Third-Grader at Chapman Wins Top Dog Award for Her Pet

A Chapman Elementary School student won one of the first 2012 dog licenses for her dog, Lola, in Cuyahoga County's Top Dog essay contest.

Kaylee Harris, a third-grader, was among the top five essays chosen.

Koko, a rescue dog from Brook Park, was recognized as Cuyahoga County’s overall Top Dog in the contest, which was open to kids in grades 1-5.

Koko was issued Cuyahoga County Dog License No. 1 – the first license of the year issued by the county Fiscal Office to any dog for 2012 – on the strength of a short essay written by Brookview Elementary School first grader Troy Schick.

County dog licenses numbers 2 through 5 were awarded to other dogs nominated through essays of 50 words or less.

More than 100 entries were received.

The other winning dog owners:

Charlie Dalton, a Cuyahoga Heights Elementary School second-grader, who wrote about Lola.

Tori Visconti, a fourth-grader at John Glenn Elementary School in Seven Hills (Parma City School District), who wrote about Sammy.

Emily Lowell, a fifth-grader at Roehm Middle School in Berea, who wrote about Snoopy.

This was the first year of the contest, which is intended to raise awareness about the fact that responsible guardians always make sure their dog has a license, as required by state law.

All dogs in Ohio three months of age or older must by licensed each year by Jan. 31 or within 30 days of assuming ownership. Dogs must display a tag showing they have a license at all times. The licenses are important when lost dogs arrive at the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter, because the tags make identifying owners much easier. Also, revenue from license sales helps fund the shelter.

Licenses for 2012 went on sale Dec. 1. They cost $16 for spayed or neutered dogs and $20 for others. For more information about obtaining a dog license, call the Cuyahoga County Fiscal Office.