutie competitors to win the title of Little Rock Soirée’s Cutest Dog 2023.

Now get to know the treat-loving, hard-working Lab who came out as top dog.


All About Hodges

Credit: Dean Wheeler

Breed: Yellow Labrador Retriever

Approximate age: 10

Owner: Sara Brisson

Personality: “A goofy boy with a golden soul”

Sara’s favorite thing about Hodges: “How his presence can bring peace, joy, fun and light into any situation and give people exactly what they are needing in those moments. Hodges has a way of making a hospital room feel like a family room.”

How Hodges spends his days: “As a registered therapy dog with Pet Partners, Hodges accompanies me to work on the Hospice/Palliative Care Unit at the Little Rock VA Hospital. He makes his rounds on the inpatient unit to meet with veterans, family members and staff, as well as in the outpatient clinic. After some hard work, he decompresses by napping on one of his three dog beds, eating his supply of never-ending treats from his beloved coworkers and playing tug of war.”

How Hodges came home: “As the greatest present for my college graduation, my parents adopted Hodges from the service dog organization, Guiding Eyes for the Blind.”

Credit: Dean Wheeler

His Favorites

Treat: “If it’s edible, it’s his favorite — his palate does not discriminate!”

Place to explore: The Promenade at Chenal

Toy: A squawking rockstar chicken and giant stuffed ear of corn

Activity: “Filling his belly with food, food and more food”

Local biz: Loblolly Creamery

Guilty pleasure: Exploring trash cans

Credit: Dean Wheeler

Follow the adventures of Hodges on Instagram: @hodges_therapydog

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