Presenting: Vicksburg’s Cutest Pet, Aja

VICKSBURG, MS – The Vicksburg Daily News recently held a contest for Vicksburg’s Cutest Pet, with hundreds of locals sharing their adorable companions. Not only did people share pictures of their cats, dogs, and feathered friends, but also their stories of how those pets came into their lives, from rescue to adoption. After an initial round of voting, ten pets were selected as semifinalists for the top prize of a photo shoot at Bella La Vita, $100 Gift Card from the Squeeze, two tickets for the Strand’s performance of the Rocky Horror Show, and… bragging rights. Without further ado, meet Vicksburg’s Cutest Pet: Aja Harris, the compassionate Maltese with great hair and a passion for squeaky toys.

Aja Harris

Aja is a seven years old Maltese and has a nearly identical brother named Beau. She loves being covered in blankets, tummy rubs, playing with Beau, running in the house and curling up in her dad’s lap. Her favorite spot to sit is on the back of the couch where she can feel like the royalty she is. Aja also loves to watch T.V.

Aja’s mom, Rosie Harris, adores her and treats her like a queen.

“Aja came into my life after our two sons went to college. My husband worked security at night. I was alone and bored. I needed some company so I told my husband I wanted a puppy. He said no. I asked him several times could I get a puppy. He finally gave in and said yes.”

Harris and her husband drove for three hours to pick up the pup. A year later, Harris felt Aja needed a companion, so the couple made the trip again to pick up Aja’s half brother, Beau. Aja and Beau love each other very much.

Harris described Aja as a compassionate companion.

“There’s a bond formed between us,” said Harris. “She has also become therapy to me when I’ve had a bad day.”

Harris loves her dogs dearly but she says Aja’s favorite person is Harris’s husband.

“She loves to lie in his lap at bedtime and she sleeps close to him. If my husband had a tail she would step on it,” she said.

Aja also loves to have her belly scratched. She closes her eyes and lets her tongue hang out of the side of her mouth when being rubbed.

Winning Vicksburg’s Cutest Pet

“Winning is a wonderful achievement. It means that my puppy has been recognized for her charm and adorableness, which is a testament to the love and care that I provide,” said Harris. “Having the cutest pet feels absolutely wonderful! Aja and Beau bring so much joy, love, happiness and companionship into our lives and home. They have a way of making even the toughest days better with their playful, unconditional affection.”

Harris jokingly added that she wants a third Maltese, but her husband has so far said no.