Rebecca Manzi Krypto the Superdog inspires a canine look-alike contest in Manhattan, blending fun, fantasy, and a powerful boost to dog adoption trends across the U.S.
@pumpkincares/Instagram
In the heart of Manhattan, amidst the buzz of the ever-restless city, something delightfully absurd took over the West Plaza: a dog look-alike contest dedicated to Krypto, Superman’s loyal four-legged companion. Organized by Pumpkin Pet Insurance, the event gathered more than 50 canine participants—each of them sporting a bright red cape and a touch of superhero swagger.
Sofia steals the show
Look-alike contests aren’t new, of course. We’ve seen people channel their inner Pedro Pascal or pull off an uncanny Timothée Chalamet. But this time, it wasn’t about the humans. The spotlight was entirely on our furry friends.
The winner? Sofia, a graceful seven-year-old white pup from Brooklyn. The judges weren’t just looking for physical resemblance. What set Sofia apart was her demeanor—protective toward other dogs and capable of tilting her head and perking up her ears with a sort of quiet nobility. Or as one judge put it, “She didn’t just look the part. She was Krypto.”
Sofia’s human, Meredith Amspoker, walked away with a $1,000 prize, and something even more meaningful: the chance to donate $2,500 to a veterinary clinic of her choice. A superhero move in itself, really.
Even the “least Krypto-like” got love
Now, not every pup managed to capture Krypto’s look or aura. One in particular stood out by doing the exact opposite. Jeffrey, a small white dog with gray patches, was officially crowned the “least Krypto-like of all.” You’d think that might sting—but not for his owner, Ed Medina.
“For me, he’s still a superhero,” Medina said. “He makes me happy every day—and he can eat four treats in one go.”
And just like that, Jeffrey became a kind of anti-hero mascot for the event—proof that even the misfits have their moment under the spotlight.
New York still has magic
The event, more street party than dog show, drew a crowd of curious onlookers—many of whom just happened upon dozens of caped dogs strutting around midtown. Actress Mallorie Sievert summed it up best: “Only New York could pull something like this off. It’s weird, it’s charming, and it makes people smile.”
Krypto’s influence beyond the screen
The sudden explosion of affection for Krypto isn’t just a media gimmick. The character, reimagined in James Gunn’s new Superman film, has triggered a ripple effect off-screen. According to recent estimates, the United States has seen a 500% spike in interest in dog adoptions since the movie’s release.
That’s no small number. It suggests something deeper—perhaps even hopeful. Maybe superheroes are real, after all. They just happen to bark, wag their tails, and occasionally chew your shoes.
Source: pumpkincares/Instagram
