By Monty Siekerman
Forty people and a variety of pets - dogs, a rabbit, a cat - attended a Responsible Pet Workshop on Saturday afternoon at Community Health Professionals. 

Melanie Butterfield (kneeling, right, with 14-year-old Ellie) organized the event as part of her Girl Scout gold award. There was a speaker about pet rescue and a veterinarian who talked about how to care for pets.

Melanie, a senior who is homeschooled, also obtained many donations which were handed out as door prizes to those who attended. She is a member of Alger Troop 20301. Melanie is the daughter of Randy and Angie Butterfield.

Deb Helser of Debs Dogs in Lima has a pet rescue that has saved many cats and dogs. She also provides dogs for Allen Correctional prisoners to socialize. In the past 10 years, the prisoners have worked with 950 dogs.  She also has dogs in 17 foster homes waiting for adoption. People wanting a cat or dog find Debs Dogs on Petfinder and have traveled to Lima from Coast to Coast to adopt one of her dogs.

Dr. Emily Janovyak of Metz Pets, SR 309, Ada, discussed food, water, preventive veterinary care, animal illnesses, even dental care of various kinds of pets. She answered questions from the audience.

The dozen or so dogs, plus the cat and the rabbit, sat through the hour-long event without a single bark, meow, or whatever sound a rabbit makes...and their owners learned much about how to responsibly care for them.

PHOTO: Deb Helser (left) with her rescued dog Buddy and Dr. Emily Janovyak of Metz Pets Veterinary Clinic.