Moose the Wonder Dog visits Byesville Rotary

Pictured: Shana Fair, Byesville Rotary President, Moose the Wonder Dog, and Risa Radecke, Pound Partners.

Risa Radecke stated she first met Moose at the Guernsey County Dog Shelter. Radecke became a foster mom to this puppy who was considered a “foster failure.” That was 8 years ago. Radecke pointed out that Moose is an example that most dogs dropped at the shelter are potentially great pets.

Moose exemplifies that a good owner can make all the difference in a dog’s life. Moose is now a columnist for the Jeff and a beloved, well-behaved pet of the Radecke family. He entered the 4-H obedience competition at the Ohio State Fair and, by successfully meeting all requirements, was recognized as a “Canine Good Citizen.” He also serves as ambassador for Pound Partners,

Radecke stated that Pound Partners is a non-profit organization providing support for the dog shelter and helping find good homes for dogs without families. In the eight years of its existence, Pound Partners helped the shelter reduce the euthanasia rate from 97% to 2%. The organization also raises about $40,000 a year to cover vet bills for the shelter dogs. With help from The Kenneth A. Scott Foundation, Pound Partners is able to insure all dogs adopted from the shelter have been vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and microchipped.

Pound Partners also raises money used to provide supplies for the shelter, verifies that adoptive owners will treat their new pet well, and recruits volunteers to be foster parents. Radecke pointed out the group has begun outreach to schools to educate students about approaching and greeting dogs. Pound Partners’ goal is to reduce the number of dog bites in Ohio which has the 2ed highest number of reported bites in the country.

Radecke stated that the bulk of the funds raised by Pound Partners are raised through the organization’s “Wags to Riches Thrift Shoppe.” She reported that the shop is currently closed for a facelift and reorganization. When the shop reopens, Radecke said that it will sell gently used items with a focus on clothing. The shop will no longer accept furniture or upholstered items. All items must be donated when the shop is open. More information about Pound Partners and the “Wags to Riches Thrift Shoppe” can be found at www.poundpartners.

During the business meeting, Chuck Fair, chair of the chicken BB, announced that the club’s first chicken BBQ of the summer will be Saturday, June 11, at Rotary Gazebo in Byesville.

Connect with Byesville Rotary at: www.Byesvillerotary.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Byesville-Rotary/256548047818283. The club meets 7:30 am, Tuesday at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Walk-ins are welcome at the club’s meeting.