It is time we have a serious talk.
At the end of this column each week is a statement explaining that I cannot help individuals “locate, place or provide medical attention” for an animal.
Still, a week never goes by when someone doesn’t ask me to use this space to help them solve a personal problem.
However, so many of you ask questions about animal health and behavior, I was truly grateful when our pet experts agreed to respond to them.
But I must turn down other requests for help, such as finding lost dogs and homes for feral cats and raising money for a pet’s surgery. It would be a disservice to readers if I used this space to solve those kinds of problems.
Don’t get me wrong. If I am able, I will go above and beyond to give folks information to help them. But don’t ask me or my readers to find your dog, trap the squirrels in your attic or “come get these cats because I am tired of feeding them.”
And please don’t call me for help when your unlicensed dog goes missing. You are apt to be greeted by total apathy — for you — not the poor animal that is scared, lost and probably hungry.
To reinforce how strongly I feel about this, I’d like to share a story of how I responded to one such call.
The woman on the phone was frantic. Her precious pups accidentally got out of the house and ran into the street where they were abducted by a passing motorist. A neighbor witnessed someone stop a car, scoop them up and drive off.
Whether this person was a good Samaritan trying to prevent a tragedy or someone who saw opportunity when he spied the pair was unknown.
She demanded I write a story and tell the thief to give them back.
The first question I asked her was whether her pups were licensed.
No, she didn’t get out of the house much, she replied.
Sorry, I told her, I can’t help. Try craigslist. If it really was a thief who stole your dogs, they are probably already trying to sell them. Hopefully, to a person who won’t use them for bait in a dog-fighting operation.
Now, I didn’t explain that I would not normally agree to her request anyway. I was making a point.
She expressed shock that I could be so callous, then she became enraged and threatening.
Next, she pleaded that the dogs were her life and couldn’t I make an exception in her case?
“I love them so much I even paint their toenails,” she added for emphasis.
“Sorry,” I replied, “If I loved my animals that much I would definitely get them licensed.”
Folks, you have exactly six days to get or renew your dog’s license. This is not an option. If your dog is not licensed by Jan. 31 you are breaking the law. In Summit County the license costs $18.
While the price varies by county, on Feb. 1, the price for a dog license in Ohio will double in all counties. And, if your dog gets loose and is picked up by an animal warden, you will face fines to get it back.
But that isn’t the best reason to license your dog. Each license sold has a registration number that is recorded by the county’s fiscal office. If your dog is found, that number will lead right back to you. In Summit County, Animal Control employees will make every attempt to reunite you and your pet.
Most Ohio counties have similar policies.
Also, the Summit County fiscal office provides county residents with the online Missing Pet Network, a service where people can post photos of lost and found pets.
If you need help finding a Summit County location where you can purchase a license, visit www.fiscaloffice.summitoh.net/index.php/dog-licensing or call 330-630-7226 for information.
For locations outside Summit County, contact the county auditor’s office or fiscal office where you reside.
Other pets in the news:
Creature Feature — The Akron Zoo will provide special activities from noon to 2 p.m. Saturdays in February focusing on a different animal group each week in the Komodo Kingdom Education Center. Guests will get a close-up experience with: bugs Feb. 1; reptiles Feb. 8; birds Feb. 15 and mammals Feb. 22. Participation is included in admission.
Annual Fund Drive — PAWSibilities, the Humane Society of Greater Akron has kicked off its annual fund drive. Your donation will make a huge impact on the life of an animal that has suffered cruelty or neglect at the hands of a human. Visit www.summithumane.org/Donate to donate online, or contact the Humane Society at 330-487-0333 or toll free: 888-588-8436.
Pet App for Emergencies — A new Red Cross Pet First Aid App puts lifesaving information into the hands of dog and cat owners so they can provide emergency care until veterinary assistance is available. The 99-cent app gives iPhone and Android smart phone users instant access to expert information so they learn how to maintain their pet’s health and what to do during emergencies. The Pet First Aid App can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross or by going to redcross.org/mobileapps.
Columbus Zoo visits local college — The public is invited to a program featuring a variety of animals, including exotic cats, birds, and reptiles at noon Feb. 1 at Malone University, Room 106 of the Johnson Center, 2600 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton. Tickets are $3 and can be purchased at the door. Proceeds benefit projects of the Malone University Student Senate.
Kathy Antoniotti writes about pets for the Akron Beacon Journal. She is unable to help locate, place or provide medical attention for an individual animal. If you have an idea or question about pets, write her at the Beacon Journal, P.O. Box 640, Akron, OH 44309-0640; call 330-996-3565; or send an email to kantoniotti@thebeaconjournal.com.