Special to The Star-Herald
Wow! I just can’t believe how quickly Christmas is coming; it is right around the corner. Our little tree at the Central Aroostook Humane Society has many wonderful donations left under it from generous supporters. Unfortunately, the nature of the beast with non-profits is to struggle financially, but generous donations make what we do possible and we greatly appreciate them. Even one donated bag of cat litter lessens our burden.
A few weeks ago, a beautiful gray and white cat was brought to the Central Aroostook Humane Society. This kitty had been found out in the woods, terribly hurt. He had a horrific gaping wound in his neck, but was an incredibly lovable boy. We took this cat to the vet and got a call later stating that the cat had been shot and that pellets had been removed from this poor little guy’s neck. Yes, he had been shot in the neck and left for dead in the woods. But he wasn’t dead; he was left wounded, to starve to death, freeze or be eaten. So we did the right thing … we got medical attention for the cat, but while recovering, the cat we have named Heart, 1) because he has such a will to live, and 2) because he has a little, gray heart shape on his face, has come down with a virus. His vet bill is extensive, but we feel that this kitty is a survivor and was found so that he can become someone’s beloved pet. We are asking for help with vet bills for this poor kitty. Anyone wishing to donate toward his medical bills can do so at the shelter or go directly to Hotham’s Veterinary Services. We know times are tough, but every little bit counts.
On a happier note, on Saturday, Dec. 13, the Mane Eventers 4H club got together and made blankets for the kitties and biscuits for the dogs at the shelter. It is wonderful to see kids of all age groups have such compassion for the animals, and work so hard to make the goodies. Items like these do not cost a lot to make, but do make a huge difference in the lives of the abandoned, neglected and unwanted animals in our area. It is wonderful to see cats all cuddled up in soft beds and dogs enjoying a special snack. Anything we can do to make their stay with us a more comfortable one.
We all know that the key to fighting animal abuse and neglect is to talk to the children. They are our future and they are the ones who will be open minded enough to listen. The Central Aroostook Humane Society would love the opportunity to speak to your group, no matter what age, and talk about responsible pet ownership, why we spay and neuter, how we can make a positive impact on the lives of animals in our community or any other issue you would like addressed. All we need is an invitation.
Have you seen the display done at the Turner Memorial Library in Presque Isle? It is a display dedicated to animals. They are collecting donations there for the animals at the Central Aroostook Humane Society. So instead of coming to the shelter, feel free to stop by the library and make a donation there. We are so pleased that the library saw the importance of raising animal awareness in the community and put up such a nice display.
The transition has started and animals are being moved from Caribou Pet Rescue to the Central Aroostook Humane Society. I want to assure everyone that we will care for the animals who come into our facility, just as we have done in the past, with top quality care. One thing to remind members of the community who find a stray animal is that you can bring it directly to our shelter yourself. If you find an animal and do not feel comfortable capturing it or transporting it, then call your local animal control officer. Below is from the State of Maine Animal Welfare Laws: §3947. Animal control officers. Each municipality shall appoint one or more animal control officers whose duties are enforcement of sections 3911, 3912, 3916, 3921, 3924, 3943, 3948, 3950, 3950-A, 3952 and 4041 and Title 17, section 1023 responding to reports of animals suspected of having rabies in accordance with Title 22, sections 1313 and 1313-A and any other duties to control animals as the municipality may require. [2007, c. 439, §26 (AMD)]. For more information on what these sections are, go to http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/7/title7sec3911-A.html.
We are lucky to have some of the most compassionate animal control officers I have seen. Most of them are ACOs part time as a supplement to their full-time jobs. We work very closely with Animal Control Officers, as our jobs are very related. We depend on them to bring us strays, they depend on us to take them, so a good working relationship is a must. So the bottom line is, if you find a stray, call animal control, they will pick it up and we will take care of it. If you have any questions regarding your animal control officer or his duties, call the municipality he or she works for.
If you are looking for a “friend for life,” please visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society. Our business hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday or give us a call at 764-3441. You can also visit us on line at www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
Contributed photo
MEMBERS OF THE MANE EVENTERS 4H CLUB recently got together and made blankets for the kitties and biscuits for the dogs at the Central Aroostook Humane Society in Presque Isle. Pictured are, front row, from left: Emma Postell and Anna Robinson. Middle row: Madi Postell, Meg Gagnon and Hannah Postell. Back row: McKenzie Clevette, Allyssa Kilcollins, Sarah Tompkins, Paige Gagnon, Melissa Tompkins and Morgan Bartlett.
