Responsible Pet Ownership—

They’re Furry, Affectionate,

And Our Responsibility

By Kendra Bobowick

Kim Coleman nestled a kitten against her shoulder and ran her fingers along its calico fur. The Animal Center of Newtown representative sat behind two litters of weeks-old kittens with their extra toes, smatterings of tan and white fur, and listened to the mewling noises as they played and tumbled with one another.

Her organization was one of several to host an information table filled with pamphlets and pet care information on Sunday, September 9, on the back lawn at the Mt Pleasant Hospital for Animals during its Responsible Dog Ownership and Adoption Day, sponsored by American Kennel Club (AKC).

As Ms Coleman collected forms that guests filled out in the hopes of adopting a kitten, a host of curious pet owners and children pressed their noses against the kittens’ cage for a better look. Guests were also visiting with the Canine Advocates of Newtown’s unofficial mascot, Pom Pom (who now goes by the name Po), who was nursed to health after he was found, severely burned, in a local commuter parking lot in July 2006. The tiny Pomeranian glanced eagerly at the children and adults who bent down to stroke his head. Also familiar to an affectionate pat is Abby, a greyhound with Greyhound Rehabilitation & Rescue, who frequently visits Ashlar of Newtown. She also greeted guests that afternoon.

Showing off his family’s alpacas from Rowanwood Farm in Sandy Hook was Jameson Pelletier, 9, who led Elvis — recently sheered and groomed — through the crowd. Jameson recently celebrated his birthday and in place of gifts he had asked for cat and dog food donations.

The sunny, late summer afternoon showed signs of fall as a breeze shook leaves loose from the trees, which fell around a little girl attracted to another collection of animals. Reaching through to pet the small goats, also representing Rowanwood Farm, was Ashleigh Elizabeth Thomas, a kindergarten student at Head O’ Meadow School. Young sisters Katie and Hannah Marcum had fun petting a Shih Tzu, also named Katie. Pet owner Darlene Shook led her dog Brooke to another collection of kittens waiting for adoption, while Mt Pleasant Hospital for Animals Veterinary Technician Mary Simpson administered dog identification chips at a discount that day only. Pet Portraits by L&R Design, Delta Society Pet Partner Therapy volunteers, and Canine Good Citizen Test demonstrations also drew visitors’ interests on Sunday.

“What would you do if your pet got lost?” The question appeared on the front of a flier accompanying the HomeAgain pet identification program, where a chip, which is injected quickly through a needle, is coded. If a pet is lost or stolen and recovered by a veterinarian or dog pound participating in the program, the pet can be scanned and identified, and potentially returned to its proper owner.

Despite the lighthearted atmosphere, the HomeAgain program reminded visitors of the day’s focus: responsible pet ownership. AKC brochures that served as a guide to responsible pet ownership were available. The literature states: “Owning a dog is a privilege and a responsibility. They depend on us to provide basic care…Think seriously about the commitment that dog ownership entails.”

Understanding the commitment and finding the right dog for a family are two key points listed in the brochure.

“Dog ownership is not something to be entered into lightly … it is a long-term emotional and financial commitment … you must make an honest assessment as to whether your home is right for any dog,” the brochure states. “You need to make sure the breed you choose suits your lifestyle.” For more information and to read a pet promise published in the kennel club flyer, visit www.akc.org.

Locally, the Newtown Dog Pound has many canine friends awaiting a new home. Charlotte, a mixed-breed short-haired dog, accompanied Animal Control Officer Carolee Mason, who talked for a minute with Canine Advocates of Newtown volunteer and dog trainer Sue Doiron. Ms Doiron not only visits the pound regularly, but offers dog training to owners who adopt form the pound.

By the end of the afternoon guests were more familiar with the fundamentals of pet ownership. Some had an identification chip implanted in their dog, and others had signed adoption applications that day. In coming days some residents will hopefully make room for a kitten in their home, and others may visit the pound.