Charlestown Pet Group Meeting Minutes 02/27/2024

David Elder brought the meeting to order at 11:00. 21 members signed the attendance sheet. Minutes from the January 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 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. Contact information can be found in the Resident Directory, available online in MyErickson. :If you need any items, let them know.
• Cat Clinic information Dates March 22, May 31, June 28, August 23, October 4, December 13. Clinics are held In the Cross Creek Arts Room from 8 – 11 am. Please call Dr Nesbitt directly (410-869-0800) for an appointment.

New Business

• Resident Pat Phayer sent a letter to the Pet Group and to Charlestown Administration about seeing someone not picking up after his pet. She believed it was a guest and not a resident. She called Security, but they did not come. Don Grove responded to the note and included a statement that there is no discussion about either not allowing pets or restricting the size and number of pets. Please remember to inform guests of our rules, including picking up after your pet when taking it outside.
• David sent a note to General Services about our concerns with the ice melt used during the recent snows. Courtney Baker replied. There is no 100% pet safe product available commercially. Magnesium chloride, calcium chloride or a mix of these is used on sidewalks and concrete surfaces here at Charlestown. It is not economically feasible to use these on the roadways, so the less safe urea+sodium chloride mix is used. They understand our concerns and will look into other options as well. When walking your pet, bear in mind that the safer products are used on the sidewalks, but not on the roads.
• Otto has some items in the works with Mary Evans to determine if they are appropriate for Charlestown and if there are any issues. He will keep us updated.
     o A lady can come to your apartment to trim pet nails.
     o Myrna Markowski located a pet boarder, Homewood Pet Resort, near Charlestown. She was pleased with them. There is a concern that they are in a less safe neighborhood.
     o Dr. Zakai, a veterinarian who does mobile visits, contacted Otto about coming to Charlestown. He charges a fee for coming, but indicated that if there are multiple patients on a visit, he would waive the fee.
     o Katie Florie, MDSPCA, discussed an idea of having residents foster pets in the September meeting. She would like to do a survey to see if there is sufficient interest to move forward.
• The latest Tribune has an article about our Pet Group. Elsie, David, and Otto were included in the article. There is a picture of Elsie and Eddie in the article. If you haven’t seen it, you should get a Tribune at your front desk and read it.
• Stephanie DeAbreu contacted the MDSPA, and they said they needed vests for the pets when they’re adopted. She showed some really cute ones that she’s made – complete with charming phrases. If you have fabric you would like to donate to her, she will make more. If you would like the pattern, contact Stephanie and she will share it.
• Jo Ann Malpass will contact the resources on our list to make sure they are still in business and update any contact information.
• The group has 228 residents with 194 pets: 109 cats, 81 dogs, 2 birds, 1 rabbit and 1 lizard.
• Meeting adjourned at 11:30.

• NEXT MEETING –Next Meeting, March 26. Meetings are always on the 4th Tuesday at 11AM. The Meetings for March and April will be in the Cross Creek Card Room. Then they will return to the Brookside Classroom 2. (No meeting in July, August, and December.).