- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Michigan Gas Utility Seeks Next 'Ambassadog' to Promote Safe Digging
Benton Harbor's Bandit retires as MGU looks for a new canine ambassador to spread awareness about calling 811 before digging.
Mar. 28, 2026 at 6:17pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Michigan Gas Utilities is launching its annual 'Ambassadog' contest, seeking a new canine representative to promote the importance of calling 811 before starting any digging projects. Last year's winner, a dog named Bandit from Benton Harbor, is stepping down, and MGU is now accepting photo submissions from customers through April 6. The selected 'Ambassadog' will appear in the utility's safety awareness campaigns over the next year.
Why it matters
Damage to underground utility lines can lead to serious safety hazards, including gas leaks, service disruptions, and costly repairs. The 811 system is designed to prevent those situations before they happen, but the message can often be overlooked during busy spring projects. MGU's Ambassadog campaign has found a relatable way to connect with customers and reinforce this important safety practice.
The details
MGU customers can submit photos of their dogs digging or enjoying their favorite digging spots by April 6. A group of finalists will then be selected, with the public voting to choose the winner. The selected 'Ambassadog' will become the face of MGU's safe digging awareness campaign for the next year, appearing in social media and outreach efforts.
- MGU is accepting photo submissions from customers through April 6, 2026.
- The winner of the 'Ambassadog' contest will be announced and begin their duties in May 2026.
The players
Michigan Gas Utilities
A natural gas utility company serving customers across southern and western Michigan.
Bandit
The dog who served as MGU's 'Ambassadog' in 2025, helping spread the message about calling 811 before digging.
MISS DIG 811
A free service that marks underground utility lines in Michigan, helping prevent accidents and damage.
What’s next
The winner of the 'Ambassadog' contest will be announced in May 2026 and begin their duties as the face of MGU's safe digging awareness campaign.
The takeaway
MGU's Ambassadog campaign provides a fun and engaging way to connect with customers and reinforce the important message of calling 811 before digging, which can prevent serious safety hazards and costly repairs.
