The sixth annual ‘Best Dog in Clermont County’ awards ceremony took place at the Union Township Civic Center Jan. 30.

The annual contest, which was open to county residents in kindergarten through sixth grade, is sponsored every year by the county auditor’s office, the Board of Clermont County Commissioners, and the county Humane Society.

“The main purpose of this contest is to increase awareness about our animal population,” said county auditor and contest judge Linda Fraley. “Knowledge of dog registration, adoptable pets through the animal shelter, and proper pet care.”

Four hundred and forty-three children representing 11 county schools entered the contest by drawing a picture of their dog accompanied with an essay describing why their dog was the best in the county.