At a ceremony January 15th, Montgomery County Auditor Karl Keith presented 2009's number one dog tag to Katey, a ten-year-old Reverse Brindle Boxer, belonging to Teresa Huber.

Ms. Huber, a Huber Heights resident, won the number one dog tag for Katey with the highest bid at the Humane Society Pet Afflaire auction earlier this year.  Her winning bid will go to help the Humane Society rescue and care for animals.  "We really appreciate Teresa's generosity and support for our community's pets," said Auditor Karl Keith.

The goal of the number one dog ceremony is to promote dog licensing, as the deadline for obtaining a dog license approaches.  Up until the January 31st deadline, dog owners may purchase a license for only $16, after that there is a penalty. 

The county has issued over 27,000 dog licenses so far this season, on pace to once again license over 72,000 dogs in Montgomery County.  More than 4,000 of this year's licenses have been purchased through the Auditor's online sales at www.mcohio.org/dogs.  Online sales are up about 25% compared to last year.

Law requires licensing your dog and there are many benefits to doing so.  A license is often a ticket home for lost pets, as licensed dogs may be tracked online at www.mcohio.org/dogs.  Dog licenses are also the primary source of funding for the Animal Resource Center.