[cover story]

It’s a Squirrel . . . It’s a Frisbee . . . It’s SuperBay!
Winner of encore’s annual Pet Cover Contest

By: Shea Carver

Every year as we plunge into the hot temps of summer, only a handful of events get the encore staff out of our AC’ed office and into the heat of outdoor communing: 1) concerts that take place at the dusk of day, where alcohol is usually served and cooler breezes take over the stagnant air;

2) swimming in the Atlantic ‘cause that’s the only way to really cool off during any summer month in Wilmington; and 3) Paw Jam, where animals flash the cutest smiles, as their panting tongues hang from the sides of their mouths, dripping saliva and capturing our souls with such adorable faces. Since we’ve already been swimming three times this week and covered the summer music sounds in encore a few weeks back, that only leaves one event calling our name! Grab the pooch, kitty, rabbit, iguana and any other favorite pet, and head over to the 7th annual Paw Jam, this weekend!

In honor of the event, encore held a Pet Cover Contest over the past three months, asking for a $10 entry fee per picture and three reasons why the entrants belonged on our cover. We decided to donate the proceeds to PAWS of NC, which holds Paw Jam annually, and thanks to our pet-loving city, we were able to raise a nice hunk of change for these folks. While judging animals may be one of the most difficult tasks known to man, our staff of 17 took on the duty forthrightly, hemming and hawing over many small and large, short-haired and long-haired animals. Out of the numerous dogs, one cat and one goldfish, we all decided that our cover needed to hail a superlative—an animal that captures the essence of how pets tug on our heart strings to no avail, with one look, one stance, one picture-perfect moment that makes us smile and laugh with sheer joy.

Thus allow us to introduce our 2008 Pet Cover Contest winner: Bailey Keith, a.k.a. SuperBay. Bay’s picture hooks that spirit of pride and love, strength and tranquility many of us adore in our pets. He has a face that displays an effortless sense of loyalty and devotion. With pets like Bay, it’s no wonder we celebrate our animals so rigorously and with tons of affection.

encore sent a few questions over to Bailey—who knew he was so literate and computer-savvy?—wherein he truly proved to be one-of-a-kind. Be on the lookout for him this weekend at Paw Jam, where he’ll be chasing squirrels, catching a few flies and bathing in the sun.
Name: Bailey Keith, but I prefer SuperBay.

Age: I think I’m 14, but in your age that’s like a billion or something.

Life Motto: Just take each day as it comes.

Hobbies: Chasing squirrels, catching flies, laying in the sun, riding in the car, sleeping.

Fave Food: Steak, hamburgers, and ice cream (when I get it—hint, hint).

Fave Movie: It’s a tough choice but gonna have to go with Beethoven.

Fave Book: The Idiot’s Guide to Hanging Out with Humans.

Fave Song: I’m really into a new song, “Snail,” that my dad sings it to me after he’s been out at night—it’s kinda cool in a weird way.

Quirkiest Habit: Popping my jaw.

Do you have a MySpace page, and what are you there for?
Hadn’t been on it since this poodle chick came over one night, I mean the pictures were all Photoshopped or something; she was such a freak. I buried my laptop.

So you’re single, now? Very much single.

Well, probably not for long ... you look like a superhero in your photo. Is that what you were going for? Roof, roof!

If you could have any super power, what would it be?
Well, I can already fly, and I have X-ray eyes, and I can sniff out the best bones in the world. I think I’m all set.

Who is your favorite superhero?
Underdog!

OK, be honest: Have you ever done any modeling?
I’ve never really been into it, but ever since my dad got his stupid iPhone, he makes me stand still in the dumbest places.

What was the inspiration behind the cover photo?
Just me rocking it out!

Where was the shoot?
Down at the beach—Wrightsville, yo!

What were you intently staring at in the photo?
I was trying to make animals out of the clouds.

How was it working with your photographer, Chad Keith?
He’s chill. He always takes me to McDonald’s after we do shoots on the beach, so it’s worth all the trouble.

Most important aspect of humans?
Feeding me, petting me, loving me, wanting me, needing me, talking to me, walking me, scratching me.

Final question: McCain or Obama?
I may paw in my own vote this year. Politicians are overrated.