Three dogs who once faced hunger, injury, and uncertainty are now standing in the national spotlight for a much happier reason. Bean, Tiberius, and Champ have been named the final three contenders in the 2026 World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest, each carrying a story that reaches far beyond an adorable face. One was discovered desperately searching for food, another survived life on the streets without sight, and the third lost a leg after suffering a serious injury. Today, all three are surrounded by people who love them, proving just how dramatically life can change for a rescue dog given another chance.
Now in its ninth year, the contest celebrates adopted dogs and the families who gave them a place to belong. Thousands of votes helped narrow this year’s group of 10 finalists to Bean, Tiberius, and Champ. The three dogs are now competing for the grand prize, with the overall winner scheduled to be announced on October 19.
Three Rescue Stories With Remarkable New Chapters
Bean’s journey began under heartbreaking circumstances in Nogales, Mexico. The Pug was found severely underweight and living as a stray, searching through trash at a gas station just to find something to eat. Life looks completely different for Bean today. Once struggling to meet his most basic needs, he is now healthy, loved, and known for being remarkably social. Bean seems to have never met a stranger and especially enjoys being around cats, kittens, babies, and toddlers.
His transformation from a hungry stray into an affectionate family dog captures what makes rescue stories so powerful. The frightened and vulnerable dog found at a gas station was given the security he needed to reveal the friendly personality waiting underneath.
Tiberius faced a different challenge on the streets of Philadelphia. He was a blind stray trying to navigate an unpredictable world without being able to see what was around him. After his rescue, Tiberius found people willing to help him understand his new surroundings. With support from his family and community, he learned how to navigate his neighborhood and master commands.
His blindness did not prevent him from discovering a fuller and safer life. Instead, patience, consistency, and encouragement helped Tiberius develop confidence in a world he experiences differently.
Champ’s journey also began on the streets. Rescued in Texas with a severe leg injury, he ultimately needed an amputation. Losing a leg could have marked another difficult chapter in an already painful beginning. Instead, Champ adapted and eventually found a meaningful role that allows him to bring comfort to other people.
Today, Champ is a therapy dog who visits schools, airports, and assisted living facilities. The dog who once needed help himself now spends his time offering companionship and smiles to people wherever he goes.
Thousands of Votes Narrowed the Field
The 2026 contest began with submissions opening from July 1 through July 24. Adoptive families were invited to share a photograph of their rescue dog along with the story of how the animal joined their family and changed their lives.
After submissions closed, PEOPLE editors reviewed the entries and selected 10 finalists. Public voting then ran from August 17 through September 28, allowing animal lovers to choose their favorite among the finalists. Thousands of votes were submitted during that period. Bean, Tiberius, and Champ ultimately received enough support to advance to the final three.
On September 30, CBS Mornings revealed the finalists on air alongside Elias Weiss Friedman, better known as The Dogist, who is serving as one of the celebrity judges.
The final decision will now be placed in the hands of the judging panel. Celebrity judges Elias Weiss Friedman and Dolores Catania will be joined by CBS Mornings hosts Gayle King, Nate Burleson, and Vladimir Duthiers, along with representatives from PEOPLE and the PEDIGREE brand. Together, they will review the three finalists and select the 2026 World’s Cutest Rescue Dog.
More Than a Cute Dog Competition
The winning dog will receive a professional photo shoot and a feature in PEOPLE Magazine and on People.com. The prize package also includes a year’s supply of dog food from the PEDIGREE brand.
Perhaps the most meaningful part of the prize reaches beyond the winning dog. A $1,000 donation will be made to an animal rescue organization chosen by the winner’s family, allowing the celebration to provide additional support for animals still waiting for their own second chances. CBS Mornings is scheduled to announce the grand prize winner on October 19.
No matter which dog receives the title, Bean, Tiberius, and Champ have already traveled extraordinary distances from where their stories began. Bean went from searching through garbage for food to enjoying life surrounded by friends. Tiberius went from navigating Philadelphia as a blind stray to confidently exploring a neighborhood with people guiding him. Champ went from suffering with a devastating leg injury to comforting people as a therapy dog.
Their paths are different, but the heart of each story is remarkably similar. Each dog encountered hardship before someone stepped in and helped create a safer future. Now, instead of being defined by what happened to them, Bean, Tiberius, and Champ are being celebrated for who they have become.
This content was created with AI assistance and edited by the iHeartDogs team.
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