A multi-talented cockatoo, a jump-roping Jack Russell terrier and a bike-riding rat terrier were the top winners in the national search for talented animals conducted by Purina Mills dealers during 2003. The competition was conducted and judged at 170 local talent competitions called "People & Their Amazing Animals." The cross-country search attracted thousands of pets and companion animals with special talents, along with their owners.

Sydney, a citron cockatoo that can bark like a dog, mimic a hawk, imitate a cell phone ring and impersonate other animals, took first place honors. Sydney and his owner Joe Roy III, of Grass Valley, Calif., won $10,000 for their talents. They entered the competition at Ridge Feed & Supply Co. in Grass Valley.

Julie Cunningham and her Jack Russell terrier The Mistifire (aka Misti) took second place for Misti’s ability to jump rope with Cunningham. Cunningham, of Klamath Falls, Ore., entered Misti into the competition at American Feed & Farm Supply in Klamath Falls. She received a $5,000 prize.

Pepper is a rat terrier that rides a bike with owner Jessi Snead, of Nevada, Mo. Snead entered Pepper into the competition at Kennedy’s Agri Center in Nevada. She received a $3,000 prize for third place.