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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Bean, Tiberius, and Champ are the three finalists in the 2026 World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest, according to a report published by iHeartDogs on October 5, 2026. The report says CBS Mornings was scheduled to announce the winner on October 19, 2026. The finalist list, contest details, and dog stories below are attributed to that report; they have not been independently confirmed here.
Meet the three reported finalists
The dogs have distinct rescue stories and present-day roles. The following details are as described by iHeartDogs, rather than independently verified case histories.
Bean
Bean is a Pug. The report says he was found severely underweight as a stray at a gas station in Nogales, Mexico, searching through trash for food. It describes him as now healthy and social, and says he enjoys being around cats, kittens, babies, and toddlers.
Tiberius
The report describes Tiberius as a blind stray in Philadelphia. With support from his family and community, it says he learned to navigate his neighborhood and respond to commands.
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#1 Best Overall
- Rescue Runts Series 2: help me heal – these runts need even more love and care to take them from Ragged runt to Perfect pet.
- Each Rescue Runts pet comes with new healing accessories like a cone or cast to decorate and re-usable band-aids and bandages.
- Use the included grooming kit to pick out Fleas, clean their paws, wipe their tears and brush their fur! Search their fur to find the hidden tick and pull it out!
- Clean them up again and again! Rescue Runts’ messy fur, Fleas and tick, downturned ears, dirty paws and bandage can be restored for repeated rescue play.
- Adopt all three dogs and two cats and give them a home to call their own!
Champ
Champ was rescued in Texas with a severe leg injury, according to the report. After an amputation, he became a therapy dog who visits schools, airports, and assisted-living facilities.
How the contest reportedly worked
iHeartDogs reports that submissions were accepted July 1–24, 2026, and PEOPLE editors selected ten finalists. Public voting ran August 17–September 28. The final three were revealed September 30 on CBS Mornings, alongside Elias Weiss Friedman, known as The Dogist, who was identified as a celebrity judge.
Rank #2
- Twister the plush Black Lab/Pit Bull Rescue Pup features a lifelike design. This engaging mixed breed puppy stuffed animal is made with high quality plush materials and soft polyester fill, making him delightfully cuddly and huggable.
- Twister's realistic stand up design and attentive expression will capture the heart and inspire the imagination. Expressive, amber colored eyes and white markings add realism and personality to this lovable plush dog. This plush toy is suitable for gifting to children, friends, or loved ones – a heartwarming present.
- Designed in Keene, New Hampshire, U.S.A. by Douglas Cuddle Toys, makers of exceptionally fine plush toys for over 60 years. Sewn in Indonesia by skilled toy-makers.
- Measures 16" (41 cm) long.
- Safe for all ages over 24 months, machine washable.
Who was on the reported judging panel?
The report names celebrity judges Elias Weiss Friedman and Dolores Catania; CBS Mornings hosts Gayle King, Nate Burleson, and Vladimir Duthiers; and representatives from PEOPLE and PEDIGREE. It does not provide a precise vote total: its description of “thousands of votes” should not be read as an exact count.
What does the winner reportedly receive?
According to iHeartDogs, the prize includes a professional photo shoot, a feature in PEOPLE Magazine and on People.com, a year’s supply of PEDIGREE dog food, and a $1,000 donation to an animal rescue chosen by the winning family.
Rank #3
- Large and lovable plush pup with safety vest, protective shoes, and first aid gear
- Includes play walkie-talkie with sound effects, bandages, wipes, play dog treat (do not feed to real animals), certification card, activity booklet, collectible medallion
- Play pieces store in vest with pockets and clips; sized to fit pup and as a belt for kids, too
- Let’s Explore encourages kids to connect with the natural world through imaginative play, and to discover the joy of outdoor adventures that instill curiosity and confidence
- Makes a great gift for 3- to 6-year-olds, for hands-on, screen-free play
When was the winner announcement scheduled?
The report says CBS Mornings was scheduled to announce the winner on October 19, 2026. That is a reported schedule, not confirmation that the announcement occurred or that the contest terms remained unchanged.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Speak and repeat: Speak to your puppy to hear them repeat back to you! There are 6 adorable puppies to collect and love.
- Heal your puppy: Use the syringe and healing elixer to help your poorly puppy back to health. Your healing kit has bandages, stickers and more!
- Pack Inclusion: 1x Pet Carrier, 1x Puppy, 2x Bandage Stickers, 1x Bandage , 1x Healing Elixer Compound, 1x Health Check Chart, 1x Syringe, 1x Instructions Sheet
- Take your pet anywhere: Use the pet carrier to take your furry friend on the go with you!
- Perfect gift: Puppy Rescue Surprise is the perfect gift for any pet loving child. Nurture the puppy back to health and play with a real talking pet!
Rank #4
- Kindness and Empathy Learning Experience: Promotes and strengthens qualities such as kindness, respect, empathy, and generosity, with an animal and pet-care focus. When a child shows kindness, respect, concern, or gives back to animals or pets, they place a token in Sparkle's token slot to mark the good deed."
- Dog Plush and Storybook Set: Our original book, "Sparkle For Pets," is a social emotional storybook for kids, written with simple words and colorful pictures. It focuses on teaching children to be kind to others and give back, with an animal and pet focus that pet-loving kids connect with. Comes as a set with the plush and the book together.
- Lifelike Plush Puppy Design: Our stuffed animal dog is crafted with a lifelike charm made for cuddles and play. This soft stuffed animal puppy brings comfort and companionship to children, with a design kids want to hold onto and carry with them every day.
- Soft and Comfortable Plush Material: This soft, realistic stuffed animal is made with high-quality plush material for a cozy touch that makes playtime comforting and enjoyable, whether your child is snuggling up for story time or carrying Sparkle along in the included carrying case.
- Safe for All Ages: Non-toxic and child-safe, this plush toy is a worry-free choice for parents. Suitable stuffed animal for girls and this is also a stuffed animals for boys of all ages, it provides a secure and enjoyable playtime experience.
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