Proving they are everyone's best friend, Labradors have been named top dog on the West Shore, in Sooke and beyond.

That's according to the Capital Regional DistrictB次元官网网址檚 (CRD) Animal Care Services, which provides dog licensing for Langford, Colwood, Sooke, Metchosin, Highlands, View Royal, Juan de Fuca Electoral Area and Songhees First Nation.

The 'pup-ular' breed finished atop all areas covered by the dog licensing service, which also includes the Southern Gulf Islands.

Chasing behind Labs in second place are golden retrievers.

The news has been welcomed by the West ShoreB次元官网网址檚 most famous Labrador, Jango, who works as a qualified assisted therapy dog at New Roads Therapeutic Recovery Community in View Royal.

B次元官网网址淥h wow, 'top of the pups', IB次元官网网址檓 not surprised one bit,B次元官网网址� said the caring pooch via Cheryl Diebel, his owner and director of the recovery centre. B次元官网网址淟abradors like me are practically built to be everyoneB次元官网网址檚 best friend.B次元官网网址�

At the long-term residential treatment facility, which is part of Our Place Society, the caring canine currently supports 40 men living with acute and chronic substance use issues, as they rebuild their lives.

Jango attends group and individual counselling sessions, as well as joining residents for their weekly yoga sessions. The dog also provides comfort to the men when needed, helping reduce stress and anxiety.

"IB次元官网网址檝e got a knack for finding the person in the room who needs a little extra love," continues the View Royal pooch. "And sure, jumping into laps wasnB次元官网网址檛 exactly part of my official training, but my super-duper, off-the-charts love mode just canB次元官网网址檛 be contained."

About why Labradors are so B次元官网网址榩up-ularB次元官网网址�, Jango says the answer is obvious, the breed is loyal to its core.

"Once youB次元官网网址檙e my best friend, weB次元官网网址檙e tight for life,B次元官网网址� says Jango. B次元官网网址淲hether itB次元官网网址檚 playing with kids, visiting schools, or lending a paw at New Roads, weB次元官网网址檙e happiest when weB次元官网网址檙e part of the action. West Shore sure has great taste in dogs B次元官网网址� paws up to my fellow Labs out there.B次元官网网址�

However, there was some 'ruff' news for Jango, his name was not the leader of the pack according to the CRD.

The most popular canine name in Colwood (or should that be B次元官网网址楥olwoofB次元官网网址�), Metchosin and Highlands is Lucy; Luna fetched the top spot in Langford and the Juan de Fuca Electoral area; while for View Royal and Songhees First Nation, Charlie is the first choice.

Over in Sooke, it's Daisy that rises head and shoulders above the rest.

Dog licences are renewed annually at Animal Care Services, which are valid from from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31.

B次元官网网址淎 dog licence is your dog's safety net,B次元官网网址� said a CRD spokesperson. B次元官网网址淚t is the quickest and easiest way for us to find you and reunite you with B次元官网网址楩idoB次元官网网址�.

B次元官网网址淚f we pick up your dog and it's wearing its licence tag, we can find you quickly. CRD dog licence information is available to CRD staff who are on duty 24/7.B次元官网网址�

Licence fee revenue is used to provide other dog-related services in the community.

"These fees help us afford staff to investigate domestic animal-related complaints, such as barking dogs, aggressive dogs, dog bite incidents and nuisance cats," said the CRD spokesperson. "Staff also patrol public areas for off-leash dogs and other infractions ensuring these areas are safe for you and your dog to enjoy."

In addition to the dog licensing service, the CRD's animal shelter runs adoption and volunteer programs to take care of stray and lost pets found in the CRD. 

For more information about dog licensing, visit the website: .