Special to the Aroostook Republican
I received an e-mail from from Norma Milton, president of Caribou Pet Rescue, Inc. Board of Directors last week. Norma was most concerned about a Caribou family that found itself in the unenviable position of having to choose between family and their pets. Caribou Pet Rescue (CPR) serves the stray animals in seven communities—Caribou, Washburn, New Sweden, Stockholm, Westmanland, Limestone, and Cyr Plantation. We often try to help people place their owned animals by referrals to our network of those looking for a certain types of pets. This way, animals benefit without ever having to come into the shelter, and even through we do not get an adoption fee, we can help these families in times of hardship. Because kennel and cage space is limited, we must reserve units for each community’s Animal Control Officer’s strays. Other times we must make exceptions and pray for sponsors to help with the medical care of some special pets. This is such an exception.
This is a special situation. A local family has made every effort to place their much-loved pets. With high fuel prices and the resulting “trickle-down” effect, many of us have struggled with decisions—what to pay first, how much food can we buy? Pets often come in last. This family can no longer care for their dog and cat, and, in a heartbreaking moment, asked Norma if they could bring their animals in to the shelter. Their female pets have not been immunized, and neither are spayed because the family simply could not afford to do this.
Now this family is facing a medical crisis. The daughter of a very sick mother must give up her family’s apartment that accepts pets and move in with her mother so she can give her 24-hour care. Her mother’s apartment does not allow pets. The financial situation was already bad enough, but they now they are hitting rock walls.
This family cannot afford to spay and update shots before bringing them in to CPR, when we would normally waive our owner-surrender fee. These animals need help now, and in the case of such an emergency, CPR will take them, but we need some help from our friends.
Norma estimates that $200-240 will be required for spaying, worming and immunization of the dog. The cat will need about $100-130 for leukemia test, shots, worming and spaying. So, a minimum of about $300 will be needed to get these animals ready for adoption. CPR can waive the incoming owner surrender fee and provide daily care until adoption time.
Can help with even just a few dollars? Can you take up a collection at work? Every cent helps. Then send it to us at Caribou Pet Rescue, P.O. Box 488, Caribou, ME 04736. You can send your check to the Presque Isle Animal Hospital, P.O. Box 352, Presque Isle, ME 04769, and ask them to credit it to the CPR account as a sponsorship for needful owned pets.
Thank you for your support through donations and volunteerism. Our shelter is located at 6 Richards Road in Caribou. Our mailing address is P.O. Box 488, Caribou, ME 04736. Our telephone number is 498-3800. Caribou Pet Rescue, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible.
Visit our Web site, www.cariboupetrescue.org, for shelter news and photos of our adorable, adoptable pets. Remember–Neuter and Spay! It’s the ONLY way!
