By Christine Cowett Robinson
Special to the Aroostook Republican
Our next fundraiser, Toast for the Animals, includes wine tasting and a silent auction to benefit the Central Aroostook Humane Society and will be held on Thursday, Nov. 18, from 6:30-9 p.m. at Freddy P’s on Main Street in Presque Isle. This event will be hosted by Friends of Central Aroostook Humane Society and Momentum Aroostook.
We are actively looking for donations for the silent auction — artwork or items (new/unused animal-related or wine-related items would be great, but we’re not limited to that). If you have anything you think would work and would like to donate, please don’t hesitate. Or if know anyone or any company might be willing to donate, please ask them. Ideas might be a local artist’s framed painting, a homemade quilt, a gift certificate donated by a local company, etc.
Your bottles and cans can make a big difference in the lives of the unwanted animals of central Aroostook County. When you turn in your bottles and cans to the Presque Isle Redemption Center, tell Mike Bouchard that you are donating all or a portion of your returnables to the Central Aroostook Human Society. Mike will be happy to forward your change, or dollars, to the Society. He will even give you a receipt for your donation so you can deduct it on your income tax return. Yes, it is that simple to make a huge difference.
For more information or to make a donation please e-mail Hollie Gowan at friendsofcahs@yahoo.com. This fundraiser should be a lot of fun! More information about tickets and where to purchase them to follow, so keep your eyes open!!
Animals give us so much and they ask for so little in return. I cannot imagine my home without a furry critter in it. There is such a thing though as “loving your pet to death.” Pet obesity is on the rise and it is due to two factors: the food we feed and lack of exercise. It is up to us as pet guardians to be sure our pets get a balanced diet; if that means you make your pet’s food or buy it, you need to be sure what they are being fed is nutritious and adequate. Just like with people, you need food for energy, but if you have no way to burn off that food, you will gain weight. It does us all good to get off the couch and take our pets outside to play in the yard or for a walk in the woods.
The temperatures are starting to drop. Are you and your pets ready for winter? The American Humane Society offers the following tips to help us prepare:
When the temperature begins to fall, you’ll find that your pet needs a little extra care from you. Pets are best kept inside:
• Bring in your pets when the temperature reaches 30 degrees with the wind-chill;
• Dogs and cats can get frost-bitten ears, nose and feet if left outside;
• Chemicals used to melt snow on sidewalks can irritate pets’ paws; and
• Indoor pets get less exercise in the cold months, so feed them less.
If your pet must be kept outside, here are a few reminders:
• An outdoor dog needs a dry, elevated house with clean, dry bedding and a flap over the opening to keep drafts out;
• Or consider adding a dog door to the garage with a soft cushion in the warmest corner;
• Make sure the water bowl is not frozen. Check periodically throughout the day; and
• Give your dog more food. Outdoor dogs need more calories in the winter to produce body heat, so increase the amount you feed your pet.
Tips for both indoor and outdoor pets:
• Put petroleum jelly on your pets’ paws before an outing to protect their paws from de-icing materials;
• Wipe your pet’s feet when they come back in to prevent frostbite from snow and ice between the pads of their feet; and
• Keep antifreeze, salt and other household poisons away from pets.
Make sure a cat hasn’t crawled under your car seeking shelter and warmth near the engine. It may get caught in the fan and seriously injured when the engine starts. Open the hood of your car or slap it noisily with your hand before starting the engine on cold days to startle any animal sleeping there.
If you are looking for a “friend for life” please consider visiting the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We have many wonderful animals waiting for loving homes. Our hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or you can call us at 764-3441.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.