Southington's 'Top Dogs' Bark Up Right Tree

SOUTHINGTON, CT — In the high-stress world of municipal administration, town clerks have multiple regulations to navigate as they ensure laws are followed, records are kept, every "i" is dotted and every "t" is crossed.

Which is why local leaders look forward annually to the naming of the "Top Dog" in Southington, which was announced late last Friday, July 29.

It provides a little levity and fun in what can, at times, be a tedious role in the greater scheme of things.

"It was started many years ago by the former town clerk," Southington Town Clerk Kathy Larkin said Monday. "It makes it a little fun."

The premise is simple.

Following the annual summertime push to get folks to license their dogs with the town, the town clerk's office randomly picks out some of the recent licensees and renewals.

The winners then get the of wearing the "#1" dog license or, depending on where they're picked, "#2" or "#3."

For 2022, Southington's "Top Dogs" are as followed:

• The "Top Dog" is "Gunther," a 4-year-old Rottweiler owned by Christopher Cornett.

• "Bart," a 4-year-old Labrador retriever owned by Ronald Serafino, placed second.

• "Brady," a 7-year-old miniature toy poodle owned by Norvin Agido, placed third.

All of the winners are posted on the town's Facebook page and, eventually, they will be posted on the town's website.

In addition, the winners received a nice prize package of doggie treats, toys and pet shop gift cards, Larkin said.

For the Town of Southington Facebook page, click on this link.

For the Town of Southington website, click on this link.