Special to The Star-Herald
Paws for the Cause is right around the corner! Won’t you help the Central Aroostook Humane Society make this year’s walk to benefit the unwanted or abandoned animals of The County a great one? What can you do? You can sponsor someone who will be walking or you can bring your dog and participate. It will be fun for all. What I like most is seeing the different breeds represented at the walk. We will offer free refreshments, items for sale and prizes. Just think of how awesome it would be if everyone in The County donated just $1. We are hoping that Mother Nature cooperates, because this walk will happen rain or shine. We are offering a rabies clinic (Presque Isle Animal Hospital), so if your dog or cat is due for their rabies vaccination, come to the humane society; now is the time to have it done. The rabies clinic is offered from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. We are also offering a micro chipping clinic (Hothams Veterinary Service) from 1-2:30 p.m. at the humane society. Other fun things are a dog wash and photos with your pet. Bring the whole family; this is going to be a fun one, so don’t miss it.
“Responsible pet ownership.” What does that really mean? How do you become a responsible pet owner? I think it is commonsense, but I must be mistaken. It takes much more than food and water to be a responsible pet owner. Pets are totally dependent on us for their survival and welfare. All too often I see dogs trapped in cars at the shopping centers when it is way too hot. I see dogs out in the winter with no shelter, food or water. Noah’s Bark Pet Rescue in California gives us this extensive list; I think it covers most of it:
• Owning a pet is a lifetime commitment. If you can’t make the commitment, don’t get the pet.
• Choose a pet that fits your lifestyle. Don’t get a high energetic dog if you don’t have the time to exercise him. If you can’t afford grooming or can’t do the grooming yourself, pick a low maintenance dog.
• Spay or neuter your pets. There are too many homeless animals without adding to the problem.
• Don’t make your dog a “backyard dog.” Dogs strive on companionship and need to be with their human pack.
• Be aware of weather conditions. Leaving your dog in the car on a hot day or in the yard without shade or water is risking your dog’s life.
• Make sure your home is “pet” safe. Pesticides, medications, household cleaners and some houseplants (dieffenbachia, philodendron, hyacinth, and mistletoe) can be deadly to your pet. Keep them out of reach.
• Provide veterinary care for your pet. Keep their vaccinations up-to-date and make sure they have annual checkups.
• Keep an identification tag on your pet … it is your pets’ ticket back home. Both dogs and cats need ID!! Microchipping is good too, but an external tag is essential; it could mean the difference of your neighbor returning your pet to you or turning him into the pound!
• Obedience train and socialize your animal.
• Don’t let your pets run loose. Dogs should be walked on leashes. Any outdoor off leash access should be secure in a fenced area. An outdoor cat’s average life span is three years, an indoor cat’s average life span is 14 years.
• Provide your pet the proper diet. Obesity can be as deadly as malnutrition. Be aware that some foods can be deadly such as chocolate, and fatty foods can cause pancreatitis.
• Make sure your pet gets the proper amount of exercise.
• Take extra precautions during holidays like the Fourth of July. It is the scariest time for pets; make sure your pets are secure indoors. Also protect your pet during Halloween.
• Be kind to your pet and shower him with love … remember you are his world.
• Take special care of your pet during their senior years.
If you have any questions about how your pet should be cared for or how to best meet their needs, speak to your veterinarian; they are the best source for keeping your pet healthy and happy.
One day, a potential adopter came into the shelter. He picked out a dog and filled out the adoption application. While reviewing the application, we realized that he had two cats that were not altered and not up-to-date on shots. After a bit of discussion, we denied the application and told him that after he had his animals altered and up-to-date on their shots, then he could come back and we would discuss an adoption. His reply was, “Well, what if I want to breed this dog?” I couldn’t believe it. We are so much more than the “pound.” We are a humane society and we strive to make the lives of the unwanted animals of The County better. We try to match the best animals with the most compatible and responsible pet owners. We do ask that adopters fill out a brief application. We do call your references, and most importantly, we do our vet checks. We try to educate the public about responsible pet ownership, and what that really means. The animals at the Central Aroostook Humane Society belong to us, and it is our responsibility and commitment that each pet goes to the best possible home that we can find.
If you are looking for a friend for life, please visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, or give us a call at 764-3441. Please be patient with us as we have a dedicated volunteer who is reconstructing our Web site (www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org).
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
