Charlestown Pet Group
Meeting Minutes 10/24/2023

Otto Greul, registrar, brought the meeting to order at 11:00. 26 members were in attendance. Minutes from the October Meeting were approved as written.

Guest Speaker: Kristen Aybar, Occupational Therapist, Charlestown Home Care Administrator.
Kristen had done much work in aging in place and the benefits of pets as we age. She was kind enough to come and speak to us about these benefits and share some information with us.
• There are some of the tools we can use to help with our pets such as a long-handled bowl set and ramps for pets to get onto beds.
• Home Care can do some pet care in conjunction with other services, but if all you need is pet care, you should contact a professional pet care service.
• If you feel someone is not able to care for a pet they have, you can contact Resident Life in your building.
• Suzanne and Ron Green showed us a “diaper” they have been using for their aging kitty.

If you have any questions you can reach Kristen at Kristen.aybar@erickson.com or ext. 601-8801. Her office is in the Brookside Terrace, directly across from BRT09 and BRT11.

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 are not yet available for 2024. Members will be notified when we have them.

New Business
• Resident Fran Herrick has lost her dog. She has some unused, unopened diabetes supplies and some puppy pads. If you could use them, please contact Fran.
• The SPCA uses bandanas to “dress up” animals for adoption. Stephanie D’Abreu told us that the Quilting Group is making some of these for the pets. Another resident had some that he donated. His groomer puts them on his dog when grooming and he saves them to donate.
• Anne Belcher and Chris Miller are the new Building Reps for FH, MT and NC.
• Meeting was adjourned at 11:40.

• NEXT MEETING – January 23. No Meeting in December. Meetings are always on the 4th Tuesday at 11AM in Brookside Classroom 2. (except July, August and December.).