Animal necessities on wish list
By Christine Cowett Robinson
Special to the Star-Herald
Tis’ the season to be jolly and right now I feel pretty darn jolly! Pictures with Santa Paws was a huge success again this year. Sharon Brown outdid herself yet again turning our board room into a magical winter wonderland. We had a packed house, and it was nice to see old friends and make new ones.
It is so wonderful to see the support from the community during these annual fundraisers. We love to see animals that were adopted from the shelter come back for a visit and to meet new friends. I always find it interesting to see the different breeds of dogs that arrive.
Photo courtesy of Christine Robinson
KIRA ROGERS turned 8 recently and to celebrate she requested her party guests bring items to donate to the Central Aroostook Humane Society instead of gifts for her. Participants brought dog and cat food, treats and a total of $25, all of which was recently presented to the animal shelter to benefit homeless pets. Here, Kira holds one of the cats up for adoption.
If you haven’t picked up your pictures yet, they are ready and available at the shelter. We are open Tuesday-Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. These make great Christmas cards!
With the weather changing as it has, getting colder and that sharp wind cutting us to the bone, please take the time to look out for the animals who have no voice. It is state of Maine law that “if a person deprives an animal that the person owns or possesses of necessary sustenance (food and water), necessary medical attention, proper shelter, protection from the weather or humanely clean conditions” that is cruelty to animals and punishable by law. If you see an animal that you fear may be in danger or deprived of life’s basic necessities, please call your local animal control officer or police department; or you can do nothing — can you live with the possibilities?
I encourage people who have dogs outside to use clean, fresh straw for bedding inside the dog house to help keep their dogs warm. Even breeds that are bred to withstand freezing temperatures are entitled to a warm, clean bed.
What are your pet’s holiday wishes? I know that the wonderful cats and dogs at the Central Aroostook Humane Society would want a home and family of their own. Pets do not make good gifts to unsuspecting recipients. Don’t let a good-intentioned gift of a pet end badly. If the new owner does not want it, the pet will most likely be returned to the shelter. That isn’t fair to the recipient or the pet.
We are in need of many items at the shelter. Here is our wish list: old towels, paper towels, laundry detergent, bleach, Fabuloso purple cleaning agent, Odo-ban (Sam’s Club sells it by the gallon!), Special Kitty canned cat food — tuna banquet, old stuffed toys, help with fuel bill — call DOC (762-9791), Walmart gift certificates, or just get creative! Mix and match or come up with your own idea.
Don’t forget to keep your pets safe from Christmas decorations. Keep tinsel off the tree if you have cats; they can ingest and it can cause blockage. Beware of lights, and remember that holly and poinsettias are poisonous!
If you are looking for a friend for life, please visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We have many wonderful pets available for adoption! We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday. You may send a donation through the mail to: 26 Cross St., Presque Isle, ME 04769, or go to www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org and click “donate.” Thank you in advance!
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
