The joy of dog ownership also brings responsibility.  Responsible dog owners are easy to recognize because they:
 

• Make careful decisions about getting a dog by spending time learning about different breed characteristics and then choosing a dog suited to their home, lifestyle and personality.

• Obey local ordinances including licensing and leash requirements. They protect and control their dog for its own safety and the safety of others.

• Provide their dog with a pleasant and safe environment, adequate food, water and shelter; proper identification, plenty of exercise, training, companionship and LOTS OF LOVE.

• Provide regular health care as recommended by their vet, including rabies and distemper vaccinations and heartworm prevention. They provide regular maintenance checks for fleas and other parasites as well as a regular bathing and grooming schedule.

• Are always alert to weather changes that could affect their animals. Summer's humid heat and winter's cold winds are equally dangerous. They leave no dog unattended in a car on a warm day, nor outside without shade and water in the summer and full protection from the cold winds and wet snow in winter.

• Know the importance of teaching compassion and respect for animals early in life and begin by teaching their own children these values.

• Have their dog spayed or neutered, and encourage other owners to do the same. They are not responsible for producing dogs that will find themselves unwanted and uncared for in this world.

Federation of Maine Dog Clubs Inc.
Nola Soper, Secretary
PO Box 577
Bucksport, ME 04416
Tel: (207) 469-3852
Email: [email protected]