Norwich – A 12-week-old German shorthaired pointer named Ciri was selected to wear the No. 1 dog license tag for the coming year in the annual contest run by the city clerk's office.

The contest is held to raise awareness that all dog owners must renew or obtain dog licenses in June.

The city clerk's office received 157 contest entries this year.

Ciri's owners, Cassidy and Caitlyn Robinson, got the puppy from a Putnam breeder and plan to train her as a bird hunting dog, Cassidy Robinson said Wednesday after learning the dog had won the contest.

“She's great,” he said. “She likes to run around and have fun, very energetic, like any puppy.”

Robinson said Ciri has just gotten all of her required vaccinations and now is cleared to go out in public on walks and maybe to the Norwich dog park. He said she loves people and cuddles.

Along with a free license – paid for by Mayor Deberey Hinchey – Ciri won a gift tote containing toys, brushes, treats and a picture frame with “Best Dog Ever” written on it. The gift tote was donated by Assistant City Clerk Roseanne Muscarella.

The No. 2 tag will be worn by Sky, a 13-year-old Siberian husky, and the No. 3 tag was won by Sonny, a 5-year-old Yorkshire terrier.

— Claire Bessette