Special to the Aroostook Republican
People who find kittens in boxes on the roadside bring them to CPR for protection. We appreciate these responsible people. I fume about people who lie when they bring in litters of “stray” kittens with “names.” They are abusing the smallest, most helpless and sweetly innocent of God’s creatures by not spaying their pets. How can anyone look into these dear little faces and not care. Spay & Neuter – It’s the ONLY way.
Contrirbuted photo
Caribou Pet Rescue introduces you to Cinnamin, a lovely, clean and 1-1/2 year old short-hair spayed female of dusty orange tiger stripes. She is leukemia free, has all shots and is free of any parasites. She can be seen at her foster home by calling 896-5650. Ask for Norma.
If you are a low-income family, the state animal welfare office will spay/neuter your pet with only a $10.00 co-pay. You need to call early on the first day of each month because the demand is so big they run out of funding quickly. The Maine low-cost spay/neuter “Help Fix ME” program telephone is 1-800-367-1317.
We should all set good examples of responsible pet ownership by spaying and neutering our pets. To brag that your cat had 4 kittens and you found homes for all 4 of them is disgusting. By allowing your pet to produce 4 offspring, you have actually stolen homes from 4 needy shelter animals.
The other night, I held 2 kittens while they were dying. The next day, I had to give up 4 of the same litter to be euthanized because of feline AIDS. I literally collapsed with grief that night. At least one of the feral parents on Sweden Street in Caribou has feline AIDS and has passed the disease on to the offspring. We have tried since 2005 to get control of this colony by using the trap/neuter/release (T/N/R) method of colony elimination by attrition. We test for feline Leukemia/AIDS before the spay/neuter surgery. Statistics show that this humane method works for controlling cat colonies. Otherwise, a new alpha male and his group would just move in. The legal owner (feeder) would not let CPR have the adult cats, just the kittens. The adults are now producing terminally ill babies. It is far too late to save this colony.
Your cat can be tested for feline AIDS, but there is no cure. It is fatal. If you live in the Sweden St. area, I recommend your cat stay inside or build them protective outside playpens. Humans cannot catch Feline AIDS.
CPR is grateful for your recent financial help. Our beautiful supporters have continued to help us through this tough time. We know CPR will continue to struggle through these high prices. We know that “this, too, shall pass.” We promise to work hard for these precious animals.
NEW HOURS: We are trying to lower operating expenses without cutting animal programs, and will cut more public hours (not animal care hours). We are adding one more “closed” day. On July 28, CPR will start being closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday (employees show for animal care 2 x day). CPR open hours will be: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and 4 to 7 pm. Saturday public hours will be from 10 am to 5 pm. Hopefully these new hours will encourage additional adoptions in the evening hours as well saving on wages. Employees will have 2 work shifts on closed days. If you have an emergency, leave a message on the answering machine and the next shift will return your call.
Returnable bottles continue to spay/neuter many precious animals. This fundraiser is a weekly blessing to CPR. The 88 Bennett Drive Redemption Center continues to work hard at helping CPR to keep a steady fundraiser. We appreciate your support.
Caribou Pet Rescue, the Emergency Management (EMA), C.E.R.T. personnel, Caribou Police Dept., Caribou Fire and Ambulance are joining “Caribou Cares about Kids” adding “Caribou Cares About Kids and Pets.” We are planning a big shindig on August 9. The Courthouse parking lot will be covered with tents. On one side, Dr. James Hotham will be conducting a microchip clinic and a rabies & distemper clinic. On the other side of the tent, the Caribou Police Dept will be conducting a children’s Iris Scan from the National Missing Children’s Network. And in the middle, I’ll let you ponder on that. Mark August 9th, from 10-2 pm for the CPR Courthouse Kids & Pets Safety Fair. Channel X will be on site from 10 am to 1 pm.
Call 498-3800 for information or check out our pets at Caribou Pet Rescue, 6 Richards Rd., PO Box 488, Caribou, ME 04736 Neuter and Spay – It’s the ONLY Way.
