The benefits of human compassion
By Christine Cowett Robinson
Special to the Star-Herald
Our kick-off party for Paws for the Cause at Freddy P’s sure was a lot of fun.
Good food, good music and good friends. There was a 50/50 drawing won by Bill Urban who donated all proceeds back to the shelter. Our door prize was won by Winona Christnot-Peters. We had a lovely time and got to view the many great prizes awaiting walkers who’ll participate in the Paws for the Cause walk on June 18. If you would like pledge sheets, visit the humane society’s Facebook page, website or visit the shelter in person. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, so don’t miss it.
Car wash
Community support is very important to us, and this past weekend, Dead River Company had a car wash to support the Central Aroostook Humane Society. This was put on by employees. They had a really nice day for it — anxious to hear how much money was raised. As you can see, we are working hard ourselves, and with support like that shown by Dead River and those who had their cars washed, we can make a difference.
The warm weather is here and unfortunately some people do not understand or recognize the dangers of leaving pets in a vehicle, even with the windows open a bit. Heatstroke can happen within minutes of leaving your dog. Is it worth the risk? I don’t think so. If you see a dog in distress, contact your local animal control officer or police department.
Summer safety tips
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends the following tips listed below for pet owners. Keep them in mind this summer as the weather heats ups:
• Only let your dog play outside in the early morning when it’s cool; don’t let him outside when his stomach is full and it’s hot and humid outside;
• If you go on a long drive in the hot weather, bring a thermos of water for your dog so you can hydrate him along the way;
• When the asphalt is hot don’t let your dog walk on it; he’ll burn the bottom of his paws;
• In the spring, before the first day of summer hits, take your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup. Make sure he goes through a battery of tests and is devoid of any worms or other parasites;
• Don’t use products made for humans on your dog like sunscreen or insect repellent. The misuse of these types of products on your dog might result in adverse effects like lethargy and neurological problems;
• Avoid taking your dog to the beach unless the weather is cool or there is guaranteed shade for both of you;
• For older dogs and dogs with special health issues like obesity and lung disease, keep an extra watchful eye on them because they are extremely vulnerable to the heat;
• When you take your dog out in the hot weather, stay alert for the signs of overheating like elevated body heat, weakness and excessive panting;
• During a cookout, keep your dog away from products that he might accidentally ingest like charcoal or lighter fluid; and
• Brush your dog often in the summer. Good grooming will help him avoid any skin problems due to the heat.
Fish finder raffle
Don’t forget our fish finder raffle. We are only selling 100 tickets, and you can only buy tickets at the shelter; they are $5 each, Get yours today. This is an awesome fish finder — a brand new “Bottom Line Fishin’ Buddy 4200.”
Reader’s donation appreciated
I need to tell you a quick story. I wrote in my article that we were out of newspapers and were in need. Our needs have been met for the time being but one donation of papers really made us realize that we touch readers all over the country. A box arrived at the shelter, from Maryland, the sender spent over $12 to send us a box of much needed papers. Even though she lives miles away, her heart is still here, and she wanted to help the homeless animals who have found their way to our shelter. My hat is off to you!
If you are looking for a friend for life, please visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society; we are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, or give us a call at 764-3441. Our physical location is 26 Cross St, Presque Isle, ME 04769. You can also visit us online at www.centralaroostookhumansociety.org.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
