Pet Group Meeting Minutes: November 2024

Charlestown Pet Group Meeting Minutes: 11/25/2024

 David Elder brought the meeting to order at 11:00.  13 members were in attendance. Minutes from the October Meeting were approved.

Old Business

• It is imperative that all pet owners read and follow the rules as stated in the Resident’s Handbook Appendix E. or we could lose the privilege of having a pet. The book clearly says, “Pets must be on a leash or in a cage at all times when outside your apartment and should never be allowed to run free.” Please remember that some residents have a fear of dogs or allergies to cats, and be considerate
• Items are collected for donation to the MDSPCA. If you have any items for donation, bring them to the meeting or contact Elsie Kemp or Otto Greul.  Contact information can be found in the Resident Directory, available online in MyErickson. If you need any items, let them know. We have a storage bin holding these items and we can look there.
• The updated Resident Handbook is available online and hardcopies at the front desks. A change to Appendix E that will affect pet owners is “All dogs and cats must be registered with the appropriate jurisdiction.”
• David reminded everyone that if you see a pet in an apartment with no paw print, let Carolyn know and we’ll get them the information they need.
• Cat Clinic information Date:  December 13.  Clinics are held In the Cross Creek Arts Room from 8 – 11 am.  Please call Dir. Nesbitt directly (410-869-0800) for an appointment.  Cat Clinic dates will be on ccicharlestown.org.  If you are looking for a cat vet and can transport your cat, Dr. Nesbitt’s office is on Rte. 40 near the Double T Diner.
• The updated Resource List is now located at ccicharlestown.org. Select Pets at Charlestown, then select Local Pet Resources.
• David and Hope Tillman are continuing to work on a Pet Group account to be used to discuss items between meetings.

New Business

• A resident has adopted the black cat that was roaming the campus.
• A resident called Otto about rehoming a cat. Another resident contacted Otto looking for a mature cat to adopt.  Otto got them together and now both residents needs are met.
• The Pet Group donated 3 shopping carts of items to the Maryland SPCA. They’re very grateful for our donations.
• Residents were reminded that the de-icer used at Charlestown may irritate pets’ paws. Please be aware of this and be sure to wipe your pet’s paws.  Carolyn located a Winter Care cheat sheet.  It will be attached to the minutes.
• With the holidays approaching, please remember that any visitors to Charlestown are required to follow the same rules as residents.
• Betty Elder and Hope Tillman have been working on the Pet Yearbook. At this point they’ve only gotten 3 or 4 pet pictures.  If you’d like your pet included, send a picture, including the pet’s name, year of birth and your name, to Betty.  Without more interest, they won’t be moving forward with the Yearbook.
• A resident asked about the Pet Visitor Program. Allison Chlada, Resident Life, leads this program.  If interested, contact Allison at 601-8133.
• A suggestion was made to have a Birthday Party each month at the dog run. Dave suggested contacting Mary Huges and the Resident Life group to set this up.
• The group has 221 residents with 193 pets: 107 cats, 82 dogs, 2 birds, 1 rabbit

NEXT MEETING – January 28, 2025 in Brookside Classroom 2.  Meetings are always on the 4th Tuesday at 11AM.  (No meetings in July, August and December)