Special to the Aroostook Republican
We are excited about an upcoming fund-raiser for the Central Aroostook Humane Society Saturday, Sept. 19 from 2-3 p.m. at maurices in the Aroostook Centre Mall. Maurices is holding “Rescues and Runways,” a fashion show featuring pets that have been adopted from our shelter into wonderful loving homes. During this event, patrons are encouraged to bring donations to maurices for the animals at CAHS. Items on our wish list include – but are not limited to – such things as bleach, dry cat food, wet cat food, Purina Dog Chow dry food, non-scoopable cat litter, bleach, laundry detergent, gift certificates and paper towels. Anyone participating will receive a 20 percent coupon toward a purchase at maurices. maurices will be accepting donations for the Central Aroostook Humane Society throughout the month of September. Any questions, inquire at (207) 760-9009. Every little bit helps us to help the animals. We work very hard to provide food, medical attention and love to the homeless and unwanted animals of our area, but we can’t do it alone. It takes the support of the communities to make great things happen. Each animal placed in a loving home is a victory and is celebrated.
Another way you can help the Central Aroostook Humane Society is by participating in the Animal Rescue Site $100,000 Shelter+Challenge. The Animal Rescue Site has teamed up with Petfinder for this challenge. Last time, 70 shelters all over the U.S. received funds. From Sept. 14 until Dec. 20, you can cast your vote for your favorite Petfinder.com rescue organization, which is of course the Central Aroostook Humane Society, right? You can help us win one of three big prizes, which include $3,000 for third place, $5,000 for second and $20,000 as the grand prize. Oh the things we could do with $20,000 or even $3,000. There will also be weekly drawings for prizes, so cast your vote now and every day until Dec. 20. Go to http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/ and sign up today. Click “shelter challenge” along the right-hand side of the screen in the purple tab and select a shelter. You can even set a reminder to be sent to your e-mail every day to remind you to vote. Every vote counts, so tell your friends!
Our pets are precious to us; we treat them like children, they make our lives complete, but sometimes life does throw us a curve ball. Are you prepared? Do you have a plan for your pets if something happens to you or if you had no income to provide for them? It is something serious to think about, especially with our economy. Would your family take on that responsibility or burden in your absence? It is something that none of us want to think about, but it is worth the effort to have a plan.
And that brings me to another topic – not all animals who are at the Central Aroostook Humane Society are strays; some have been beloved pets for many years, but because of life’s up and downs, have found themselves without a home. Just because a dog or cat is at the shelter does not mean they are a “problem” pet. And bringing a pet to the shelter is nothing to be ashamed of or scared of. We do not have a “time limit” that we hold them for, there is no expiration date. We keep animals that are of sound mind and body until the appropriate home is found and we work very hard to promote the animals that are with us. People come to the shelter to find a pet, and we love to see happy endings.
I do think that if you could follow our staff around for one day, you would appreciate the work they do. It is amazing. They know each animal personally and are very good at matching the appropriate pet with the appropriate family. If you have a moment, walk into our shelter, just look around, observe and you will find hard-working staff that have the animals’ best interest at heart.
If you are looking for a friend for life, please stop by 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. You can also visit us on line at www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org.
Please have your pets spayed and neutered.
