The Madison Town Clerk’s office would like to congratulate Gayle Dufour and her dog, Paleo for winning the 2018-2019 Top Dog Contest! Last year’s winner Kelsey, with a little help from her family, the Letkowski’s, pulled the winning card out on July 2, 2018. Paleo is a large, beautiful two year old pure breed German Shepherd born in Wallingford, one of six in the litter. He is owned by Gayle Dufour of Madison who also is the owner/caterer of What’s Cookin’, specializing in Paleo and Gluten free cooking, here in town. Paleo’s temperament is very mellow and he loves people. He is the official greeter to anyone who comes to the Defour house. Always wanting to please, he follows commands very well including hand signals. He is especially great with children and enjoys when they play with him and his toys. Twice a week, he goes with his dog walker and eighteen of his closest dog friends for playdates. Paleo also lives with a 10 year old Siamese cat named Simon who he enjoys dining with nightly. Car rides are another activity he immensely enjoys and he always tries to be a well behaved passenger.

Paleo has earned his AKC Canine Good Citizen Award and lives by those skills he has learned. The Canine Good Citizen Program teaches good manners to dogs and responsible dog ownership to their owners. The 10-step CGC test is a non-competitive test for all dogs, including purebreds and mixed breeds. It is a prerequisite for many therapy dog groups. Paleo is an all-around wonderful dog, Gayle and her family feel very blessed to have him part of their family. The Town Clerk’s office is pleased to have our first German Shepherd winner. Congratulations!

The Madison "Top Dog" Contest is an annual drawing of all dogs who have had their license renewed during the month of June. The winning entrant (picked at random) will receive Tag No. 1!