In an unprecedented show of canine democracy, the small town of Pawnee, Texas, has unanimously re-elected Mayor Bark Twain, a golden retriever with a penchant for belly rubs and tail-wagging diplomacy, for a third consecutive term. Residents say that under Mayor Twain’s leadership, the town has seen unprecedented growth in fire hydrant infrastructure and the installation of a new "Paws and Reflect" park.

"We tried voting for a human once," said local resident Sally Sniffs, "but all they did was argue about potholes and tax rates. Bark just runs around, makes everyone feel loved, and occasionally chases his own tail. It’s the leadership we didn’t know we needed."

Mayor Twain’s campaign promises this term include mandatory daily nap times, a strict ban on mailmen harassment, and the construction of a giant communal bone in the town square. When asked about the recent controversy over whether squirrels should be allowed to participate in town meetings, Mayor Twain simply barked twice and chased his tail, which many took as a decisive 'yes.'

Political analysts speculate that this canine coup may inspire other towns to elect pets to office, citing the success of Mayor Twain’s tail-wagging approval ratings. As the town’s unofficial slogan now goes, "In Bark We Trust – Because Humans Are Overrated."