MINNEAPOLIS — 2024 may have been the year of the dragon, but in Minnesota, all kinds of animals made headlines.
From dogs and cats to donkeys and horses, and even the University of Minnesota’s own beloved mascot, here are some of the most interesting animal stories WCCO covered this year.
Minnesota dog to appear on “Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala”
Lucille Ball is a 3-year-old model and spokesdog.
“She’s a little bit flashy, Maltese in general,” said owner Tricia Thompson. “All the outfits against the white is just really pretty.”
Thompson says she was originally named after Lucy’s close friend, Betty White.
“I called her Betty for two days and she wouldn’t whip her head around or turn or anything. I said ‘Lucy’ once and she whipped her head around and I thought, ‘she identifies as redhead,'” Thompson said.
Lucy also identifies a camera lens with ease. After just one year in the pros, Lucy is the only dog from the Midwest appearing in “Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala” on CBS.