Charlestown Pet Group Meeting Minutes 4/26/2024

David Elder brought the meeting to order at 11:00. 16 members were in attendance. Minutes from the March Meeting were approved with the following correction: name corrected to Myrna Markowitz.

Contact information can be found in the Resident Directory, available online in MyErickson.

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, and be considerate.
• Items are collected for donation to shelters. If you have any items for donation, bring them to the meeting or contact Elsie Kemp or Otto Greul. If you need any items, let them know.
• Cat Clinic information Dates: June 28, August 23, October 4, December 13. May 31 visit has been 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. [Note: This information has been changed. Call Dr. Nesbitt directly for May Update]

New Business

• Joann Malpass has made a huge effort to contact every source on our Resource List and verify information. Otto has the updated list at the meeting. David will send it electronically to all members.
• The idea of working with MDSPCA for resident fostering is not supported by Erickson. There could be issues that Charlestown staff would have to deal with in the event of a resident’s incapacity or death.
• Courtney Baker, Grounds Manager, has said that there may be another fenced dog area added. The Administration is asking for ideas of anything that needs to be added to the Capital Improvement Budget. If you have any suggestions, you can let them know. NOTE: There are currently 2 fenced areas for pet use – Erickson Way next to Herbert’s Run and in the Historic Area next to the garden plots.
• The dog station at St. Charles/Cemetery was removed by grounds but has been replaced. Please do not use these stations for trash. Make your guests aware that these are not trash cans.
• Baltimore County annual cat and dog registration is May 1 – July 31. The application can be found at Apply for and Renew an Animal License – Baltimore County
• Charlestown has approved the use of a HomeVets on campus. They will come to your apartment and treat your pet. Otto is working with them to reserve a block of time on May 23. They charge a fee to come out, but they may waive it or divide it among the “patients.” To make an appointment, call them directly at 410-715-8900.
• Courtney Benhoff, Erickson Corporate Relations Manager, sent a letter to Don Grove and the Sales Department, and shared it with other Erickson communities, praising our Pet Group after the Tribune article. Thanks Elsie Kemp, David and Betty Elder and Otto and Sandy Gruel for being a part of the article.
• Be alert to pets near open windows. A kitten fell from a window on an upper floor and was injured.
• Paradise Animal Hospital is no longer grooming pets.
• The group has 227 residents with 199 pets: 110 cats, 84 dogs, 3 birds, 1 rabbit and 1 lizard.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:40.
NEXT MEETING – May 28 in Brookside Classroom 2. Meetings are always on the 4th Tuesday at 11AM. (no meeting in July, August and December.).