Olivia Mathias colors her way to dog tag #1

By Sheri Trusty, Seneca County Media Relations Coordinator

Each day, a dog named Max bounds across a New Riegel farm, searching for rabbits, rolling in grass, and living his best life as a happy farm dog. This year, thanks to his owner, eight-year-old Olivia Mathias, Max has the privilege of wearing 2025 Seneca County Dog Tag #1. Mathias earned the right to receive the number one dog tag by winning a coloring contest sponsored by Seneca County Auditor Julie Adkins.

Mathias, a New Riegel second grader, was one of 81 children in grades kindergarten through third who participated in the dog licensing contest.

“There were kids as young as five and as old as nine,” said Deputy Auditor Elizabeth Clifton.

Mathias’ vibrantly colored picture of a dog was chosen by elected officials who served as judges. Mathias used colored pencils and markers for her winning picture, which took two days to complete.

Mathias named the coloring-page dog Jessie.

“I just like that name,” she said.

Jessie seemed docile compared to Mathias’ real dog, Max, a German Shepherd/Huskie mix who spends his days exploring the 120-acre farm.

“He runs everywhere,” Mathias said.

Mathias and her family stopped by the Seneca County Auditor’s Office to pick up the tag on Dec. 16. Auditor Adkins gave Mathias the tag, as well as a coloring poster and a packet of markers. Adkins personally paid for the tag and the prizes. No tax dollars were used.

“It’s just a fun thing I do,” Auditor Adkins said.