Melissa Payne’s chihuahua Minnie wins Sunshine Coast’s cutest dog competition 2024

The Sunshine Coast’s cutest dog as voted by reader was welcomed by a family who felt a hole in their hearts and home after they lost their beloved pet months earlier.

Mountain Creek winner for cutest dog Melissa Payne with her 3 month old Minnie, a long hair Chihuahua. Picture: Patrick Woods.

An adorable little chihuahua has captured the hearts of Sunshine Coast dog lovers, claiming the title of the region’s cutest dog in 2024.

Three-month-old long-haired chihuahua Minnie received the most votes in this publication’s cutest dog competition last month.

Her owner Melissa Payne said the little pup has been “absolutely over the moon” since her win and she herself was pleasantly surprised.

“Her tail hasn’t stopped wagging since the news broke,” Ms Payne said.

Mountain Creek winner for cutest dog Melissa Payne with her 3 month old Minnie, a long hair Chihuahua. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“I always thought she was the cutest dog, but to have that recognised by others is awesome.”

Ms Payne thanked the community for the love and support shown to Minnie, who brought “so much happiness” into their lives.

Ms Payne said she loved Minnie’s sweet personality the most, describing her “playful spirit and gentle nature” as heartwarming.

Since being welcomed in Ms Payne’s home in late August, Minnie has learned how to sit and discovered the joy of jumping on things.

“If there were a world record for sprinting out the front door, I’m convinced she’d take the crown — she has an uncanny knack for making a quick getaway while pretending she doesn’t quite know her name yet,” Ms Payne said.

Mountain Creek winner for cutest dog Melissa Payne with her 3 month old Minnie, a long hair Chihuahua. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“But the moment she hears the rustle of a snack bag, she’s there in a flash, ready to charm her way into a treat.”

Ms Payne shared the pain of losing a beloved part of their family when their dog Molly died in May.

She described their home to have felt “achingly empty,” as if a “vibrant” part of their lives had been snuffed out.

“The hardest part wasn’t just saying goodbye; it was living in a world that felt forever changed, where our hearts ached in her absence,” she said.

Ms Payne said their family had vowed not to welcome another dog, but their longing quickly grew for the “spark of joy that only a furry friend could provide”.

On the mission to find a new canine companion, Ms Payne said their “hearts skipped a beat” when Chihuahua Pups Noosaville sent a picture of Minnie.

Mountain Creek winner for cutest dog Melissa Payne with her 3 month old Minnie, a long hair Chihuahua. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“There was something in her bright eyes and sweet demeanour that drew us in, and in that moment, we just knew she was meant to be part of our family,” she said.

“As she bounded into our lives, her tiny tail wagging with uncontainable joy, we felt a warmth begin to fill the spaces Molly had left behind.

“While no one could ever replace our dear Molly, Minnie reminded us that love has the power to heal, to renew, and to fill our hearts once again.”