New York City’s new dog mayor: What Simon says, goes

New York City Mayor Eric Adams may not have been making any public appearances early last week – but Simon, the Big Apple’s new dog mayor, certainly was. The low-riding basset cattle dog was sworn in outside City Hall on Jan. 26 by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams as the city’s second dog mayor. Simon is taking over from his predecessor, Sally, after being elected in an online vote last year. Pepper, a mini chocolate Dachshund, took the oath (woof?) of office as deputy dog mayor. “My favorite part is that Simon, Sally and Pepper had no idea what was happening, and were all just happy to be there. The dogs got a lot of treats that day,” said Sophie Vershbow, Simon’s owner, via email. Though she noted that Simon’s post does not include any official responsibilities, Vershbow said she hopes that, over the course of Hizzoner’s two-year term, she’ll be able to spread awareness about fostering animals and various adoption opportunities citywide. But really, all he has to do is stand there and look cute (and for Simon, that’s almost too easy).