Dogs, owners to share in fun at special event in Marlboro
BY TALI ISRAELI
Staff Writer

MARLBORO - It will be a dog day afternoon.

Dog-Ease Day Care Center and Kennels is inviting all Monmouth County residents to participate in the American Kennel Club's (AKC) fourth annual Responsible Dog Ownership Day.

The event will be help at Dog-Ease Day Care, 234 Boundary Road, on Sept. 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dog-Ease, which has locations in Shrewsbury and Marlboro, is owned by Best Friends Pet Care.

According to the BFPC's Internet Web site, during September organizations around the country will be holding free events for pet lovers to celebrate the AKC's Responsible Dog Ownership Day. The events are designed to teach first-time dog owners the responsibilities of having a pet and to teach current owners how to enhance their relationship with their pet.

The Responsible Dog Ownership Day will reinforce the AKC's belief that canine companionship is a privilege that must be respected and nurtured, according to the Web site.

Some of the responsibilities that are mentioned on the Web site include:

+ Recognizing that a dog's welfare is totally dependent on the owner;

+ Providing fresh food and water;

+ Proper socialization and regular grooming;

+ Regular veterinarian visits;

+ Adherence to local leash laws and having proper identification;

+ Providing ample physical and emotional stimulation.

Although 2006 marks the fourth year the AKC is hosting this event, it is the first time Best Friends Pet Care is the official boarding and grooming sponsor for the celebration.

According to Jeff Rosen, Dog-Ease Day Care manager, the Marlboro and Shrewsbury facilities were chosen to promote the event due to the kennels' outstanding pet care commitment.

Dog-Ease Day Care is an indoor and outdoor facility with more than 5,000 square feet of cageless space featuring separate play areas for large and small dogs.

According to the firm's Internet Web site, Dog-Ease offers an alternative to traditional kennels; one in which all dogs play within supervised groups with dogs their own size and temperament in order to develop, strengthen and improve socialization skills and provide natural energy outlets.

According to Rosen, the Marlboro event will feature fun and educational activities throughout the afternoon. Four Paws Animal Hospital, Marlboro, will provide free rabies shots and promote health and wellness for animals. Dog-Ease Day Care's groomer will promote teeth cleaning and provide lessons on how to better care for a dog. Freida's Favorites will be making dog treats.

Mutts N More, along with another animal rescue group, will have dogs available for adoption at the event. Although the SPCA, Eatontown, will not be bringing dogs for adoption, representatives of the organization will be present at the event.

Representatives from Marlboro animal control will provide pet licensing for Marlboro residents only. Fairy Tales Dog Training will provide free canine good citizen testing.

The event will also feature several contests including the biggest dog, smallest dog, a dog and owner look-alike contest and a best pet trick contest. Workshops will be provided to teach youngsters about animal safety.