Cohousing-L Mailing List: Pets

[MartyR707 (MartyR707]

In a message dated 2/28/97 7:58:44 PM, Joani Blank wrote:

<<Rumor has it that pet policy is the single most  contentious issue in
cohousing communities. Is that true today?............so I do not have a
serious emotional involvement with domesticated animals. Besides that, I'm
deathly allergic to cats. But I am fascinated by the relationship
that others have with their pets.>>

Well, Joani, I am one of those "others".  I have two cats and a dog who are
my family.  They are happy to see me when I come home and curl up with me
when I am sick.  I won't go on about that in deference to those who "don't
get it", but I will say that we have not had a problem with pet policy so
far.  Of course, we're not built yet and there are not a whole lot of pets in
the group so far.  Molly (my golden retriever) has become a good friend of
many members (especially the kids), and we have an arrangement where we
"share" pets.  So a couple of other families are sort of godparents to my
doggie, and that way don't have to get one.

We've so far recommended a personal responsibility sort of policy that says -
"if there are problems with pets, we'll deal with them then."  Owners of
course are expected to do poop patrol, prevent annoying barking, and
generally keep their pets from being a nuisance.  I'll keep you all posted
after we move in.

(Joani, sorry about your allergies - we'll have to meet in the common house
when you come to visit!!)

Marty Roberts, Sebastopol, CA
Where we're starting to plan our groundbreaking celebration!!  And still hard
to believe!