In China, 2012 is the year of the dragon. On Whidbey Island, it’s the year of the geriatric poodle.

Or more exactly, 2012 is now officially the year of the “Adopt a Senior Animal Campaign” in Island County.

Island County Commissioner Kelly Emerson presented her fellow commissioners Monday with a proclamation that names the entire year after a campaign she’s apparently starting to coax folks to adopt older pets.

Emerson said she was inspired to write the proclamation by the famous dog trainer, Cesar Millan. She said he is one of her heroes.

“Whereas, you can teach an old dog new tricks, or an old cat for that matter. They are actually more focused and take instruction heartily,” she read from her proclamation.

Emerson’s fellow commissioners seemed amused, but agreed to adopt the proclamation.

Commissioner Angie Homola joked about how great it was that she and Emerson can agree on an issue. Emerson, a Republican, has often been at odds with her fellow commissioners, who are both Democrats.

“It took me a year, but I finally found something,” Emerson replied.

Emerson has two middle-aged dogs that were rescues and an elderly cat.