Charlestown Pet Group Meeting Minutes 10/22/2024

David Elder brought the meeting to order at 11:03. 14 members were in attendance + 1 guest speaker.
Minutes from the September 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 Otto know and we’ll get them the information they need.
  • Cat Clinic information Dates:  December 13. The October Clinic was cancelled. Clinics are held In the Cross Creek Arts Room from 8 – 11 am. Please call Dr Nesbitt directly (410-869-0800) for an appointment. Cat Clinic dates will be on ccicharlestown.org along with the Resource List.
  • The Blessing of the Pets was held on October 4 at the Our Lady of the Angels Chapel. There were quite a few residents and pets in attendance. We appreciate Father Leo and his steadfast support of pet ownership at Charlestown.
  • David and Hope Tillman are continuing to work on a Pet Group account to be used to discuss items between meetings.

Kristen Aybar – Home Health Services

Kristen has an interest in challenges we face as we get older. She discussed some advantages of pet ownership as we age – better cognitive function, better physical function, psychosocial and emotional benefits. There are also some challenges – financial issues, physical care, fall risks. She showed us some items that could be used to make pet care easier such as raised bowls which also aid pet’s digestion, scoopers and ball launchers.  We appreciate Kristen coming to talk to us.

New Business

  • At the September meeting, it was suggested that we have a Pet Yearbook. Hope Tillman has set up a Gallery of Pets to be added to ccicharlestown.org. Betty Elder is helping with this effort. If you want your pet included, please send a picture and the pet’s name, your name, pet’s date of birth, and any fun facts that you would like to include. The picture and information can be sent by email to either Hope Tillman or Betty Elder. Contact information can be found in the Resident Directory, available online in MyErickson. Betty has graciously offered to take the pet picture for anyone who would like that. Just let her know.
  • David has observed that some residents have put their pet’s picture on My Erickson in lieu of their own. This is not really a good idea as people will use these photos to identify other residents. If you would like to include the pet with you in the picture, that would be a better idea. Other residents would then be able to associate you with your pet.
  • The group has 226 residents with 195 pets: 109 cats, 82 dogs, 3 birds, 1 rabbit.

NEXT MEETING – November 26, 2024 in Brookside Classroom 2.  Meetings are always on the 4th Tuesday at 11AM.
(No meetings in July, August, and December)

Addendum: Winter Dog Care Cheat Sheet