Two “inseparable sisters” are the newest four-legged ambassadors for the Gateway Arch.
More than 1,200 voters have selected Molly, a 10-year-old Australian shepherd, and Leila, a 1-year-old chocolate lab, out of 30 contestants entered in the B.A.R.K. Ranger Photo Contest.
This marks the first time two winners will be sharing the title of B.A.R.K. Superintendent, serving as ambassadors for the park’s B.A.R.K. Ranger program, which promotes responsible and safe pet handling at Gateway Arch National Park.
B.A.R.K. stands for:
- Bag your pet’s waste
- Always leash your pet
- Respect wildlife
- Know where you can go
Molly and Leila, who live with their “mom,” a St. Louis-area nurse and small business owner, will serve as superintendents for one year and preside over B.A.R.K. Ranger events at the park.
The dogs will be officially “crowned” as superintendents during a public ceremony at Luther Ely Smith Square on the arch grounds at 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 16.
The 2021 B.A.R.K. ambassador, Gus, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, will also be on hand at the event, as well as representatives from the Gateway Arch Park Foundation, Gateway Arch National Park and sponsor Purina.
The B.A.R.K. program, supported by the Gateway Arch Park Foundation, is a year-round program with special events, activities and giveaways. Pet owners can bring their animals to the Gateway Arch to be B.A.R.K. rangers throughout the year.
