NORRISTOWN, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — Montgomery County now has a “First Dog” to help promote dog licenses.
Jason Salus, Montgomery County treasurer, said the “First Dog” idea was inspired by a recent political event.
“There was an ‘Indoguration’ for Major Biden to benefit the Delaware Humane Society,” Salus explained. “The fact that dogs were returning and pets were returning to the White House, we thought that it was very timely to do something like this especially with our office’s role in helping get Montgomery County dogs their licenses.”
So Salus launched a contest to find the mascot for the dog license office.
“We had over 400 entries,” Salus said. “We got the word out through the media, through social media, (and) word of mouth spread. We heard about neighbors in different communities who heard about it from their neighbor.”
Salus said Louis, who lives with his pet parents in Bala Cynwyd, was identified through a rigorous screening process by two, high-level office holders.
“So it was Montgomery County Sheriff Sean Kilkenny and District Attorney Kevin Steele,” Salus explained. “They worked together and they went through all the entries and got it down to one winner and a number of runner-ups.”
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Salus said he’s proud to have a four-legged companion to stand with him.
“Louis will be featured on our dog licensing website > so everybody who comes to register will see him there,” he said.
Last year, more than 30,000 county dogs were licensed.
Salus said his dog license operation serves a two-fold purpose.
“Licenses help to return lost dogs to their owners,” he detailed, “and second of all, the dog licensing bureau inspects puppy kennels to make sure that they’re clean and healthy for the dogs and then ultimately for the families that are adopting.”