The dogs rule in Evergreen now that Whitman the Newfoundland has been elected the honorary mayor with Chuk the chocolate Labrador as his deputy.

Allison Marti with Deputy Mayor Chuk and Kay D'Evelyn LaMontagne with Mayor Whitman pose for photos after the canines' election was announced Friday night. Buy this photo

The winners of the inaugural honorary dog mayor election were announced Friday night on the patio at Cactus Jack’s Saloon & Grill. Soon after the announcement, the two were whisked off to their first public appearance at Evergreen Rotary’s Mardi Gras Festival at The Wild Game.

Evergreen’s new officials — elected by raising the most money for the Evergreen Animal Protective League — will make appearances at Evergreen events throughout the year. The 22 other canines who took part in the election are now part of Whitman’s and Chuk’s cabinet.

“This shows your support for EAPL … and you raised thousands of dollars, so they can continue their amazing work,” said Kelli Brown, who along with her daughter Amelia spearheaded the effort.

Kay D’Evelyn LaMontagne, Whitman’s owner, said Whitman was honored to be elected mayor, while Allison Marti, who represented Chuk’s owner, Mishelle Prouty, said she knows Prouty is proud of Chuk’s achievement.