Day Reminds Residents To Be Responsible Pet Owners

By Kendra Bobowick

Dogs, cats, and lackadaisical alpacas cast their shadows on the Mt Pleasant Hospital for Animals’ lawn Sunday as children led parents from one doe-eyed animal to the next. Although animal groups were hoping to make perfect matches between pets and people or raise funds and awareness, the day centered around pet care.

Sunday’s Responsible Dog Ownership And Adoption Day hosted by the hospital and sponsored by the American Kennel Club found Dr Brian Silverlieb under an awning with his Sheltie who may have wanted to see the guests, but could not overcome her shyness when they reached to pet her. Luckily, Veterinary technician Mary Simpson’s two dogs, Sky and Travis, stretched the length of their leashes, hoping to greet everyone.

“It’s about awareness,” Ms Simpson said. Noting that dogs are part of the family and tend to “go everywhere with us,” they need to be well behaved, for one. Offering a ten-step Good Citizens test Sunday was Peggy Reed with Canine Training Obedience Services. Grateful for Ms Reed’s help, Ms Simpson said, “[The test] evaluates a dog’s manners, it brings awareness of how well the dog is behaved, it’s basic obedience.” The day and the test, she hoped, encouraged the visitors to be conscientious pet owners. Socialization is only part of an owner’s responsibility, as Newtown’s Animal Control Officer Carolee Mason would soon point out.

Long walks, a favorite chow mix, and the snap of attention when an owner instructs, “Sit,” still can’t help a lost dog get home. Dogs can’t explain where they live if they get lost, and they can’t indicate that their shots are up to date, for example. Get your dog licensed, warns Ms Mason.

“It’s good to keep the tags on them. It helps us identify where the pet lives,” she said. Chips are even better, she suggested. Minichips that electronically retain a dog’s information can be quickly injected beneath the skin. Offered again this year was the Home Again Microchiping clinic.

The day also beckoned to prospective pet owners, as groups including Canine Advocatesof Newtown (CAN), The Animal Center, and Greyhound Rescue & Rehabilitation all hoped to find homes for their animals.

Bull dogs, greyhounds, Pomeranians, pound pets, and more greeted adults with a few sniffs and quick lick on the cheek. Kitty, the kitty with The Animal Center, enticed guests to consider cat adoption. An indifferent Abby and skittish Reddy were curled on a blanket behind a booth for Greyhound Rescue & Rehabilitation. CAN President Virginia Jess sat with author Bill Berloni, who wrote Broadway Tails: the Heartfelt Stories Of rescued Dogs Who Became Showbiz Superstars! All sales supported CAN Sunday.

“We were so happy to have him there,” Ms Simpson noted.

As eager as the groups are to see their animals adopted, Ms Mason, for one, stressed that owners need to understand the role they will play in a dog’s life when they make a home for one of the pound pets, like Charlotte, a randy, roughly 80-pound mix, who trotted through the crowd with her trainer Sue Dorian. “Shelter dogs, they’ve been through a lot,” Ms Mason said. “It takes time for them to settle in a new house.” Above all, bringing a pet home is “a longtime commitment,” Ms Mason said. Too many times dogs wind up back at the pound after an adoption, she said. As she walked slowly to accommodate her dog Domino’s short legs, Ms Mason found Charlotte, tugging on her leash and eying pockets for snacks.

Across the lawn Ms Simpson laughed as Travis and Sky circled and tangled their leashes. She spoke with Ms Reed, who kept an eye out for rambunctious pets. Ms Mason crossed the lawn slowly so Domino’s short legs could keep pace. Black, white, and maybe 15 pounds, Domino was happy to receive a pat and scratch on the head. Settled in the shade and showing off their farm pets, including alpacas, were volunteers from Sandy Hook’s Rowanwood Farm.