Play yard proposed for county pet pound

OTTAWA - President Cherie Newman met with the three county commissioners and Mike Schroth on Tuesday February 3 to discuss the prospect of the Putnam Pet Pals taking over management of the pound building. A list of policies would need to be in place such as staffing issues (dog warden and use of truck and his salary), maintenance and building expense, insurance costs, adoption policies (tied or confined to small outdoor kennels), spay/neuter policies, and euthanasia policies. Mike has requested $5000 assistance for spay/neuter to be implemented at the pound in the form of a grant. He was unsure if it was a total assist or 80/20 assistance, but will find out sometime in April if the grant is approved.

Cherie suggested that the county raise the cost of pulling a dog from the pound to $76 from $40. The $76 charge would include full vetting, vaccines and spay/neuter, and a licence. The county would keep the license fee and set amount for each dog, roughly $30. Based on those figures, that would leave $30 to be paid to the vet, and the remaining $70 would be paid by PPP, through a grant, to the vet. The usual vet charge is $110. Regarding a play yard at the current pound, it would replace the original idea of creating runs for the dogs, giving the dogs enough room to run off energy, get fresh air, and have playtime as well. Mike and Cherie measured out a proposed area (50 ft x 60 ft x 20 ft) and queried the commissioners about the prospect of having its only entry from inside the pound and the warden would let the dogs out at his discretion. Again, a grant would need to be secured to pay for this venture. Cherie was directed to speak to the fair board as they use the property for camping during fair time and see if they are willing to section part of it off for the pound. It would displace parking for the EMS and one camping space estimating approximate value of $500 and this was discouraging to the group knowing it would be hard to secure the needed land. Cherie plans on following up on this, but desires comments and endorsement from the group's members.

The fourteen members present felt the spay/neuter policy was doable and quite necessary to end the cycle of unwanted pets becoming wards of the county. Mike compiled a report on the estimated past revenue and total of dogs from 2007 compared to 2008 based on the data he was able to locate and presented it to the group. The total number of dogs taken in during 2007 was 370. Being mindful of the chute being closed at the pound on February 1, 2008, the intake figure dropped to 172 dogs in 2008. The average percentage adopted/rescued/redeemed was 67% for 2007 and 64% for 2008 necessitating euthanasia costs of 33% and 36% respectively. Members questioned Mike on particulars regarding operation costs; for example his 2002 truck has over 150,000 miles and will likely need replacement in the coming months, etc. He spoke of his need of basic supplies such as collars, leashes, kennel bowl clips, and most coveted desire of all-a scale to weigh the animals therefore allowing him to post a more accurate description on petfinder.com when advertising the dog's virtues. Members were quick to assess the overwhelming proposal of operating the pound to be too much for the group, but fervently agreed to purchase the most basic needs of collars, leashes, and the scale immediately. Cherie Newman will place the estimated $300 order this week. Laura Hermiller researched the cost of 6 ft tables and the price of $48.46 at Sam's Club was approved and member Sara Schroeder will pick them up.

The group was reminded that while we are unable to do all of our visionary plans to ensure better living conditions for displaced pets of the county-our foster home program has increased this month to five dogs. The dogs range from a couple of small chihuahua, Bichon/poodle, cocker spaniel, to a larger mixed breed puppy. In addition, Susan Swaninger will most likely foster a newly surrendered dog and a former adoptive parent (Hershey's owner) has expressed a desire to foster. Member Abby Sarka Young also buoyed the spirits of the disappointed visionaries by uncovering her plans for a 55 x 30 ft kennel and pet playground on her and her husband's 4 acre property on Road Z close to Kalida. She will be securing chain link fencing material and asked for opinions and ideas for kennels from the group's members at the evening meeting or via a web site she has created and/or a call to her home or work (Sarka Electric). Abby reiterated the need for exercise and human contact for sustenance of good mental health of the dogs and welcomes participation of members to visit her facility. She will work closely with the pound and the foster group accommodating up to six runs for rescue dogs. Meanwhile, Susan Swaninger continues to store extra bedding, crates, etc. at the warehouse at Hollywood Dogs for rescue use.

Network coordinator Dina Ream reported five dogs were rescued in January 2009. She will be transporting Macy, a black Labrador mix from the pound to Toledo, one leg of Macy's Pennsylvania destination on Saturday, February 7. Dina will also have an update on the proposed Poker Run fundraising at next month's meeting, March 5. Cherie asked for an update on vendors for the April Mutt Strut as she is organizing booth spaces. Laura is working on one, Ingrid has two, and Karen Hovest is contacting the Vera Bradley saleslady. Betsy Baldwin inquired about inviting Fox Run Soap & Sundries which would be great. Cherie asked at the fair board meeting about the prospect of an alternate location for the Mutt Strut if Diller Manor would happen to sell. The fair board would rent the building, grounds, and restrooms for $300 requiring proof of liability and obtaining signatures from all participants. Diller Manor has most graciously donated the use of their grounds in the past and is a beautiful location for the event. Cherie will check with Peter Diller on the prospect of renting a tent in case of inclement weather. Education director Sara Schroeder will be creating two displays-one for the rescue and one for the pound for use at the Strut, Arts in the Park and the fair booth. She asked if members would be willing to donate $5 apiece in order to make a couple of raffle baskets full of dog items which the group readily agreed to. She will secure the items for the basket using the group's tax exempt card or her discount to a local superstore. Sara's mother is working on a blanket and Cherie will ask her mother to work on one as well to raffle off. Susan will contact the fire marshall for possible participation in a safety display for the Strut and fair along with renting a kid's bouncing ball play land. Dina has a supply of AKC information for future events and will see if Tracy Hotchner would be willing to donate one of her books. Cherie will ask member Tammy Beemer if she would be willing to design another flyer. The Mutt Strut is on April 25, Arts in the Park is on June 20, and the fair booth is slated for June 23 through June 28.

Cherie distributed nominating forms to elect Mike Schroth as Dog Warden or Animal Control Officer of the Year and the Putnam County Animal Shelter for the Shelter of the Year noting his part in getting the chute closed and his willingness to work with the public to get the inhabitants of the pound rehomed. The nominations must be entered before February 27, 2009. Anyone desiring a form should contact Cherie Newman.

Group members are reminded to bring $5 to the next meeting for the raffle supplies-give to Treasurer Ingrid Agner. The next meeting dates are Thursday, March 5 and Thursday, April 2 at the Ottawa Presbyterian Church, 150 N. Oak Street in Ottawa. New members are always welcomed.