Zion Terrier Becomes Gas Company 'Ambassadog' Through Online Vote

GLENCOE, IL — A north suburban dog will be featured in gas company promotional campaigns for the next year in an effort to increase awareness about the need for safe digging.

Innes, a 6-year-old Airedale terrier who lives in Zion, was unveiled as the safe digging "ambassadog" for North Shore Gas at an event Thursday at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

According to company representatives, Innes' favorite hobby is "strong and safe" digging and he has won American Kennel Club awards for doing various tricks, including hide-and-seek.

Owned by Scottish-born woman and named after a king of Scotland from the 8th Century, Innes enjoys hikes and behind outdoors all year round in Chicago.

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He was appointed to his "ambassadogship" after winning a company contest called "Doggone It!"

North Shore Gas customers were asked to send in photos of their dogs digging, and Innes emerged as the public's No. 1 pick in an online vote, company officials said.

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The announcement coincided with National 811 Day, which held every year on the eighth month's 11th day and is aimed at reminding people to call 811 at least 48 hours before starting outdoor digging projects to avoid line strikes, serious injury and property damage from underground utility lines.

The event also featured demonstrations of how underground utility lines are located and marked after people call the line.

North Shore Gas has 2,300 miles of underground pipelines, according to company representatives, and calling 811 before underground digging is required by law.