Group Makes Life at Seabrook Better for Pets and People
By Jeff Ostroth
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
Suppose you’d like to go away for a weekend, but don’t quite know what to do about your cat, dog, or bird. Who’s going to feed her? Who’s going to walk him?
It’s a problem every pet owner faces, but it may be even more problematic for those who’ve seen their friends move away and haven’t really gotten to know their new neighbors.
For pet owners who have moved to Seabrook, however, there’s an easy solution.
The Pet Association of Seabrook
“I’ve walked other people’s dogs when they’re out or away,” says Lorraine Colpitts, who moved to Seabrook from Manhattan nearly a year ago. “And my neighbors have my key so they can look after Angus in case of an emergency.”
Angus, or Angus McDuff in full, is Lorraine’s eight-and-a-half-year-old West Highland Terrier. As a member of the Seabrook Pet Association, Lorraine has been able to connect with other pet owners for their mutual benefit.
“It’s a very helpful organization,” says Lorraine. “Just getting to know other pet owners and their pets is a help. We can share in the caring now.”
Helping pet owners cover for each other is just one of the things the Seabrook Pet Association does.
Making Things Better
The Pet Association of Seabrook is a newly reactivated and growing organization. “The old Pet Club was down to about six or seven members,” says Kim Shalloo, Seabrook’s resident services coordinator who serves as liaison to the group. “Now, it’s up to about 30 and it’s still growing.”
Everyone credits the rebirth of the group to Gene Phillips, who moved to Seabrook with Keikho, this 13-year-old Shih-Tzu, last May. “Right now I’m the coordinator,” says Gene. “In the near future we hope to get permanent officers— a president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary.
While the organization deals with issues facing pet owners, Gene says it’s also a social and educational organization.