At a ceremony January 22nd, Montgomery County Auditor Karl Keith presented 2010's number one dog and number two dog tags.  Lucy, a six-year-old mixed breed, belonging to Nata Collier received the number one tag and Buddy, a five-year-old Beagle/Huskie belonging to Ron and Francie Camp won the number two tag. 

Ms. Collier and the Camps won the top two dog tags for their pets with the highest bids at the SICSA Red Dog Auction.  Their winning bids will go to help the Society for the Improvement and Condition of Stray Animals (SICSA) rescue and care for animals.  "I am overwhelmed by their generosity and the good their donation will do for animal care in the community," 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 $20, after that there is a penalty. 

The county has issued over 34,000 dog licenses so far this season, on pace to once again license over 70,000 dogs in Montgomery County.  Almost 7,000 of this year's licenses have been purchased through the Auditor's online sales at www.mcohio.org/dogs.  Online sales are up about 16% 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 lost 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.