On February 27th, Rome City Clerk Louise Glasso will offer Rome residents a late fee waiver on a dog license (worth $20) to anyone who attends the free dog education program held at the NY School for the Deaf on Turin Road starting at 6:30 pm. The Oneida County Dog 4-H Club, the Chow Hounds, will be in charge of doing this presentation, plus a follow up on March 5.
The first evening will consist of a 90 minute program by the 4-Hers on being a responsible dog owner and caring for your dog properly. Topics to be covered will include caring for your dog's teeth, trimming nails, vaccinating and spaying and neutering.
The follow up on March 5 will be about an hour and include demonstrations of obedience, agility and rally by the 4-Hers and their dogs. Both programs are free and open to all dog lovers in the Utica/Rome upstate NY area. . A family must attend at least one of the programs to qualify for the late fee waiver.
Local municipalities became responsible for handling all dog licensing in 2011. Previously, this had been handled as a statewide program. “In 2011, New York State transferred the responsibility for dog licensing to local clerks,” Glasso said, adding that “with the new responsibility came the opportunity to provide more information about pet ownership as well as help provide residents with additional education to help make pet ownership more enjoyable and more rewarding.” City Clerk Glasso has taken the suggestion to encourage responsible pet ownership to heart. She also organizes the wonderful "Who Let The Dogs Out" day, which will be held on August 4th this year.
Economic hardship and the poor financial climate in the Rome area led Glasso to come up with ways to justify the late fee waivers for those who need to renew their dog licenses. Plus, she wants to encourage all dog owners to do the best job they can caring for their dogs. “Owning a dog is not just a privilege-it's a responsibility,” Glasso said. “These animals depend on us for, at minimum, food and shelter, and deserve much more. If you are considering taking a dog into your life, you need to think seriously about the commitment that dog ownership entails. If you already have a dog, you need to consider if you are fulfilling all your obligations as its owner. Dogs are unmatched in their devotion, loyalty and friendship to humankind."
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