After a two-month search, Meridian’s top dog has been discovered.

Jackson’s Crimson Tide, better known to friends and family as “Tide,” was named the The Star’s Newspapers in Education’s Top Dog for 2008. Tide is a 5-year-old registered blond Labrador retriever owned by Jack and Lynn Combest of Meridian.

“We received 78 entries, which was amazing considering this was the first year for this project,” said Barbara Williams, NIE coordinator.

“Out of all the entries, the judges had the awesome task of choosing the ‘Top Dog,’ as well as 11 runners-up who were included in the 2008 calendar.”

Tide comes from a family of winners. His granddaddy was a Purina Dog Food Champion. He was a gift to Combest from his wife for the couple’s 10th wedding anniversary.

“After five years, Tide must think he won the lottery,” Combest said. “With no children in the family, he gets the only-child treatment.”

For his top dog win, Tide received a trophy, as well as gifts and services from Petco, Meridian Animal Medical Supply, and Bows and Toes Grooming Salon.