Shelter says goodbye to a dear friend

16 years ago
By Christine Cowett Robinson
Special to the Aroostook Republican

    It is with sad hearts that we learned of the passing of our very own Santa Paws, Tony Palmer. Tony and Helen Palmer have been long-time supporters of the Central Aroostook Humane Society. Tony was there to play Santa Paws from the very first Pictures with Santa Paws fund-raiser. He always had a smile on his face and joy in his heart for both the kids and the animals. Tony will be very sadly missed by all.

ImagePhoto courtesy of Christine Robinson
    The Central Aroostook Humane Society has lost a dear friend, with the recent passing of Tony “Santa Paws” Palmer, pictured here in 2004 with Anna Robinson.

    Awesome news! Ellie the wonderful kitty who had been at the Central Aroostook Humane Society almost a year has found her forever home! Know the best part? I knew her new owner! I couldn’t be happier for this little kitty; she must be in heaven having the freedom to roam around and get used to the new environment and feel safe and loved. This is one very lucky kitty.
    There are many kitties at the shelter waiting for loving homes and dogs too! This has been a super busy year for us, and kitten season is coming! Please don’t wait to have your pet spayed or neutered, it is not worth risking an unwanted litter being born.  
    Have you ever noticed that when your dog has that occasional “accident” in the house that it is usually in the same spot? “You and Your Dog” Magazine gives us the following information: Dogs detect odors that haven’t been fully removed. This can cause repeated accidents in the same spot inside. The following easy steps will remove both the stains and the associated odors: 1. Soak urine up with paper towels and pick up feces with a plastic bag; 2. Apply a mild detergent solution; 3. Gently blot the carpet, do not scrub; 4. Work from the outside of the stain; and 5. Use a fabric refresher, such as Fabreze deep clean to neutralize the smell.  Fabreze products are veterinarian-approved by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as safe to use around dogs and cats, when used as directed. However, as with any cleaning product, never spray it directly on your dog or cat
    I personally have found that to prevent “accidents,” confining my dogs to a certain area, especially at night, works well. I have found that by putting up a child gate and keeping them in one room, or in a crate, I don’t have a mess to deal with in the morning. It is a much more pleasant way to start my day!  
    We recently received a wonderful gift of fruit sent to the shelter from a long-time strong supporter from Florida. It is so nice to receive tokens of appreciation, to know that people are thinking about us and appreciate the work we do. Our staff is the absolute best; they deserve to be paid 10 times what we are able to pay them; they hardly ever complain and the animals always come first. If you visit our shelter, please remember to let the employees know that you appreciate the hard work that they do.
    One  positive thing that keeps us all going is hearing “happy ending” stories and receiving pictures of the animals you have adopted from us. Each happy ending gives us positive energy to continue on when things aren’t going so well or we feel discouraged. You can e-mail your stories and pictures to CAHS@atimaine.com; we would love to hear from you!
    If you are looking for a friend for life, please stop by the Central Aroostook Humane Society and visit with the wonderful animals we have available for adoption. Our hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or give us a call at 764-3441.
    Please have your pets spayed or neutered!

Image        Contributed photo
    Goldie, an 8 months old spayed, yellow tiger-striped female cat, is a happy, gentle sweetie who commands laughter as you watch her play games. She would do very well in a home with other pets and kids. Goldie is currently living in a foster home environment. We provide each pet with Leukemia testing, all age appropriate shots, cleared of any parasites and spayed/neutered before adoption. We do socialization activities to assess the pet’s personality development for the most suitable adoption. Madawaska Lake Homeless Cats does not charge any fee for adoption. Call Norma at 8960-5650. 

 

 

 

 

ImageContributed Photo
    Peanut Butter (PB) is the well-fed, contented and confident Madawaska Lake Education Cat. He is hopeful that all pet owners will be cautious about letting their pets outside during this brutal winter weather. An owner should stand outside while a dog does his business to be sure he does not stumble in the cold and lose his ability to walk back to the house. Cats should be kept inside with a clean litter box available at all times. This is the best way to protect loved pets from the dangerous cold weather. PB cautions that a cat named Bradley came to us this week exhausted and frozen almost to death. Bradley lost half of his right ear from frostbite. After intensive rest and food for a few weeks, Bradley will recover and be available for adoption soon at no charge. Keep your pets safe and happy by providing comfort and a space of their own in your home.