Free rabies clinic for Dutchess County residents Sunday

HOPEWELL JUNCTION — A free rabies clinic will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, hosted by the Dutchess County Department of Health in cooperation with the Dutchess County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The clinic will be at the East Fishkill Fire Training Center, 2502 Route 52.

Dutchess residents can obtain rabies shots free of charge for their dogs and cats, as well as domestic ferrets, at least 3 months of age. Non-residents will be charged $10 for each pet they have vaccinated.

All dogs must be on leashes. Cats and domestic ferrets must be in a carrier.

The vaccination will be good for three years for pets with prior immunization. For pets without proof of previous vaccination, it will be good for one year.

New York state requires rabies shots for all cats, dogs and domestic ferrets by the age of 4 months. Owners can be fined up to $200 if they fail to get pets vaccinated and keep them up-to-date.

Thank you, Alice

After a long day of chasing flood-related problems in eastern Dutchess, I was stuck at the newsroom writing stories about the damage.

As my colleague Alice Hunt was leaving for the day around 7 p.m., I flippantly asked her if she would walk my dog. Much to my surprise — and pleasure — she said, "Yes."

Alice, Kate thanks you and I thank you.

It's all about the dog.