Pet Ownership Day: Tuning In To Your Pets

By Kendra Bobowick

Warmth. Comfort. Affection.

Despite a cold nose or missing slipper, our pets indulge us with these sympathetic qualities, and pet owners need to live up to pets’ needs, according to at least a handful of professionals who will be promoting Responsible Dog Ownership And Adoption Day on September 9.

“It’s an annual reminder to think of your pet’s health,” said veterinary technician Mary Simpson. Spay, neuter, and identification for dogs or cats are among Ms Simpson’s concerns.

“The number one no-no? Not spaying and neutering,” she said considering one necessity owners may overlook. Pets are also unable to speak for themselves if they become lost.

She offers an improvement on the regular collar and nametags. “We encourage microchipping,” she said. The procedure is not the invasive process some people may picture.

“It’s not at all a big procedure. It takes two minutes,” she said. “The chip is the size of a piece of rice, injected with a needle under the skin.” Many dog pounds, veterinary offices, and animal shelters will scan for chips in unknown pets. “If your dog is in the program, we can find you,” Ms Simpson explained. “It’s a form of identification they can’t loose.”

On September 9 at the Mt Pleasant Hospital For Animals, during the Responsible Dog Ownership And Adoption Day, will be offering a Home Again microchip clinic. Rather than the usual $65 fee, microchipping will be done for $20. Also available during the day will be representatives from various groups, including Delta Society Pet Partner Therapy. A volunteer will discuss benefits of pet therapy. Additional groups and activities include the Canine Good Citizen Test, Canine Advocates of Newtown, The Animal Center, and Greyhound Rescue & Rehab organization.

Between 10 am and 4 pm guests are invited to “a fun-filled day celebrating responsible pet owners,” as stated on a flyer. Meet pets available for adoption and visit with farm pets from the Rowanwood Farm. Pets from the hospital and pound will be among the animals searching for a new home. Not all pets from the pound will visit that day, however.

Canine Advocates President Virginia Jess explained, “For some, the situation will be too busy. It’s better for people to come to the pound,” she said. With the commotion of animals, a crowd, and children, she said, “They have already been through a lot. When you bring them into a situation with a lot of people it’s difficult.”

Contact the animal hospital at 426-8585 for more information. Pets are welcome.

Are We Right                      For Our Pets?

Keeping a companion that wags his tail as soon as you return home from work in the evening requires more than throwing sticks and filling a food dish. Animals come with a high responsibility, Ms Jess explained. With the Responsible Dog Ownership And Adoption Day in mind, she said, “A dog is a big responsibility and they need a schedule and routine — they can get used to it and fall into it naturally.”

With warning, she said, “If you don’t think about these things, problems result. Most dogs come to the pound because people don’t have time for them,” Ms Jess said. “People surrender their pets because they are not well behaved and that’s because people don’t take the time.” Long walks and basic obedience are important.

Animal Control Officer Carolee Mason said, “Dogs need socialization and to get outside. If you keep them in the house they go stir crazy.” Ms Jess said, “Of course, after eight hours you come home and think the dog is hyper.”

Training is the answer.

Ms Mason said, “Some dogs are hyper, but with the proper training…I can’t tell you the difference it makes to have the trainer here.”

The Right Training

Obeying the simple command to sit will prevent problems for the owner. Advocates volunteer and dog trainer Craig Lynch said, “Teaching a dog to sit is helpful in every situation.” Offering a scenario, he continued, “Maybe someone is greeting you or there is a crowd, it makes life easier.”

Ms Jess also promotes training. “If a dog can sit on command you can at least avoid a lot of situations. With a simple command you avoid problems — they should be able to do that.” Mr Lynch, along with other advocates who volunteer their time at the pound and walk the dogs, will try to provide at least fundamental training. Mr Lynch offers one free training session to families that adopt a dog from the pound. “I am a big advocate of ‘before hand.’ So much can be solved before [something goes wrong].”

“Just getting some pointers makes a big difference,” Ms Mason said. Promoting a fuller scope of training, she said, “Get the kids to work with the dog and the trainer. Make the kids tell the dog to sit and walk, it shows leadership.”

Another local trainer and advocate, Sue Doiron, also works with the dogs at the pound.

A dog needs to be a good fit for the family, Ms Jess stressed. “We need to get people to think about the dog they adopt, a dog that suits the family.”

With stern advice, she said, “You can’t go by the picture; you have to meet the dog and go by personality.” Mr Lynch agreed. He sees people enter the pound with their eye on a particular dog, but will often see a different and better match with another pet. For example, some dogs are compatible with other pets and children. Some dogs prefer to be a single pet and do better in quieter homes. Ms Jess said, “[Ms Mason] does a good job helping match pets and families.” Mr Lynch’s advice? Go to a dog breeder or the pound where people know the dog.

He suggested, “Get a book about training. Read it.” Even just glancing through the pages will help a pet owner become more familiar with their dog, he explained. “Training is one thing, but understanding your dog is important.”

Ms Mason and Kennel Assistant Amy Andras both appreciate the help and support they receive from the volunteers, trainers, and the community, Ms Mason said.

Contact the pound at 426-6900.