Special to the Star-Herald
Holy cow, we are into December already. Hard to believe.
For some reason, our shelter is full to the brim with cats, kittens and dogs needing homes. It makes me so very sad to walk into the shelter and see them there, waiting, wanting. I am asking you to help us spread the word about the importance of altering your pet.
The cat population is out of control. But these precious little kitties don’t ask to be born, they don’t ask to be left in the cold, hungry, barely able to survive. It isn’t their fault. That is why the Central Aroostook Humane Society is here, because we realize that they need a safe haven until a permanent home can be found.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all of the animals at the shelter had a home for Christmas? I know, that isn’t even reasonable because there just aren’t enough responsible, loving homes for all of them. The reality is, when we house too many cats, they get sick and it goes downhill from there. Nobody wants to adopt a sick animal, but URI spreads like the common cold; one sneeze is all it takes. We work very hard to disinfect our shelter, using Odoban and bleach, but that just isn’t enough.
Please join us Dec. 5 or the 12th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the shelter for “Pictures with Santa Paws” and have your whole family’s picture taken with Santa. Our wonderful photographer has pictures processed and you can pick them up the same day as they are taken. These make wonderful keepsakes and Christmas cards! Plus 100 percent of the proceeds go to help the animals at the Central Aroostook Humane Society. I can’t think of a better cause to support in such a positive way! So bring your pet and your children, our winter wonderland will amaze you and get you in the holiday spirit.
We are so proud to be a recipient of proceeds from the Presque Isle Rotary Club’s annual auction. It is an honor to be chosen as a worthy organization. They are going to help us in a project to put new doors on the dog cages. Our doors are old and worn, patched together with zip ties and wire. It is sad how badly they need repairs, but with the help and support of organizations such as the Rotary, it is going to happen. We are thrilled about starting this project because it is so needed — not just for the dogs but for public safety as well.
Our outside dog kennels are now “wheelchair accessible.” Fred Wilson, of Wilson Carpentry, was asked to build us a ramp so that those who are in wheelchairs could venture out into our outside kennels to view the dogs. He got right on task and ‘poof,’ a sturdy ramp has been constructed. This is another project that has been a long time coming. Unfortunately, we struggle to meet the daily needs of the animals and not much is usually left over for maintenance and it all costs money. We are definitely a work in progress; when monies allow, we do. Please keep that in mind.
Many do not understand what it takes to keep a shelter such as ours up and running. There are the basic expenses, such as food and cat litter, but then there are the others such as heat, and we use a lot of hot water, so that is a huge bill for us. Then there is electricity, we do a lot of laundry! Have you considered what we pay in insurance to protect us? We also work very hard to spay and neuter the animals we house. Have you priced that lately? We also have payroll so we may keep employees who make it all possible. They work so hard for what they are paid, but they are an awesome crew, dedicated and hard-working.
Don’t forget, we are also raffling off two huge baskets full to the brim with dog and cat items. These beautiful baskets would make a lovely gift to your favorite pet lover, so buy your tickets now at the shelter.
If you are considering making a donation this holiday season, here is our wish list: Non-scoopable cat litter, Special Kitty dry cat food in the blue bag, wet and dry cat and dog food, bleach, laundry detergent, Odoban from Sam’s Club, paper towels, gift certificates to have animals altered (purchased at your local veterinarian), gift certificate for fuel, as well as gift certificate to Walmart or Kmart.
If you are looking for a friend for life, please consider adopting a pet from the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, or you can give us a call at 764-3441. Visit our Web site at www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org.
If you would like to mail a donation to the shelter, our address is: Central Aroostook Humane Society, 26 Cross St., Presque Isle, ME 04769. If everyone gave a little, it would mean so much! Have your pets spayed or neutered.
Photo courtesy of Christine Robinson
Camille Canty had her 9th birthday and took her money to spend on food and donated it for the animals at the Central Aroostook Humane Society in Presque Isle.
Photo courtesy of Christine Robinson
Emma Belyea, from the Caribou area, decided for her 11th birthday to ask for gifts for the animals at the Central Aroostook Humane Society in Presque Isle. She brought in cash, cat food and dog food that she received in lieu of birthday presents.
Contributed photo
“CPL. CHARLES,” a 4-year-old Sheltie, was selected mascot of the Ray Goding Post 88 American Legion Ladies Auxiliary at their October meeting at the post home in Presque Isle. Charlie was the therapy dog for Legion member Tony Palmer, who passed away in February. Charlie has visited the Maine Veterans Home and Cary Medical Center, both in Caribou. He attends Auxiliary meetings with Palmer’s widow, Helen, who is a member. Charlie also attends services at the Episcopal Church of the Advent in Limestone of which he is an honorary member of the congregation.
