A fluffy white Samoyed named Marshmallow has been named Richmond’s Official Dog of 804 Day in a fierce and furry community-wide competition.
The 4-year-old, owned by Leah and Trevor Hopper, will take on ceremonial duties Aug. 2 at the free 804 Day music and community festival in Shockoe Bottom.
“She just brings a lot of joy,” says Leah, who lives near Maymont with her husband and Marshmallow.
In a city that’s infamous for being less than hospitable to the allergy-prone, Marshmallow is a hypoallergenic breed. Trevor is allergic to dogs, Leah says, so he’d always hoped to find a Samoyed.
The Hoppers, who moved to Richmond in 2013, got Marshmallow in Harrisonburg as a pup. Leah works in compliance for Independent Financial Partners and Trevor is an underwriter for Kinsale Insurance.
They also enjoy volunteering and lead a running group out of the Lucky Road Run Shop’s Carytown store. Marshmallow can keep a good pace too — especially in dog-friendly races. “She’s very fast,” Leah says. “That breed is built for endurance.”
She nearly placed in the Richmond SPCA’s Dog Jog two years ago until a last-minute leash tangle with a fellow competitor tripped up Trevor, who was running with her.
Marshmallow also loves squeaky toys, chicken treats, chasing squirrels and outings to Byrd Park.
The community contest from Style Weekly and 804 Day organizers, the City of Richmond and Shockoe Records, drew dozens of entries and thousands of votes. Marshmallow seemed to resonate with her big smile, snowy coat and positive energy.
“She’s always smiling,” Leah says, “so it’s hard to be mad at her.”
