By Christine Cowett Robinson
Special to the Aroostook Republican
Toast to the Animals was a huge success! Freddy P’s was packed with wonderful people supporting the Central Aroostook Humane Society. I was amazed as I browsed the aisles looking at the items donated for our silent auction. Lots of interesting things, with something for everyone. The wine was amazing, but seeing people who were there supporting the same cause was the best part of it. If you bid on an item, you will be called shortly if you won. I would have liked a dollar though for everyone who came up to me and said “Geez, Chris, you clean up good!” Most of the time I am in my “dog clothes” so I will take that as a compliment.
Thanksgiving is almost here and I have to admit, we have so much to be thankful for at the shelter. We are so thankful to be here offering homeless animals a safe haven. We offer a warm place to sleep; and thanks to many supporters who are gifted enough to knit, sew and crochet, they have soft, warm beds for our dogs and cats. We feed good food and provide medical attention. All of this costs money, that is why we are so happy when we are deemed a “worthy cause” and recognized by supporting groups for what we do.
Do you have your Thanksgiving dinner planned? I can’t wait, and the leftovers are even better! But big feasts like Thanksgiving can be dangerous to our dogs. It is important to be aware of the items that are dangerous to our pets. One of the biggies is bread dough.
According to veterinarians at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), when bread dough is ingested, an animal’s body heat causes the dough to rise in the stomach. As alcohol is produced during the rising process, the dough expands. Pets who’ve eaten bread dough may experience abdominal pain, bloat, vomiting, disorientation and depression. Call your veterinarian right away
As we all know, turkey bones can be deadly and should never be fed to dogs. As a turkey cooks the bones become brittle and may splinter and lodge when eaten, causing all sorts of nasty problems, even death. Fatty foods can cause serious stomach upset, and chocolate can be toxic in large amounts. Watch your pets this holiday to be sure you have a very happy one without the event of an emergency call to the vet.
Hey, have you heard that Santa Paws is coming to the Central Aroostook Humane Society on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring your pet and the whole family to have your picture taken, have a snack and meet our staff. I used my picture from last year’s Pictures with Santa Paws as my family’s Christmas cards, they were awesome. The best thing about it is that 100 percent of the proceeds go directly to help the needy animals at the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
Animals bring so much joy into our lives, but we must be the eyes and ears for those who have no voice. Some people don’t understand that animals should be part of the family, not just a lawn ornament.
If you are looking for a friend for life, please visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society. The shelter is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, or you can give us a call at 764-3441.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
