Your dog may be Clermont County's poster pooch

BATAVIA, Ohio - The Clermont County Humane Society is teaming with the Board of Clermont County Commissioners and the Clermont County Auditor’s Office in the search for the 2012 Clermont County Humane Society Poster Pooch . All dog owners in Clermont County, with a valid 2012 dog license, are eligible to enter their four legged friends to represent the Clermont County Animal Shelter in various campaigns and publications. The prize winner will also receive a $250 gift card to a local animal supply store and a gift basket from the Humane Society. Prize baskets and gift cards will also be presented to second and third place winners. The deadline to enter is Jan. 31.

“If your dog didn’t win last year, please enter him or her again! Our judges had a hard time deciding on the winners, based on the wonderful pictures and stories submitted,” said Molly Geise with the Clermont County Humane Society. The 2011 Poster Pooch winner, Bailey Miles Radabaugh of Miami Township, is a 10-year-old mixed breed that enjoys working as a therapy dog for children and adults with disabilities.

To enter the 2012 Poster Pooch competition, you must have a valid dog license. Dog licenses are on sale for $14 each until Jan. 31 at the Clermont County Auditor’s Office (located at 101 E. Main Street in Batavia,) the Clermont County Animal Shelter (located at 4025 Filager Road,) along with several other locations. Licenses are also for sale online at www.ClermontAuditor.org. Kennel licenses cost $50 and are only available at the Auditor’s Office. “The fees collected for dog licensing go directly to the county’s animal control program to care for abused, neglected, and unwanted animals in the county,” said Board of Clermont County Commissioners President Ed Humphrey. “A valid dog license is the best way to ensure a happy reunion if you and your pet are ever separated.”

Pictures submitted for the competition must be non-copyrighted and a non-published work. Entry forms are available at the Clermont County Animal Shelter or can be downloaded at www.ClermontAnimalShelter.com or www.ClermontCountyOhio.gov . All entry forms and pictures should be emailed to rkimble@clermontcountyohio.gov . Entry forms can also be sent to the Clermont Office of Public Information, 177 E. Main Street, Batavia, Ohio 45103. Entries are due by Jan. 31. All contest pictures will be posted to the Clermont County Facebook site at www.Facebook.com/ClermontCounty . Contest winners will be announced in February.  For more information, call (513) 732-7597.