Portsmouth picks picture-perfect pooches

Ellie, a golden retriever puppy, is named town’s ‘Top Dog’

By Jim McGaw
Posted 5/3/16

PORTSMOUTH — You’ve heard of vanity plates. How about vanity dog tags?

Apparently, local dog owners are just as eager to secure a low number for their pets’ licenses as are …

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Portsmouth picks picture-perfect pooches

Ellie, a golden retriever puppy, is named town’s ‘Top Dog’

Posted

PORTSMOUTH — You’ve heard of vanity plates. How about vanity dog tags?

Apparently, local dog owners are just as eager to secure a low number for their pets’ licenses as are car-lovers.

“People have come in and have been in line the first day that licenses go out because they want to be dog license No. 1,” said Town Clerk Joanne Mower. “It’s just like with Rhode Island license plates.”

So to make things interesting, the town started a “Top Dog” photo contest to decide which pooch will be número uno.

“This year we decided that we’ll give everybody the chance and we’ll have a group pick out who the top dogs in Portsmouth are, and we’ll keep aside tag number No. 1, 2 and 3 and honor them with those,” said Ms. Mower, adding that the contest emulates similar competitions she had heard about in other communities.

The town has just under 1,400 active dog licenses and the clerk’s office received 157 submitted photos. 

The pictures were put on display Monday afternoon at Atria Aquidneck Place, where all residents and staff members were eligible to vote. (Residents of the assisted living facility even made dog treats — cookies containing peanut butter, oats and flower — that were wrapped up for the special pooches.)

“They’re choosing five dogs and whichever dog gets the highest count will be the top dog. We’ll also pick No. 2 and 3 that way,” said Ms. Mower.

And the winners are …

After 33 ballots were cast, Ellie, a golden retriever puppy owned by Lori and Michael Rinkel, was selected as Portsmouth’s “Top Dog."

Maggie, a cocker spaniel owned by Gail Hynson, was chosen as first runner-up, and Kodi, a German shepherd owned by Celeste Diamantini, was the second runner-up. 

Ellie will get her moment in the public spotlight, too.

“We’re hoping that the owner will be able to come with their dog and receive the tag at the Town Council meeting on (May 9),” said Ms. Mower, adding that the other two winners are invited as well.

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