Special to the Star-Herald
“How are things going at the shelter?” That is what everyone wants to know. Well, things have been going pretty good, but raising the bar in our care of the animals costs money. We have been actively spaying and neutering, but again, it all costs money.
I was recently asked via e-mail why we do not have a program for adopters who are “low income.” The answer is that you are getting an awesome deal on the animals that you adopt from us, paying far less than what it costs us to provide all of these services. Your animal is spayed or neutered, has had its routine vaccinations, has had a flea treatment, has been feline leukemia tested, has been wormed (if necessary), dogs have been temperament tested, and dogs and cats have had its rabies shot. We lose money on every adoption because we are striving to keep our cost to the public low, but provide healthy, altered pets. I am sure you can understand. We would love to be able to “give them away,” but then we wouldn’t exist. What would happen to the unwanted and stray animals then?
The bottom line is that what you pay for an adoption price is the least expensive part of owning a pet. Yes, love is the most important thing, but with the commitment of pet ownership comes a financial responsibility. All that I can say is “you do the math.” You will find that what we are asking for an adoption fee is a reasonable price for the services that we provide.
The Central Aroostook Kennel Club is offering a clinic with Lillie Goodrich called “Reading and Listening to Dogs” on March 10-11. This is a great opportunity for anyone who has dogs to get to know them better. For more information about the presenter, you can go to www.glenhighlandfarm.com. For an application to this clinic, contact Tracy Snow-Cormier at 435-6150. It should be very interesting. There are limited spots, so book yours now.
Knowing your dog is the key to living with them and the key to a wonderful lasting relationship. Take the time to get to know what your dog is all about, what makes him tick and what motivates him. My dogs are all different, each with their own personality traits, just like people. The more you can listen and learn, the more it benefits your dog/guardian relationship.
If you are looking for a friend for life, please contact the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, or give us a call at 207-764-3441. Visit our available pets on line at www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
