Ross County Auditor, Tom Spetnagel Jr., has announced this year's winner of the Ross County #1 Dog Contest.
This year's award went to 4th grade Bishop Flaget student, Benjamin Wiseman, for his essay "The Big Dog" on his yellow Lab, Yukon.
(Benjamin Wiseman, wearing the white shirt & glasses, is pictured with his dog Yukon, his family, and Ross County Auditor Tom Spetnagel Jr.)
"As soon as I read Benjamin's essay about Yukon, I knew that I had to meet them both," said Spetnagle "It is very obvious that Benjamin's love for Yukon is unconditional, and after seeing them together today, I know that the reverse is true as well."
Wiseman competed with other Ross County students for the annual award, which is now in its fifth year. Students were asked to compose an essay as to why their dog was Ross County's #1 Dog.
As the first place finisher, Benjamin was presented with the Ross County #1 Dog tag for Yukon to wear. The Ross County Auditor's Office sells around 15,000 licenses each year, but only one person gets the #1 tag. In addition to the #1 Dog tag, Benjamin was also presented with a commemorative certificate and unlimited bragging rights.
The contest serves as the kickoff for Ross County's dog license season, running from December 1st to January 31st.
Jpeg files of Benjamin's complete essay can be found below: