Dog licensing campaign gets tails wagging

The life of Riley.

For some Yuma County dogs, "the good life" may not be enough.

Does your dog want his or her chance to shine in the spotlight? If so, the Humane Society of Yuma has just the ticket.

With its "What's Your Dog Licensed To Do?" contest, some of the finest four-legged friends in Yuma County have a chance to be featured in an upcoming licensing campaign with the Humane Society of Yuma (HSOY).

That means several lucky dogs in Yuma County will be featured on reminder postcards, fliers - even a billboard.

All it takes is their best picture, along with a caption, and staff at the HSOY will decide the winners.

But, of course, the dogs entering the contest need to set a good example: that means licensed and wearing their collar to prove it.

Ed Snook, with the print and electronic media division at HSOY, said any dog can enter, they just need to be showing off what he or she is licensed to do.

That means "licensed to fetch," "licensed to give kisses," "licensed to get belly rubs" - whatever your pooch does best.

By law, all dogs need to be registered by March 3 every year. However, the county has a grace period from Jan. 1 to March 3 to give residents a chance to get their dogs the necessary shots.

Cats do not need to be licensed.

Cookie Wagter, director of business administration, said Yuma County residents will have several opportunities to come out and get their dogs licenses with nine rabies clinics the HSOY will host throughout the county during the licensing period.

And it's much cheaper to pay $25 for a license than if HSOY picks up a resident's dog, Wagter said.

"We can't promise fortune," said Snook, "but we have a little bit of fame to hand out."

In the end, some of Yuma County's finest get a little press, and the HSOY helps promote licensing.

To enter, submit a high-resolution photo of your dog doing what he or she is "licensed to do" to yourdog@hsoyuma.com.

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WALK AND WAG 2009

WHEN: Nov. 14- 10 a.m. registration, 11 a.m. start

WHERE: Bark Park, off Pacific Avenue

COST: $10 per human, cost includes a picture of you and your family

The Humane Society of Yuma will host Walk and Wag 2009 Nov. 14 to raise money for a new shelter in Yuma. The event will be held at the new city of Yuma's Bark Park, with HSOY on hand selling burgers, hot dogs and beverages. They'll also have dogs for adoption, canine agility demonstrations, microchipping, school cheer groups, face painting and informational booths.

The Bark Park will remain open to the public during the event, but dogs must be leashed from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, visit www.hsoyuma.com/events/walkandwag.