Peanut, Winner Of New Lenox's Chihuahua Beauty Pageant, Dies at 14

NEW LENOX, IL — Legend has it little dogs often come with big personalities and long lives—but never long enough.

New Lenox officials on Friday remembered a tiny champion in its community—Peanut the chihuahua. Crowned in July as the winner of the Village's chihuahua beauty pageant held during the inaugural Food Fight: Taco Fest, Peanut died recently at 14 years old.

"Peanut certainly stole the show at the pageant, just as he stole his family's hearts with his zest for life," the Village said on social media.

Cool guy Peanut cruised in wearing a sombrero, riding in a bedecked trailer pulled by an electric toy Jeep. His owner Brooke Bisgrove was proud of her little pal—who'd been by her side since she was 2 years old—for his big win up against 39 other contestants.

"We know so many residents in our community have pets, and they truly become members of the family," said New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann. "Our thoughts are with Peanut’s owners, and we’re glad he'll be remembered as a champion."