Pets Upset Over Foreclosures

Well they did not actually say that to me directly, but being the son of a Veterinarian, and having a brother who is also a Veterinarian, we have all witnessed first hand what happens to pets after a foreclosure.

Some people, especially elderly people end up going Section 8, or a very polite way to say "welfare." The places in which take old people in are not interested in their pets and those pets often get abandoned. This is also true for many people who become renters, their pets must also go because finding a pet friendly landlord is usually a challenge.

These dogs, and cats end up in many places, some get dropped off at the humane society some end up going to the city animal shelter and other more lucky ones get adopted out. The most unfortunate ones get put to sleep or end up abused or left to the wild.

Today's post is to remind all of you who may be considering a pet to visit your local animal shelter and turn the life of an unfortunate animal around. One of the greatest benefits of owning a pet is that they deter criminals from breaking into your home and give lots of love to their owners.

This holiday season, think beyond the traditional gift giving, and perhaps make an abandoned kitten or puppy a gift for the family. You will truly feel rewarded for helping one of Gods many creatures have a dignified and happy life.

To adopt a pet please contact the Connecticut Humane Society by clicking HERE The CHS also accepts donations of canned pet food, and has a community service program for school age children who wish to help animals.

(Photo from CT Humane Society Web Page)

Spalthoff Demands Action On Eisenhower Park

It has been over six years since the Mayor appointed the Eisenhower Park Study Committee and over two years since he received the report and he has done nothing with it. It is this type of indecision that he has continually displayed that has prompted me to formally ask him to place the acceptance of the report on the agenda for the next Board of Aldermen meeting in order for them to at least take the next step and adopt the plan as proposed by the committee, otherwise the entire process was a waste of time, money and community effort.

The committee has done an outstanding job in putting together a concise and forward thinking plan of just what might be in the park and how we should go about implementing the steps over many years and to have the report sit in the hands of the Mayor is just another example of him not making the necessary decisions on behalf of the community to move the plan along.

I am not asking that we spend money for the Park renovations at this time, I am only asking that we follow through with what was asked of the committee years ago and at least give them and the citizens of Milford the courtesy of having the plans at least be accepted by the Alderman as a template for what could be done at the Park.

The vision of what is to happen in the Park has already been developed and the proposed plans have been presented to the Mayor many months ago and here we sit having done nothing to make the park a reality. And please do not tell me that “these are hard times” and we need to do this and such. I realize more than anyone that we are in trying times however, without a plan, a goal and a sense of getting something done, Eisenhower Park will languish and we will have accomplished nothing for future generations.

We continually read in the press about various groups who are proposing or doing things in the park that are either; not proper to be doing or have not been approved by the citizens of this community... With better leadership, Eisenhower Park will become yet another jewel in the City as is our Marina at Lyman Landing.

We need to have the plan brought before the Aldermen formally for a vote to be accepted as the Eisenhower Park Study Plan and then the Aldermen can take action on the plan as they see fit. The implementation of this plan can and will only enhance our overall community image and the Mayor needs to step up to the plate today to take a stand on getting the ball rolling with this project.

Peter L. Spalthoff R11;MilfordR17;s Independent Party Candidate

Dogs Vs. Horses at Eisenhower Park

Eisenhower Park in Milford is about the only really great place to take my dog for a hike, and on the North side of the park there even is a small "off-leash" fenced in area.

Lately the Horses and their riders have been at odds with dogs that are "off-leash." Some dog owners have been threatened with fines and some dogs have been allegedly hospitalized as a result of horses viciously kicking them.

Some stories I heard speak of a harmless punt of a dog by horse, and others more severe, including broken bones, internal injury and in some cases death. Recently I asked if anyone could share their personal opinion of this menace and offer any of their thoughts regarding the "horse vs. dog" issue. The most interesting response I heard was as follows.

"The place it's big enough for both. Talk to the major and he may be able to come with something that you can agree on...Like drawing a line for horses and another for the dogs . We all need boundaries, even horses and dogs...Thank God for people like me that are so intelligent...!"

This was a great suggestion, I love the idea of drawing a line and I also love the idea of an "off leash" area but my dog Bella likes to swim and there is no water in the fenced in area. I feel like her day is that much more fulfilling when she takes a dip in the river and shakes off on the grass.

Inevitably I think horses and Dogs will always be at odds, and for good reason Horses get spooked by them, riders also get nervous the dogs will be harmed by their horses kicking or worse themselves, as riders, thrown. Thankfully I have not learned of any real horror stories involving riders being injured because of dogs but I accept that their is a risk. For this reason I trained my dog to come when I call her and when I sense danger leash her until the horse passes.

If anyone insists on letting their dog loose I would stress to please respectfully leash your dog if you see a horse approaching, all it takes in one bad accident and strict enforcement against dog owners will commence. Dogs and horses can get along if we practice common sense and avoid potential hazards.