Cats, FVSU Wildcats That is, Prowl for Dogs in Lynmore Estates
Students from Ft. Valley State University’s (FVSU) Veterinary Technology Program teamed with resident youth of Lynmore Estates to update the canine census originally conducted in February of this year. The teams canvassed the ten streets comprising Lynmore Estates collecting data that will be referenced for the spay/neuter event tentatively planned for October 23, 2014. The form used in the canvassing asked specific questions concerning the dog’s breed, age, sex, weight, address, owner and other demographic information. Canvas volunteers met at Southside Community Church’s Family Life and Learning Center for a brief orientation led by MAHFH’s Neighborhood Revitalization Manager, Dr. Sundra Woodford. They were instructed to introduce themselves as Habitat volunteers, share the purpose of the survey, and collect the data. Volunteers were also asked to note any stray dogs observed via written description or photo. FVSU reps, paired with resident youth received their street assignments and began their trek through the streets of Lynmore Estates. The teams, donned in yellow vests, were well received by residents once they identified themselves as Habitat volunteers. Residents willingly provided the requested information for their dog(s). Of the 299 residential neighborhood, data was collected on all but two of the 10 streets comprising the neighborhood. Results included the collection of information from 32 households and on 76 dogs, averaging two dogs per household. During the debriefing, the teams noted a number of stray dogs, particularly on one of the perimeter streets inundated with vacant and abandoned houses. Data collected on this second canine census will be compared to the prior data collected February 15, 2014 by the Peach Orchard Animal Rescue Group and resident youth. Once a comprehensive list has been compiled, pet owners will be contacted and registered for the free Planned Pethood event which will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2014. SAFE (Saving Animals From Euthanasia), Inc. will perform the spay and neuter services. The Planned Pethood event is sponsored by Macon Area Habitat for Humanity in partnership with Paws and Adopt Animal Rescue, Peach Orchard Animal Welfare, the Lynmore Estates Neighborhood Watch Association, and Macon-Bibb Animal Welfare Department. Funding for the project is made possible by the generous donations of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, the Ozzy’s Fund, The Carrie Johnson Wheeler Endowment for Animal Welfare, and the Clayton and Carol Paul Fund for Animal Welfare.
The following are some images from the event:
Pictured are participants in the Lynmore Estates canine census canvassing held Oct. 4, 2014. Front row: resident Stephen Gagne, resident Kemorri Ivey, FVSU instructor Ms. Karen Capps, FVSU student Mercedes Wright, FVSU student Lindsey Leach, FVSU student and Neighborhood Watch Manager, Dr. Sundra Woodford. Back row: resident DeShawn Raines, neighborhood resident Jeremy Chappell, FVSU student Tirrell Nichols, and Taylor Westly, FVSU student.
