Enfield Dog Park Mayor 'Nell' Passes Away

ENFIELD, CT — A lovable St. Bernard named 'Nell,' who made history last June by becoming the first female canine to be elected mayor of the Enfield Dog Park, has passed away at age 10.

Her owners, Jennifer and Rich Fregeau, said Nell had been suffering with major arthritis in both hips, and a veterinarian recommended putting her down. That procedure took place Monday.

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The 155-lb. beauty was nearly 50 pounds heavier when the Fregeaus first saw her at a rescue several years ago. They fostered her for a time, then decided to make her a permanent part of their family.

At the annual Puppy Pride festival last June, Nell was elected mayor of the dog park, and took her responsibilities quite seriously.

"We went to visit several nursing homes, where everyone got to pet her. She made them happy," Jennifer Fregeau said. "She got to exercise her mayoral duties by spreading love and drool. We think she's now the mayor of the big dog park in the sky."

With Nell's passing, deputy mayor Freddy moves up to mayor, but does not get all the perks of the job. Dog park vice president Gregg Pugliese said Nell's reserved parking space will remain hers until the expiration of her term in late August.