Dog ownership class taught through Marysville Parks & Recreation Oct. 8

MARYSVILLE — Jennifer Ward, co-director of Scrub-A-Mutt, will be teaching a class entitled "Mom! Can We Get A Dog?" through Marysville Parks and Recreation on Saturday, Oct. 8, at the Jennings Barn from 10-11:30 a.m.

Attendees will be walked through the process of choosing, raising and training their new best friends. A variety of materials and handouts will be provided, including references to dog rescue groups, breeders, vets, groomers and more.

Discussions will cover subjects such as determining if you are ready for the responsibility of a dog, the process of picking the right dog breed for your family, where to get a dog, veterinarian expenses, training and overall care. Attendees will meet Dexter, Ward's yellow Labrador Retriever, and children will learn how to approach a dog, including some basic dog etiquette.

"With Scrub-A-Mutt, I work with so many dog rescue groups," Ward said. "I see a real need for educating future pet owners on the true responsibilities and costs of bringing a dog home. The more we educate, the less full our shelters will be."

The class is $25, and you can bring the whole family, up to five people. Please don't bring children under the age of 4. Class registration information can be found in the current Fall/Winter 2011 Parks & Recreation Guide for the city of Marysville. You can also register online by visiting the city's website at www.marysvillewa.gov.

Ward is the co-director of Scrub-A-Mutt, a nonprofit dedicated to raising money for dog rescue groups, and currently shares her home with two big dogs.

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