PHOTOS: One-eyed Oregon chihuahua selected as semifinalist for Cadbury Bunny Tryouts
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — An Oregon dog has hopped into the semifinals for chocolate brand Cadbury’s sixth annual Bunny Tryouts.
The chocolate brand first launched its search for the 2024 Cadbury Bunny in late February. For the first time, the company has implemented a March-Madness-style bracket system in which a portion of semi-finalists will be eliminated during each 24-hour voting period.
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Kona — a one-eyed, 3-year-old chihuahua — was named a semifinalist among 31 other animals on Wednesday morning.
Oregon chihuahua Kona was named a 2024 Cadbury Bunny semifinalist. (Courtesy Jenna Van Valen) Oregon chihuahua Kona was named a 2024 Cadbury Bunny semifinalist. (Courtesy Jenna Van Valen) Oregon chihuahua Kona was named a 2024 Cadbury Bunny semifinalist. (Courtesy Jenna Van Valen) Oregon chihuahua Kona was named a 2024 Cadbury Bunny semifinalist. (Courtesy Jenna Van Valen)
She was rescued by Seattle nonprofit Saving Great Animals after her previous owner died. The organization then arranged an enucleation to resolve Kona’s eye injury before moving her into a foster home.
The dog was officially adopted by her new owner Jenna Van Valen in December 2023. The Pacific-Northwest-based photographer told KOIN 6 she said goodbye to her 18-year-old chihuahua the month prior, but she was immediately smitten with Kona when her husband shared a photo.
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According to Van Valen, Kona enjoys toys and chewies — but doesn’t perform any tricks “except being adorable.” The dog also loves to wave her front paws at people for attention, play with her fellow rescue dogs and a special-needs kitty companion at home.
“Kona is playful, excited to meet everyone, and as polite and loving as can be,” Van Valen added. “We love our senior and special needs rescues — and think spreading the word about these amazing animals is so important! She would make such a wonderful Cadbury Bunny — she already has the giant bunny-looking feet! And she’s sweeter than chocolate.”
Voting opens on Cadbury USA’s Instagram on Monday, March 11. There will be five rounds, with the last scheduled for Friday, March 22.
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“The spring season is a special time for our Cadbury team, but the Cadbury Bunny Tryouts are perhaps the best part of all,” Natalie Shuntich, senior associate marketing manager at The Hershey Company, said.
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