Special to the Aroostook Republican
Good things are happening. Our newest board member, Hollie Gowan, formed the Friends of the Central Aroostook Humane Society group and the first meeting was last Tuesday. We had a wonderful turnout of animal lovers and shelter supporters attend. The meeting was informal yet productive. This group has been organized as an auxiliary group to help with fund-raisers, spreading the word about adoptable pets and will also be holding fund-raisers and educational events on their own. We are so excited about this program. It gives people the opportunity to help but not have as large of a commitment as if they were board members.
I am so thrilled to see this group up and going. If you are interested in becoming a part of this group, please send an e-mail to FriendsofCAHS@yahoo.com and you will be provided the information and become part of our mailing list for the group. This is a great way to pitch in and help animals in need, right in our own towns.
More exciting news: Honey, the super sweet, older dog who was “Pet of the Week” last week has found a wonderful forever home. We were in hopes that her former owner would claim her, but apparently they weren’t looking for her. She will be a beloved friend and companion. We couldn’t have been happier. She seemed like such a sad little dog, but I am told that she was one happy puppy when she left with her new owner! Good luck and enjoy!
Opening your home to an older pet is a risk; you never know how much time you will have left, but if you can make the last years of a senior pet a happy one, that is a gift. They ask for so little yet give so much. Many seniors are already housebroken and have good manners. Some seniors have never known a kind hand or a warm house; they appreciate everything we do for them. I have a soft spot for the older animals.
Another happy-ending story. Sam, a kitty who had come to the shelter, been altered and has waited for over a year for just the right home, has finally found one. Sam is going to live in Boston. Way to go!!!
Pet facts
How about these facts from catscans.com and the Humane Society of the United States:
• Did you know that every time a person is born in America, there are 15 dogs and 45 cats born;
• The American cat population reached nearly 68 million in 1996;
• An average cat has one to eight kittens per litter, and two to three litters per year;
• During her productive life, one female cat could have more than 100 kittens;
• In 1952, a Texas Tabby named Dusty set the record by having more than 420 kittens before having her last litter at age 18. (Well, that’s a lot to be proud of! NOT!);
• The largest known litter (with all surviving) was that of a Persian in South Africa named Bluebell. Bluebell gave birth to 14 kittens in one litter;
• A single pair of cats and their kittens can produce as many as 420,000 kittens in just seven years;
• More than 35,000 kittens are born in the U.S. each year; and
• Cats are more aggressive when they are not neutered or spayed.
If you are looking for a friend for life, please visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will help you in your quest. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday. Our Web site has been recently updated, so the pet list is current. Won’t you help poor Shadow find a forever loving home? He has been with us for a long time and is a great boy.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
