Charlestown Pet Group
Meeting Minutes, February 22, 2022

The meeting was opened at 11:05 am by the Chair, David Elder.
Fifteen members were in attendance.
Minutes of the January meeting were approved as emailed.

There was much discussion about an elderly resident who called David on a Sunday morning about her elderly cat who was in much distress.  Calls were made to the Emergency Veterinary Clinic on Mellor Ave. in Catonsville where the wait time to see a vet was 6 to 7 hours.  After several conversations with the resident and a neighbor who volunteered to drive her there, she decided to go to the Mellor Ave. clinic.  When she heard how expensive the operation would be she decided to have her ailing cat put to sleep.  We have subsequently found a second emergency vet in the area. It is the PET + Emergency, 10000 Old Columbia Pike in Columbia.  Their quoted wait time is less than 2 hours.

An email was received from a resident who does not have a pet.  Her complaint was about a couple she has observed before exercising their large dog on the sidewalk in front of the chapel and buildings.  It is off leash and they throw a ball down the sidewalk for it to run after.  The complaint was that they were not following the rules and should use the nearby dog park.  Since their name or address is not known it is hoped they will read these minutes and obey the rules.

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”.

A discussion with the Resident Life Manager is planned to discuss the above two items and pets in general.

Doctor Pam Nesbit of the Catonsville Cat Clinic will be here on 3/11, 4/8, and 5/20.  To make an appointment call her office at 410-869-0800.

Paradise Animal Hospital has asked to reduce their visits here to every other month due to the few appointments they are receiving.  They will be here on 3/17 and 5/19.  Call the office to make an appointment at 410-744-4224.

The group has 108 cats, 66 dogs, 3 birds, a rabbit, and a lizard.  But there is no way to know when a resident gets a new pet or loses one unless they let Otto know.

THE NEXT MEETING IS March 22th 2022, always on the 4th Tuesday at 11am in BR Class Rm2.