It was a tough choice, but one cool critter rose above the rest in the Valley Record’s ‘Cutest Pet in the Valley’ contest.

Kahu, a two year-old miniature donkey owned by Cory Huskinson of Fall City, was selected by a vote of newspaper staff.

According to his owners, Kahu follows them around all day, and loves dog toys.

Kahu is a jack, or male donkey. He has four jenny donkeys for company and is expecting babies this spring.

Other pets in the contest included Dusty, a friendly 12-year-old Shih Tzu service dog in North Bend, Princess, a cute Honey Bear Hamster who competes in rodent races, and Shalla, a 12-year-old Gordon Setter known to chase bears and birds alike.