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Lease A Dog Program
This fabulous program gives children who don't own a dog of their own, the opportunity to participate in the 4-H Paws N Pals Dog Club and dog related events throughout the course
of one year. This is the perfect opportunity for Moms and Dads to "try out" the responsibility of a dog with their child, before they make the major committment to buy or adopt
one. Many times dogs end up in the pound because the responsibility for care was more than the family bargained with. The Lease A Dog program gives a 4-H'er and his family time,
training, and education so that if and when they choose to adopt a dog of their own, it is a welcomed addition to their lives and not an unexpected burden. Leased dogs remain
in the homes of their owners for their day to day life, but they are made available for 4-H events, shows, practice sessions and performances for use by a 4-H'er. 4-H'ers and
sponsors can make arrangements for the 4-H'ers to carry more responsibilities in the life of the dog and more time with the dog if this is something that can be mutually agreed
upon.
To lease a dog through 4-H, the 4-H'ers must be a member of the 4-H Paws N Pals Dog Club and must attend 50% of our monthly meetings. The 4-H member is encouraged to participate in
club related dog performances and educational programs. The 4-H member is required to keep a project record on the dog they lease. The record must be submitted to the club leader by
the end of the calendar year. Both the sponsor and the 4-H'er must adhere to the 4-H Behavioral Expectations (4-H 418), the Maryland 4-H Code of Show Ring Ethics, MCE guidelines,
and any other county and/or state 4-H guidelines as applicable. The Lease arrangement can be terminated prior to the end of the project year for failure of the 4-H member to carry
out responsibilities that were agreed upon, or if both parties agree to break the lease. If a lease is terminated prior to the end of the lease year, a date and reason for
termination must be given in writing and be placed on file in the county 4-H Office. The 4-H member is required to pay $1.00 for the lease. If you are interested in leasing a dog
through the 4-H Paws N Pals Dog Program, fill out our Lease a Dog Form. Every effort will be made to pair each 4-H'er that requests a dog lease with a dog as soon as an available
sponsor can be located.
Become a Lease A Dog Sponsor
This valuable 4-H program is made possible by the willingness of local sponsors to allow an individual 4-H'er into the life of their dog for one year. The sponsor is asked to provide
their dog's time for 4-H dog project events, shows, and performances during the course of the lease. Other responsibilities for the care of the animal can be mutually agreed upon by
the sponsor, the 4-H'er, and the 4-H'ers family. Sponsors must adhere to the ethics and behavioral guidelines set forth above. If you are interested in becoming a Sponsor for the
4-H Paws N Pals Dog Program, fill out our Sponsor Form.
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