An annual tradition in Newtown, the dog license with the number “1” on it, picked by random lottery, was given by the Town Clerk’s Office to five-year-old black lab Bella for 2023. Bella, who relinquished her previous dog tag #1114 to be the #1 Dog for 2023, was a ball of energy and excitement while receiving her tag at Your Healthy Pet shop on August 22. Many a face was licked and treat consumed in an attempt to get her to sit still long enough for a photograph. With Bella between face licking sessions were her owner, Curtis Williamson (left), Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia Halstead, and Your Healthy Pet manager Chris Barry. —Bee Photo, Taylor