With a $500 gift certificate to Pet Depot, Kim Netti isn't sure what to purchase for the dog who has everything.

The certificate was awarded to Netti and her 7-year-old Yorkshire terrier, Lexi, as the grand prize in The Citizen's Pet Idol contest. Lexi competed against 125 other pets for the prize.

The newspaper published their photos and asked readers to submit votes for their favorite pet. The contest raised more than $8,700 in donations and entry fees for Newspapers in Education.

“Lexi had a lot of people working for her,” Netti said. “But I didn't get my hopes up, there were lots of dogs and cats in there that were cute.”

Lexi's victory was a family venture. Netti's nephew, Nick, and niece, Marissa, pulled in many votes for Lexi from their friends.

Netti's mother, Cindy, often watches Lexi with Kim's father, Ron. It was Cindy who suggested Lexi enter the contest.

With so many fans in the Auburn area, Lexi was already poised to take the Pet Idol prize.

“She's so little I can pretty much pick her up and she goes anywhere with me,” Netti said. “We go in a lot of stores, so she's well known in the area.”

With so many people who look forward to meeting Lexi, Netti makes sure she goes out in style. “She has a better wardrobe than I do,” Netti said.

Lexi's collection of clothing includes a yellow parka jacket Netti purchased in California that Lexi wears on winter walks.

With her gift certificate to Pet Depot, Netti expects to buy Lexi a few bags of her favorite treat, Pup-Peroni, and add to Lexi's closet.

“Probably more winter clothes, maybe a Halloween costume,” she said.

Staff writer David Wilcox can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 245 or david.wilcox@lee.net