Happy Holidays from the Humane Society

By Christine Cowett Robinson
Special to The Star-Herald
    HOLY COW! What a wild storm last Sunday night/Monday. The wind was horrific. All I could think of was the animals shivering out in the cold. How many were huddled in their doghouses with no bedding on a chain, just hoping to make it through the night? It honestly haunts me. A bale of straw is approximately $3. That isn’t much for your peace of mind, is it? If your dog has to stay outside, so be it, but at least provide a warm shelter, clean dry bedding, clean fresh water and extra food. That is the least of your responsibilities as a pet owner. If you fear an animal is in danger in the cold, please report it to you local Animal Control agents. Their job is to investigate and make sure that animals are safe.
    Did you sign on to www.zootoo.com/makeover to earn points for the Central Aroostook Humane Society? We see many people have signed on, but you must also reply by clicking on the link that is sent to you after you sign up via e-mail. If you don’t confirm using that e-mail, then you won’t be earning any points. So please, check it out and help us win a million dollar makeover!!
    If you didn’t pick up your Pictures with Santa Paws, please do so. They are available at the shelter and we are open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wasn’t that a lot of fun? Santa was a great sport and it was nice to see the magical winter wonderland come alive again this year. Our “cat lady,” Sharon Brown, works hard all summer going to yard sales and collecting decorations in anticipation for this event. All the staff help set up our picture room. It is truly amazing.
    The Central Aroostook Humane Society is full to the brim with wonderful animals that are deserving of loving homes. It is sad to see them sit there for weeks, just waiting for someone to come along and adopt them. Please know that we do not put a time limit on how long an animal can stay with us. This is something that I am asked about over and over. We keep them until we find them a home.
    There is one dog in particular, Bear, who has been with us for over a month. There is nothing special about this brindle pudgy boy, but he makes me smile. He is shy and sweet, so maybe he goes unnoticed. He is a great dog and was surrendered because his owners were moving. This is a nice dog, but again, there is nothing outstanding about his features, until you look into his eyes. Bear is going to make someone a wonderful companion, if someone would only give him a chance.
    Again, we need cat litter! Non-scoopable, any brand. Other suggestions for our needs are donations toward our fuel bill, wet cat food (Special Kitty Tuna Banquet), bleach, paper towels, old dog beds, blankets, laundry detergent – get creative. We would also love to see Wal-mart gift cards as we can buy a lot of our supplies there. All donations are so greatly appreciated. It seems that when we think our cages and kennel may have an empty spot, we get another call of a needy animal and our shelter fills to the brim again. This has been a tough year for us.
    We wish you a very Happy Holiday. Be safe and stay warm.