Upcoming Events

Join us for Purrs and Pooches Who Give Smooches at the Calvert Brewery. Honey Bee Photography will be taking Valentine Day photos of your pet on January 25^th from 12-4.  Contact Megan of Honey Be Photography for details at 240-766-8966 to schedule your 10 minute session for your fur babies! Your $20 donation helps support Bowie CLAW. Bespoke luxury photography experiences are uncommon and authentic, which means they are about you.  http://www.honeybeephotography.com/thehiveblog.html

Upcoming CLAW Meeting

Reminder City Hall will no longer be open to the public on Saturdays. We will now be meeting bimonthly at Kenhill Center (2614 Kenhill Drive – the old City Hall). We be in room 126 for the following third Saturdays of alternating months in 2020. Meeting times remain at 9:30. Fortunately, food and drinks are permitted, so coffee and doughnuts will be served! Our first meeting at our new location is January 18^th.

Working to Repeal Discriminatory Breed-Specific Ban

Bowie CLAW has been advocating for several years the repeal of Animal Control Ordinance Section 3-185.01 that bans in Prince George’s County those dogs labeled as pit bull terriers.  Last November our County Council passed a broad range of improvements to the ordinances that promote animal welfare as well as citizen safety.  But the repeal of the breed-specific ban failed at the last minute.

We have the opportunity now, with the support of Council members Turner, Glaros, Harrison, and Davis, to enact a repeal of Section 3-185.01.  Prince George’s County is the only jurisdiction within the DMV and the states of Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey that prohibits such labeled dogs.  They are discriminatorily euthanized based solely on appearance, not scientific fact, unless rescued by an out-of-county rescue organization.   As a result, hundreds of innocent dogs that pass behavior evaluations die every year. Please contact your Council members at the following addresses and let them know that you want our County to repeal this minimally effective, discriminatory, inhumane, and expensive mandate.  You will find your district representative at pgccouncil.us/443/Councilmanic Districts; click on the district maps to determine your council member, and be sure to write to the two At-large members who represent you as well.

        

    

New Year’s Resolutions with Your Pets (from HomePet.com)

Resolution #1: Measure your pet’s food….every time! Like us, it’s all too easy for a pet’s weight to gradually creep up over time. Obesity in pets is a serious health concern.

Resolution #2: Get more exercise. When it comes to health and weight control, diet is only part of this equation and in order to maintain (or lose) weight, an increase in activity is also necessary in order to meet these goals.

Resolution #3: Try a new activity. From doga to hiking, bikejoring to kayaking, it’s easier than ever for you to incorporate your dog into a new exercise routine.

Resolution #4: Incorporate more play time. While taking your cat hiking isn’t a practical approach to upping the step count of our feline friends, incorporating more playtime definitely is!

Resolution #5: Schedule a check-up with your vet. Have your veterinarian examine your pet at least once a year to make sure he or she is healthy and to help detect any potential problems early.

Resolution #6: Update your pet’s ID info. Now is the time to ensure that your pet has an up to date tag and microchip information. It’s the best way to ensure a lost pet makes their way safely home.

Resolution #7: Clear out old toys. Take a fresh look at your pet’s toy collection and stop holding on to old, tatty, and often germ-infested pet toys.

Resolution #8: Grooming time. Not only does grooming your pet remove excess fur from the coat and so reduce the amount you find on your clothes and furniture, it also helps to distribute oils from the skin to the fur, keeping the coat shiny and healthy.

Resolution #9: Create a safe, happy home and garden. Make sure all potentially harmful substances (such as cleaning products and medications) are kept in cabinets that your pet cannot easily reach and access.

Resolution #10: Seek more natural ways to support your pet’s health. Integrated’ health care for pets can combine the best of conventional Veterinary medicine alongside diet and nutrition, supplements, herbal and homeopathic formulas, physiotherapy and acupressure and acupuncture.

See you at our general meeting Saturday, January 18^th

^{9:30 am  Kenhill Center Hall (Old City Hall)}

Sign up for Smile.Amazon and iGive online—a percentage of your online purchases will be donated to Bowie CLAW at no cost to you.  Federal employees, please consider supporting Bowie CLAW in your Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) contributions this year.  Our Campaign Number is 15690.  Thank you!

Past and Upcoming Events

Thank you to all who participated in Photos with Santa at Calvert Brewery (brought to you by Honey Bee Photography).

We have some fun events coming up! The Mutt Strut will take place Saturday January 25^th from 11am-1pm at the Bowie Community Center, Stoneybrook Drive.  We plan to be an exhibitor and are looking for volunteers! This event is sponsored by M-NCPPC and focuses on providing pet owners with resources that aid in the health and development of their furry companions.  It will feature a social hour and fashion show for dogs and their owners!  How much fun is that!!! There will also be information  about the importance of spaying and neutering.  Please plan to attend.

 In February, get ready for kisses with your pooches at the Calvert Brewery. Honey Bee Photography will be taking Valentine Day photos of your pet..  And finally, bring on your Irish with our St. Pawtrick’s Day celebration at the Calvert Brewery.  Stay tuned for exact dates.

If you are interested in leading or assisting at these events (or others) we would so appreciate your help! Drop us an email at BowieClaw @ gmail.com letting us know of your availability and interest.

Upcoming CLAW Meetings

Changes are coming. City Hall will no longer be open to the public on Saturdays. We will now be meeting bimonthly at Kenhill Center (2614 Kenhill Drive – the old City Hall). We be in room 126 for the following third Saturdays of alternating months in 2020. Meeting times remain at 9:30. Fortunately, food and drinks are permitted, so coffee and doughnuts will be served! – January 18^th  March 21^st  May 16^th  July 18^th  Sept 19^th  November 21^st   Mark your calendar now!

Thank You!!!

We are so grateful to Belair Veterinary Hospital and Photographer Mark Honke for their Photo Christmas fundraiser for our pet food pantry! We received winter clothes as well as food, treats, toys, and monetary donation!

We also received generous donations from Custom Cuts Horticulture & Design.  They have been great supporters of our community cat program.  Christian Community Presbyterian Church invited us to participate in their annual Christmas Market, and we appreciate the generous support we received from their community this year.  And we are always grateful to our faithful donors who make possible all our efforts.

Bumps and Lumps

So what should a pet owner do when they find a new or changing lump? Schedule an appointment to have any and all lumps examined, measured and charted. This will help to track any changes that may occur over time. The suspicious lumps should be aspirated to identify any unusual cells. (Lump aspiration can be done in an office call. It requires sticking a small needle into the lump to pull out a few cells to identify under the microscope. From this we can many times tell if the lump is serious or not).

So why are we addressing this issue now? Well since we have been more proactive about these lumps we have found many tumors that needed to be removed. Some of these lumps have been previously called fatty tumors because of how they felt, but once tested turned out to be cancer. If we catch the cancers early, then the chance of surgical cure increases.

So now that the weather is colder and your pet is snuggled up next to you and you feel a lump, old or new, it needs to be checked out. Call your vet and get things assessed. Don’t let a small problem become a big problem by procrastinating

(This information provided  by Spay Now Animal Clinic – Laurel, MD)

See you at our general meeting Saturday, January 18^th

^{9:30 am   Kenhill Center Hall (Old City Hall)}

Sign up for Smile.Amazon and iGive online—a percentage of your online purchases will be donated to Bowie CLAW at no cost to you.  Federal employees, please consider supporting Bowie CLAW in your Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) contributions this year.  Our Campaign Number is 15690.  Thank you!

Past and Upcoming Events

Thank you to all who participated in our annual Bowie CLAW Blanket Drive. We collected an amazing number of blankets and quilts, sheets and bath towels. A big shout out to Ledo Pizza for allowing us to set up in front of their restaurant and Exit Reality for the use of their truck. 

Brought to you by Honey Bee Photography, it’s time for Photos with Santa at Calvert Brewery. For those of us with human children, one favorite activity of the entire year is the day you get to take your child to the mall to see Santa. But what about our four-footed fur babies?  It isn’t like you can take your German Shepherd to the mall for photos with Santa.  Wouldn’t you love to have your own experience, watching your pet having fun with the jolly old elf, and having those photos to enjoy for years to come? Come join us at our FIFTH ANNUAL Pets with Santa Event, November 9, from 12-4.  Appointments are HIGHLY encouraged, however, walk-ins are welcome! For more information, check out Honey Bee Photography. http://www.honeybeephotography.com/thehiveblog.html?b_blog=P4O9d+kaqNjaCwEfd0e6qQxhoaGjPQU5026IUzz2D7YXKLy6AE6oJxcZ53OP

News from the Board

We are pleased to announce the election of two new members to the Bowie CLAW Board of Directors: Michaele Angulo and Michelene (Mickey) Kennedy-Teston! We are very excited and grateful to have these pet-loving members.

Community Cat Program

Please donate your unused medium-to-large styrofoam boxes like the ones you receive with deliveries of food items. We use them to construct outdoor cat shelters, as pictured here. You can drop off a box at any Bowie CLAW donation location.

Give $1 Back for a Good Cause

Bowie Citizens for Local Animal Welfare will receive a $1 donation for every $2.50 reusable Community Bag sold at the Giant Food store located at 15520 Annapolis Road, Bowie MD in the month of November. 

Adopt a Senior Pet Month

November is National Adopt a Senior Pet Month–a month dedicated to helping older pets find loving forever homes. Shelters and rescues across the country hope those looking to adopt a new furry friend will consider adding a senior pet to the family this month. 

Meet Hamilton

     Three years ago, my family went to the Prince George’s Animal Facility looking for a puppy. Of course, like many places, the puppies were the first to be adopted. But lucky us, we met our rescue dog (of course, he rescued us!).  They truly have no idea how old Hamilton is.  There were lots of guesses – and crazy ways of guessing. But it really doesn’t matter if he is 7 or 10. He is ours and we absolutely love him.  He got a second chance at a family and we got a first class dog.  – The Kelley-Baker Family –

See you at our general meeting Saturday, November 16^th

^{9:30 am   Bowie City Hall}

Upcoming Events

Saturday, October 19^th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM is our annual Bowie CLAW Blanket Drive. We will be collecting blankets and quilts, sheets and bath towels curbside at Ledo Pizza & Pub  (formerly TJ Elliot’s – 6814 Laurel Bowie Rd.). Sorry, no pillows, afghans, table linens or rugs please.  We could use volunteers for this event. Help us make the dogs and cats at the Prince George’s County Shelter a little warmer this year. If you are available, please contact Tara at BowieAnimalShelter@gmail.com or BowieClaw@gmail.com.  

Other upcoming events – There will be a Feral Winter Shelters Workshop October 26^th at 3:00 PM.  Please contact us if you are interested in attending. We are also accepting donations of Styrofoam coolers and boxes to use in making cat houses. Photos with Santa at Calvert Brewery and the Christmas Market will take place November 9^th. Stay tuned for details. If you are willing to volunteer, please reach out to us at BowieCLAW@gmail.com.

Volunteer Showcase

For his school project Mike Kane has been volunteering for Bowie Claw. At the Kaleidoscope event, Mike handled Jayda, our very sweet guest from the Prince George’s Animal Shelter. He also prepared bags of treats for the Bowie Marketplace Chic-fil-A to be given to dogs at the drive thru. And next, he is volunteering at our Blanket Drive October 19^th. It’s great having such an enthusiastic supporter!

Community Cat Program Update

During the project year (October 1, 2018 – September 30, 2019), we sterilized and vaccinated a total of 188 cats:  91 males and 97 females.  That is 157% of our assigned goal for the year!. We could not do this without our incredible volunteer trappers! THANK YOU!

National Animal Safety and Protection Month

We never expect an emergency. No matter what we do, accidents happen. Take steps to be prepared and be aware. Be safe and protect your treasured furry friend.

• Be proactive. Keep all animals up to date on immunizations. Farmers, ranchers and pet owners, and hobbyists: all follow the vaccination schedule set forth by your veterinarian.
• Pet-proof your home and property. Remove or secure choking hazards and toxic chemicals. Make your home pet-friendly and safe.
• Identify your animals. Place tags securely on collars and even label collars with your contact information.  Microchip all pets.   If you have more uncommon pets, take photos of them in the event they get loose.
• In a disaster, have a plan. Who will be responsible for locating each animal in the house? How will you transport them? If it’s a fire, human life takes priority. However, place decals on windows and doors with the number of humans and each kind and number of pets residing in the home. Keep the decals up to date.
• Learn basic first aid. Caring for your animal at home will prevent a minor injury from becoming severe. Always call your veterinarian or emergency animal hospital if you are unsure.
• Know your animal. If your animal’s behavior changes, watch for signs of illness. Is he injured or spent too much time in the heat? Contact your veterinarian before giving human over-the-counter medications.

See you at our general meeting Saturday November 16^th 

Sign up for Smile.Amazon and iGive online—a percentage of your online purchases will be donated to Bowie CLAW at no cost to you.  Federal employees, please consider supporting Bowie CLAW in your Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) contributions this year.  Our Campaign Number is 15690.  Thank you!

Upcoming Events

September 21 – General Membership Meeting: 9:30 am at Bowie City Hall. YOU are invited!

Sept 28th–we will be participating again this year in Kaleidoscope, a community event held on the lawn of Cresthill Church on Rt. 197. We will have adoptable dogs from the Prince George’s Animal Adoption Center from 10-1, and lots of information about Bowie CLAW from 10-2.  Come out and look for us!

Other upcoming events – our annual Bowie CLAW blanket drive, photos with Santa at Calvert Brewery, and the Christmas Market. Stay tuned for dates. If you are willing to volunteer, please reach out to us at BowieCLAW@gmail.com.

Diamond Dogs

It is the end of another great season of the Bowie Baysox Diamond Dogs! Throughout the baseball season Bowie CLAW and other area animal shelters and rescue organizations have been bringing one dog to the Prince George’s Stadium during home games to help them find their forever homes. Bowie CLAW set up a table on the concourse where fans could meet the Diamond Dog of the Game and learn more about our group and help the area animals. Bowie CLAW worked with some great rescues groups include Lab Rescue of Capital Potomac, Canine Companions for Independence, Lu’s Labs, and All Shepherd Rescue. If you missed it, make sure to come out next year!

Stressed? Your dog might be too!

Research indicates that dogs can mirror their owners’ stress levels. When researchers measured the stress hormone cortisol in a group of dogs and their owners, they found that levels synchronized. Interestingly, the researchers determined that the dogs’ stress levels rose in response to their owners’ stress levels, rather than vice-versa. More research is needed to further confirm this finding, but if your dog seems stressed, maybe look to see if you’re stressed. Take time to laugh with friends, take up a yoga or meditation class, get into an exercise program, AND of course, walk and snuggle with your dog.

A Big (but Sad) Farewell

Deb Forespring, one of our wonderful Bowie CLAW Directors, is moving to Delaware. Deb has been very active with our Community Cat program, and the new Kitten Socialization program with Bowie Animal Control. We are very sad to see her go; but we wish her the very best. Wherever she goes, we know there will be some lucky animals!

Of course, this means a Director seat is now open. If you have been an active Bowie CLAW member for at least three months, you qualify to join the Board of Directors!Pleaseconsiderthis position – it is great fun to be with like-minded animal-loving people?Contact us at bowieclaw@gmail.com

Thank you!

Over the past few months we have received a tremendous number of donations. We are so appreciative of the generosity. As many of you already know, we are a fully volunteer operated organization. Every contribution matters!

Past and Upcoming Events

Mark your calendar, this Saturday, July 20^th is our next general meeting.  We gather at 9:30 am at Bowie City Hall for coffee and donuts.  Please come meet our new Board of Directors and bring a friend – the more the merrier. Meet other wonderful pet people!

Take me out to the ball game! The Baysox Diamond Dog games are up and running. Only three more games left! Just as a reminder, throughout the baseball season Bowie CLAW and other area animal shelters and rescue organizations have been bringing one dog to the Prince George’s Stadium during home games to help them find their forever homes.  We will have a table on the concourse where fans can meet the Diamond Dog of the Game and learn more about what our group is doing to help the area animals.  Join us at the following Sunday home games and maybe find your new forever friend.

• July 21^st  LRCP
• August 4^th Canine Companions for Independence
• August 25^th Lu’s Labs

Meet CLAW’s New Officers and Directors

Officers: President- Paul Nadler, Vice President- Michael Semeniuk, Secretary/Treasurer- Virginia Jones

Directors: Tara Kelley-Baker, Deb Forespring, Hugh Hammett, Michael Semeniuk , Paul Nadler,and Virginia Jones.

There remains one vacant Director position to which the Board may appoint an interested candidate for one year until the next annual election. If you are a member and interested, please reach out and let us know!

Kittens

Bowie CLAW’s newest of programs couldn’t be more adorable.  And we need your support to make it successful.  We are looking for volunteers to socialize kittens. Socializing and caring for feral kittens requires devotion, patience, and attention. The more contact they have with humans, the easier it is to find them a safe forever home.   If you have a lot of love to give, these babies could use it. If you are interested, please email us at bowieclaw@gmail.com

See you at our general meeting Saturday July 20^th!

Past and Upcoming Events

Thank you to those who came out to the Bowie Fest! A number of people stopped by our kiosk including the parent of Kismet, the lost (and found) blind cat who Bowie CLAW helped to locate.  We also gained a new member and made some donations.  Thanks Lauren Semeniuk for leading this great event – and Paul Nadler and Deb Forespring (among others) for volunteering.

Traveling With Your Pet

Its summer vacation! Thinking of taking your beloved furry friend? Traveling with your pet(s) can be stressful, for both of you.  But there are things you can do to minimize this stress. 

BEFORE YOU GO, make sure your pet is fit to travel. Some animals simply cannot handle travel due to age, temperament, illness, etc.  Have all the proper identification for your furry friend. Get an id tag with your home address and cell number, as well as a temporary tag with the location and phone number of the hotel or place you plan to stay.  If you haven’t already, get your pet microchipped. Take photos of your pet’s medical documents and save them on your phone (or make a copy and toss them into your bag). For a comprehensive guide to traveling with pets, see  https://thepointsguy.com/guide/how-to-travel-with-pets/  This guide will give you advice on car travel, in-cabin air travel, cargo air travel, as well as booking pet friendly hotel stays.  Enjoy your vacation with your pet, but plan so your furry friend can stay safe!

Help Repeal Prince George’s County’s Anti-Pit Bull Ordinance

We recently learned that the Humane Rescue Alliance is partnering with a coalition of organizations working to repeal Prince George’s County’s ordinance prohibiting owning or keeping a dog labeled as a pit bull terrier. Please contact your Prince George’s County Councilmember and the At-Large Councilmembers and urge them to support the repeal of the ordinance. Dogs should be deemed dangerous or potentially dangerous based on a set of observed, concrete behaviors and criteria, not based on appearance and stereotypes.

Help ensure Prince George’s County joins the thousands of other cities, towns, and counties that have created a safe and humane community for their residents and their pets through sound public policy, rooted in science.

Election of Directors

At the recent General Membership Meeting of Bowie CLAW on May 18, the annual election of the Board of Directors was held.  Elected to a three-year term were Hugh Hammett, Virginia Jones, and Michael Semeniuk. Deb Forespring was elected to fill out the remaining two years of one position.  Tara Kelley-Baker and Paul Nadler continue to serve for another year in their positions.  There remains one Director position vacant for which the Board can choose to appoint an interested candidate for one year until the next annual election. If you are an active member and interested in serving, please reach out to us!

See you at our next General Meeting Saturday July 20^th!

Past and Upcoming Events

Thank you to those who came out to celebrate St. PAWtrick’s day with us! A special thanks to the volunteers: Maria Berrocal, Ronald Bond, Naiyaeliz Dunn, Jayla Hubb, Alina Benitez, Julie and Jaylin Rivas, Trinity and Tayah Hutchins, and Jessica and Sophia Chavez for helping with the event.  Caricatures were done by Avionne Akanbi (here is Paul Nadler and his pup!).  And of course a round of applause for the Hunt School of Irish Dance!

Lots of great events are coming up!

• April 13^th  Bowie CLAW will be at the Bowie Green Expo. The event takes place at Kenhill Center from 12-4.
• April 28^th  The annual Bowie CLAW Meet and Greet!  Visit us at the Food Court lawn at Bowie Town Center.  We will have dogs available for adoption from the Prince George’s Services and Adoption Center.
• May 4^th  Bowie CLAW’s Pet Round-up at the Texas Roadhouse in Bowie from 3-6:30pm. This is an adoption event in the parking lot of TX Roadhouse involving 9 rescues/animal shelters featuring adoptable cats, kittens, dogs, puppies, bunnies and guinea pigs looking for forever homes.  Flyers will be forthcoming so you can present a flyer to your server and either dine-in or carry- out. Bowie CLAW gets 10% of your food sale on that day!
• May 18^th Bowie CLAW General Meeting   at Bowie City Hall at 9:30 am. We invite and welcome everyone to join us.
• May, 22^nd and 23^rd – United Way of the National Capital Area “DoMore24 Power your Community Campaign.”  Bowie CLAW will have 24 hours during this campaign to raise much needed money for our Pet Assistance and Support (PAS) and feral kitten socialization program. Keep a look-out for our video!

We are seeking volunteers for all these events. Please email us at BowieCLAW@gmail.com.

Upcoming General CLAW Meeting

At the upcoming general meeting, May 18^th,@9:30 a.m. we will be holding an election for the Board of Directors. Five positions are opening on the Board.  To keep Bowie CLAW active and to continue the PAS program, we need active members who are willing to serve on this Board.  Please consider this opportunity and submit your interest by April 11^th to Virginia Jones (current Secretary) and/or Teresa Ruiz (current President) at BowieCLAW@gmail.com.

Scoop that Poop!

There are important reasons to clean up after your dog. When your dog does his business in the yard and the park (including the dog park), decomposition begins. Disease-causing bacteria and parasites seep into the soil and travel with the rain water runoff. These harmful bacteria and parasites become part of the local streams, rivers, and lakes.  People, including kids, play in and come into contact with the contaminated water.   Just one dog can produce 248 pounds of waste a year – there are 23 million bacteria in 1 tiny gram of dog poop.  Please do your part in keeping us all safe and healthy.  Enjoy being outside and have a very happy Spring! Go out and walk your dog – and scoop that poop!

See you at our general meeting Saturday May 18^t!

Hey, federal employees!  Please consider supporting Bowie CLAW in your Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) contributions this year!  Our Campaign Number is 15690.  Thank you!  And sign up for Smile.Amazon and at iGive.com, select Bowie Citizens for Local Animal Welfare, and a percentage of your online purchases will be donated at no additional expense to you–WIN-WIN for all.

Past and Upcoming Events

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Come celebrate how lucky you are to have your loving pet (and how lucky they are to have you!). Kiss the Blarney Bone and have your pet photographed – March 17th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Calvert Brewing Company, 15850 Commerce Ct. in Upper Marlboro. The Hunt School of Irish Dance with be featured at 2:00 PM –you don’t want to miss that!

10 Animals From Ireland You Should Celebrate on St. Patrick’s Day

As you don green get-ups and toast to St. Patrick, take a minute to think of all the wonderful gifts that the Emerald Isle has given us. Its native species includes the common lizard, the Irish hare, the good-natured Connemara pony and the Kerry Bog pony, the Irish moiled cow, and the easygoing Galway sheep. And don’t forget the gorgeous Irish dog breeds (like the Irish Water Spaniel, Irish Setter, Kerry Blue Terrier and the Glen of Immaal Terrier) we now love on this side of the world. Cheers!

Upcoming General CLAW Meeting, March 16, 9:30 am, Bowie City Hall

This is a very significant meeting for all members and our supporters who care about animal welfare. We have several important community events coming up, and we always welcome your participation as volunteers at these events. Additionally, there will be five opportunities (aka: vacancies) on the Board of Directors, and if you are an active member, we encourage you to volunteer to serve on our Board of Directors. To keep Bowie CLAW active and to continue the Pet Assistance and Support program, we need active members who are willing to serve on this Board. The Board meets six times a year to guide the mission of Bowie CLAW. Please consider this opportunity and submit your interest at BowieCLAW@gmail.com.

We are fortunate to have County Councilman Todd Turner join us on March 16. Mr. Turner will be speaking to the group regarding the outlook in our county for the 22 year old “pit bull ban”. This law is more correctly termed “breed-specific legislation” (or BSL). BSL legislation is a type of dangerous dog law. It is defined as any ordinance or policy that pertains to a specific dog breed or several breeds, but does not affect any others. Often this legislation targets pit bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and a variety of wolf-dog hybrids (among others). Bowie CLAW has been working for several years to change this legislation; there is no evidence that breed-specific laws, which are costly and difficult to enforce, make communities safer for people or their pets.

Please note: this is not a public hearing. Mr. Turner has graciously agreed to meet with Bowie CLAW because he learned that we had not been included in the most recent meeting with interested parties, and wants to update us. Mr. Turner is our representative on County Council, and is honoring his obligation to his constituents in District 4 by meeting with us. Mr. Turner is well aware of and supportive of all the reasons that this ban should be reversed. We welcome you to come, show your support, and listen to his most current perspective about what he is doing, what he can do, what he cannot do, and what we can do.

Should you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at BowieCLAW@gmail.com.

See you at our general meeting Saturday March 16th!

Hey, federal employees! Please consider supporting Bowie CLAW in your Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) contributions this year! Our Campaign Number is 15690. And sign up at Smile.Amazon and iGive.com to have a percentage of your online purchases donated to Bowie Citizens for Local Animal Welfare. Thank you!

Past and Upcoming Events

Our Valentine Kissing Booth at the Calvert Brewing Company was a loving success!

Thanks to all who participated and volunteered their time. Special kisses to Tyler Cotton, Adriel Borromeo, Alina Benitez, Julie and Jaylin Rivas, Natasha Morgan, Alexus Kellerman, Leigha Cromartie, Phoenix, Lila Pavelec, Teri Stumpf, Paul Nadler, Kathleen Parke, Virginia Jones, Jasmin Manning, Keva Michelle, and Teresa Ruiz!

Our next event will be the St. PAWtrick’s day celebration at the Calvert Brewing Company Sunday, March 17th 2019 from 1:00 to 4:00. The event will feature the Hunt School of Irish Dance. Come in your greenest attire and join us for a beer and fun!

Please mark your calendars – our next General Bowie CLAW meeting is Saturday, March 16h, 2018 at the Bowie City Hall. April 28 is the date for our annual Meet and Greet at Bowie Town Center Food Court lawn, and May 4 features the Texas Roadhouse Dine to Donate FUNdraiser. We invite you to join us at all these events, and volunteer to help make them a success for animals. Just send an email to bowieclaw@gmail.com.

Did you know having a dog can be good for your heart?

If you have a dog, you already know how warmth and comfort they bring to your life. But did you know science has found evidence that having a dog may help improve heart health? According to the Harvard Medical School, having pets is associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. Multiple studies have shown that people who live with dogs have lower blood pressure than those who do not. Scientist think this may be because their dogs have a calming effect on them, and because they tend to get more exercise (walk the dog!).

In addition to this, there is some evidence that living with a dog is associated with lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. One study focused on this area of work found that people with dogs had lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels than those without dogs. These differences weren’t explainable by diet, smoking, or body mass index (BMI). However, the reason for these differences is still not clear.

Dogs’ have a calming effect on us and appears to help us handle stress. For example, some research suggests that people with dogs experience less cardiovascular reactivity during times of stress. That means that their heart rate and blood pressure go up less and return to normal more quickly, reducing the effects of stress on the body. Petting your dog has an important role as studies have shown blood pressure goes down when a person pets a dog.

If you’re living with a dog (or two), or are thinking about it, the potential heart health benefits are big plus!

Pet Assistance and Support Program

We currently are supporting 63 animals: 43 cats, 18 dogs, a bird and a fish?! As many of you know, the PAS provides food, litter, toys, and necessary medical expenses to local residents who are struggling to afford their pets. Your participation in our fundraisers and your generous donations make this program possible! To learn more, or to volunteer to assist, please email bowieclaw@gmail.com.

See you at our general meeting Saturday March 16th!
Hey, federal employees! Please consider supporting Bowie CLAW in your Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) contributions this year! Our Campaign Number is 15690. And sign up online for Smile Amazon and iGive to support Bowie Citizens for Local Animal Welfare as you make online purchases. Thank you!