Walkers raised over $3,000 for Paws for the Cause walk

    PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – Over four dozen participants of the two- and four-legged kind took part in this year’s Paws for the Cause Walk June 2, hosted by the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
Walkers began to gather around 9 a.m. at the shelter, meeting with other like-minded individuals, discussing their pets, what makes them special and the reasons for taking part in the annual fund-raiser.
    For Cindy Thibodeau and her West Highland Terrier, Duncan, it was about interaction with people and other dogs.
“This is a good social thing for Duncan,” said first-year walker Thibodeau, of Presque Isle.
Thibodeau said it would be nice if more businesses were out there to address the needs of pet owners.
“It would be nice if there were a doggy daycare for those of us who have to work and hate to leave our pets home all day,” said Thibodeau.
Elsie Ayotte, of Mapleton, had participated in past walks and attended this year’s event with her dog, J.J.
“J.J. is short for Jumping Jack; he’s quite active,” said Ayotte, noting she’d adopted J.J. about a year ago.
While some walkers brought pets of their own to walk, others volunteered their time to walk animals up for adoption at the shelter. Such was the case for Colleen Cochran and Ruth Moreau.
“Rascal and her sister came in together, at least one of them has already been spoken for,” said Cochran, talking about the husky mixes Cochran and Moreau had on leashes.
Bill Urban also offered to walk a shelter pet.
“Tank is his name, I think. He’s a lab and a good boy,” said Urban, participating for the third year.
Donna Thibeau returned with her ‘oops babies’ – two Shih Tzu-Pomeranian dogs she adopted.
“Willow’s the big one at 10 pounds, while Yoko, the little one, weighs 5 pounds. This is our third year. They were 8 weeks old when they were adopted and took part in their first walk, although they had to be carried that first year,” said Thibeau, smiling down at the two bundles of fur and personality at her feet.
While the majority of walkers were the human and canine variety, there was at least one hoofed creature this year – Susan Montpetit’s mini horse that was named most unique entry.
Elaine Littlefield, a shelter board member from Mapleton, also selected a shelter dog to walk.
“Bailey’s a beautiful dog. They’re all good dogs, in need of good homes,” said Littlefield. “We’re constantly working to provide each and every pet in our care with a good and loving home. This walk helps raise funds for us to continue to provide a place for these animals until those homes can be found. Without the public’s support, however, none of this would be possible.”
Raising just over $3,000, this year’s fund-raiser was ‘paws-itively’ a success, according to Christine Cowett Robinson, chairwoman of the shelter’s Board of Directors.
“We had great weather and a wonderful turnout. The yard sale went well and everyone had a good time,” said Robinson, adding plans were under way for next year’s walk.
For more information about the shelter or to make a donation, contact 764-3441.