Hassel

WHY, then, is the word "Hassel" NOT making use of the same type of "s"?

Tassel Hassles Jen 2009

Hassel created the syllabus; local dog trainers and vets agreed to volunteer their time; the Town of Islip Animal Shelter spread the word about the effort and informed new adopters of the learning opportunity; and Canine Fence has put forth $3,000 every year, half of the $6,000 the rest comes from sponsorships that Hassel takes for developing the curricula, rounding up the experts, organizing and publicizing the classes, and amassing free "goody bags"for attendees.

Pet Talk: Be a Responsible Dog Owner 2011

Now we can take all the cities back from Gadhafi, Hassel said.

Libyan rebels cautiously optimistic after victory 2011

We pushed them back all the way from Gar Younis, said rebel soldier Yasser Hassel, 33, a father of two in military fatigues.

Libyan rebels cautiously optimistic after victory 2011

The three-hour class, taught by local trainers a veterinarian and legal expert also often chime in, is "designed to help educate dog owners about basic puppy and dog behavior, training tools and techniques, children and dog safety, dog park etiquette, health and law," says Hassel.

Pet Talk: Be a Responsible Dog Owner 2011

Getting this thing off the ground and integrating it into the civic culture involved the kind of multi-group cooperation that warms the soul: Hassel, reacting to a casual discussion among friends about how helpful some easy-to-access basic instruction would be to most dog owners, approached the town leaders, who voted to let the monthly sessions be held in a municipal training room and publicize them on the town website.

Pet Talk: Be a Responsible Dog Owner 2011

This gets them moving in the right direction, says Nancy Hassel, animal lover and PR person, who saw the need for a basics course a few years back and pressed it into being.

Pet Talk: Be a Responsible Dog Owner 2011

Well, there are far fewer owner turn-ins at the shelter among owners who have taken the class, says Hassel.

Pet Talk: Be a Responsible Dog Owner 2011

I hear from many people after the classes that they had been at wits' end, almost in tears, not knowing what to do with problem behaviors and not sure anything would help, says Hassel.

Pet Talk: Be a Responsible Dog Owner 2011

It's the kind of thing that could definitely work in other communities, Hassel believes, though the start-up is fairly labor intensive, and keeping on top of the details for 12 sessions a year is no tiny task.

Pet Talk: Be a Responsible Dog Owner 2011