Sixty-Seven Kent Canines Reunited With Owners in 2011

Sixty-seven of the 94 dogs taken in by the Kent Police Department Kennel last year had tail-wagging reunions with their people, according to year-end stats compiled by Dana Frazier, compliance officer.

Frazier said the 94 canines he dealt with in 2011 represented an increase of about five from 2010.

“Rarely do I pick up any dogs running loose in town, which is due to good enforcement and a concerned public,” Frazier said. “People in Kent are fantastic as far as dogs go. Most of the (dogs) I take in come from people finding them in their neighborhood, then tying them up outside or taking them into their home until I get there.”

Frazier said the 67 dog-owner reunions came about either because the owners knew to call the police if their dog got loose or someone saw a lost-dog poster in town and matched it up with a kennel occupant.

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Unfortunately, Frazier said, there are also a few frequent fliers at the kennel.

“We have some repeat offenders who just know to come and look for their dog (at the city kennel),” he explained.  

Of the 94 dogs processed last year, Frazier adopted out 13 of them from the city kennel, which is located at 1220 Mogadore Road. Of those 13, about four were taken by the Portage County Animal Protective League in Ravenna and the others were adopted by city residents.

Frazier said another 13 dogs were turned over to the Portage County Dog Warden Shelter in Ravenna.

“Those are the pit bulls, aggressive dogs, very old dogs, sick dogs – the ones that can’t be adopted out,” Frazier said. “Not all are destroyed, though, because the county pound is not automatically a dead end. Big changes there are resulting in a lot more adoptions.”

He said the city does not charge for adoptions, but it does charge owners whose dogs are held in the kennel until their reunion. The fees are $10 for the first day and $5 every day thereafter. The money generated – $635 in 2011 – goes to the city’s general fund.

The police department itself funds the kennel’s actual operating costs, supplemented by donations from generous city employees.

“Police department and fire department members regularly give donations of bedding and food and treats. And, many of the dogs adopted out (over the years) are adopted by city employees,” Frazier laughed. “Police officers, budget and finance employees, service department employees have all adopted dogs from impound.”

Police Officer Michael Fleming is among those proud adoptive city employees. His cell phone features a photo of “Daddy’s Girl,” the German Shephard he adopted from the kennel.

Adoption Alert: 'Fantastic' beagle mix seeks new family

An incredibly sweet, snuggly male beagle mix is currently up for adoption at the city kennel, located at the southwest corner of the Cherry Street and Mogadore Road intersection. The dog kennel is in the southwest corner of the municipal garage there.

Frazier said the dog, estimated to be about two years old, was found about 10 days ago on Rockwell Street. He is in excellent physical shape, indicating he likely wasn’t on the run for long before getting caught, and he knows basic commands.

“He has a fantastic disposition … he’s a real heartbreaker,” Frazier said.

To claim the dog as yours, or to adopt him, call Kent Police at 330-673-7732.