Shelter offers half-price pet adoptions
By Christine Cowett Robinson
Special to the Star-Herald
The Central Aroostook Humane Society is motivated to find homes for the wonderful animals that we house!
Our shelter is very full of cats and dogs, and people are calling daily to bring in their owner-surrendered dogs and cats! From now until the end of August, we are offering half-price adoptions on all animals. Yes, you heard it right; so now is the time to adopt and add a wonderful pet to your responsible, loving family.
If your cat or dog is having a litter of kittens or puppies…shame on you! Overpopulation of animals is an epidemic, and it is absolutely heartbreaking the number of animals looking for homes. The only solution to this problem is to have your animals altered; it is best for you, best for them and best for your community.
Have you seen the ASPCA commercials? I can’t take my eyes off them; they make me want to cry every time I see those little faces looking back at me from my TV, but I can tell you that you can come to the Central Aroostook Humane Society and hear stories just as sad and shocking that are local, happening right here in your own back yard. Abuse and neglect don’t happen “somewhere else,” it happens here, and your shelter needs your help. It costs us a lot of money to maintain our high standards of animal care; every dollar counts. We welcome any donation, be it items or money, it does not matter. Your support is needed and necessary for us to continue to help animals in need.
Just got word today that Bailey, the wonderful pit bull who loves everyone, has finally found a wonderful home. You just never know whom you will meet when you come through our doors. Some people visit us with a specific breed in mind that they are looking to adopt and find themselves falling in love with something totally different. A good dog is not a breed or color, a good dog is just that — good. Part of that comes from having a loving home with people who are kind and consistent. Some dogs are passed by because of their breed or their “look” but you have to get to know them, know their personality and spend some time with them — give them a chance.
`The same goes for cats. I am usually an orange tiger sorta girl, but there is one cat in particular at our shelter that really caught my eye. His name is Zeus and his owner surrendered him at 10 years old. The cat is a beautiful long-haired tiger with a big white chest. He was brought to us with huge mats of fur that were right against his skin. Our staff took the time to bath and shave Zeus; he now has a fluffy head and tail and a big, saggy belly. Zeus loves to be touched and is a lover boy; he is also declawed. I will honestly say he is one of my favorites! He needs a loving home!
After you have made your decision to adopt a cat, here are some other tips to help the transition go smoothly.
Have a safe room or rooms and high places that the cat can get away from the dog. Use gates and cat doors to give the cat a safe place to relax, eat, sleep or use the litter box.
Never force the cat or dog from escaping the stressful situation. Aside from being just plain mean, stress is a common reason that cats freak their litter box training.
At the first meeting of cat and dog, be sure the dog is on leash just in case. You do not want your dog running around the house with a “cat hat” or your cat being lunch! Safety first, your cat’s life may depend on it.
If all goes well, let the dog off leash and supervise. Praise your dog for being friendly.
Interrupt any chasing and redirect the dog; it might be necessary to put the dog back on leash.
Keep a close eye on them and monitor their progress. If you find they have found common ground and have called a truce, all is well.
Unfortunately, you cannot tell from the first introduction if this will work or not. Stress and excitement can cause many behavioral issues, so do not be too quick to judge. Give them a chance to work it out safely. I am sure that with time they will be great friends!
If you are looking for a friend for life, visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society; we are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday, or give us a call at 764-3441. You can also visit us online at www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
