Charlestown Pet Group Meeting Minutes 6/24/25

Otto Gruel called the meeting to order at 11:20. 9 members were in attendance.
Minutes from the May 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. Elsie Kemp brought up an incident where a dog on a retractable leash approached a resident who was afraid. The owner did not leash in the dog when requested.
• When taking your pet outside, use the door closest to your apartment.
• 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.
• Cat Clinic information Dr Nesbitt is so busy that she has been unable to give us a date. If you would like to visit her office, call Dr Nesbitt directly (410-869-0800) for an appointment. If we are able to get dates for the Clinic, they will be posted on ccicharlestown.org.
• The updated Resource List is now available: Select Pets at Charlestown, then select Local Pet Resources.
• Baltimore County requires that pets, both dogs and cats, be registered with the county. Registration must be renewed annually between May 1 and July 31. You can register your pet online at Apply for and Renew an Animal License | Baltimore County Government or mail the application form to the County. We have printed copies available for those who need them. Let Carolyn Troy know if you need a paper application.  Note:  a copy of the current rabies vaccination form is required with the application.

New Business

• Dogs must be on a leash at ALL TIMES. This includes dogs of guests as well.
• We have created a Pet Group general chat forum for more efficient communication between meetings. More information to come.
• We encourage pet owners to include pets in the Pet Gallery. Contact Betty Elder for more information & help.
• Otto has updated our list with the Resident Life list. Please let Otto or David know if you see a pet enter/leave an apartment that has no paw print magnet. We will get that resident registration information.

The group has 230 residents with 204 pets:115 cats, 87 dogs, and 2 birds.  Unfortunately, our resident rabbit has passed away.

NEXT MEETING –  September 23, 2025, in Brookside Classroom 2. Meetings are always on the 4th Tuesday at 11AM.
No meetings in July, August and December