FITCHBURG — When it came to the annual “Love Your Dog – License Your Dog” art contest, “Dogs in Space” topped the ticket for the contest open to first through sixth graders in Fitchburg Public Schools. Lydia Baum, a 4th grader at Crocker School won this year’s contest, which is meant to promote canine registration as well as creative expression.
“We’ve had dogs on grass, dogs on the road, but never dogs in space before,” said Fitchburg Mayor Sam Squailia. “I loved it!”
Squailia — along with Police Chief Steven Gianinni, Lt. Ryan Keenan, Julie Busa, of Fitchburg Leominster Animal Control, City Clerk Joanna Bilotta-Simeone and members of the city clerk’s staff — contributed as part of the judging team.
“This poster reminds everyone that licensing your dog is not only a city requirement, it helps ensure the safety and well-being of both pets and our community,” said Squailia. “When a dog is licensed, this helps reunite lost pets with their owners, and ensures dogs are up to date on rabies vaccinations, as well as supporting city animal control services. By licensing your dog, you avoid late fees and fines.”
More than 350 submissions came in, and two Fitchburg Public School art teachers made the project part of their curriculum. Kelly Morrison of Crocker School and Taylor McGee invited Be PAWSitive pet team members to their art classes to inspire students.
“Students really love this project, and look forward to it every year,” said Morrison. “They ask me about it all the time, and it’s a meaningful community event.”
This was the first year that Reingold Elementary School brought the project to the school.
Awards were given at recent School Committee and at City Council meetings. The young artists received a citation from the Mayor’s Office, goody bags from the clerk’s office, and trophies provided by Fitchburg Police Department.
Winner Lydia Baum said she was inspired by a book for her drawing. Honorable mention winners included: Ella Cannon, 4th Grade St. Bernards, Elena Fratoni, 5thgrade, Applewild School; Crocker students, A’Niedah Jarbath and Adena Kong; Reingold students Keymilis Soto Ruiz and Cameron St. Hilaire.
Mayor Squailia designed the poster which is displayed at City Hall, Crocker School, and other community locations. This is the seventh year for the Dog License Poster contest, which is open to students grade 1 to 6 who live in Fitchburg, or who are educated in Fitchburg schools.
