Animal shelter officials touched by holiday giving
By Christine Cowett Robinson
Special to The Star-Herald
‘Tis the season, and as usual, many people have been very generous. We have gotten many calls from local schools where the children have decided to collect donations for the animals at the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
This tickles me to no end because it gives us the opportunity to reach out to these students and educate them about responsible pet ownership. They are our future pet owners, and it is our job to answer their questions and to teach them humane living. I am honored to be able to visit classrooms and speak directly to the students. If your group would like a representative from the humane society to visit, please give us a call at 764-3441. We are more than happy to visit, educate, and share some wonderful animal stories.
A Dog’s Christmas Wish
On Christmas Morning I wish for every animal searching trash cans for breakfast, A filled bowl with his name printed in bright letters.
For every dog who slept fitfully last night, chained in a frozen yard, A soft, warm bed with a person snoring gently nearby.
For every shelter animal spending Christmas morning in a soiled run, A forever home, filled with sounds and smells of family.
For every Christmas puppy given today, A tolerant, caring owner who won’t abandon you as you grow into a real dog.
For every ailing pet, Enough money for your owner to pay the bill to make you well.
For every lost animal, A clear, safe road and well-marked path to lead you home.
For every old and tired friend, A warm fire and a soft bed to ease your aches and pains. And for every Heart Dog at the Bridge, A moment when you know that you are remembered today, missed again, and loved forever.
— Author unknown
I think these holiday wishes are very reasonable ones, they are ones that all of us at CAHS wish for all pets.
On a sad note, if you live in the town of Fort Fairfield, your town officials have decided not to renew their contract with the Central Aroostook Humane Society. That means that as of Jan. 1, 2012, we will no longer be accepting stray cats or dogs from your town. It also means that if you would like to owner surrender your pet to the Central Aroostook Humane Society, it will cost you twice as much as it would if your town did contract with us — if we have room available to take your pet. This is a decision your town officials have made, not CAHS. They have a facility to take dogs, but the following is your protocol according to their website if you find a stray cat:
Stray Cats: 1) You can find the rightful owner of the cat. 2) You can take in/adopt or find a new home for the cat. 3) You can bring the cat to a local animal shelter in Caribou or Presque Isle at your own expense.
If you have any questions, please contact your town manager at 472-3800.
Please be aware the weather is getting colder; please keep your eyes open for animals that are suffering due to the cold and promptly report your findings to your Animal Control Agent to have it investigated. The phone call you make may save a life.
As always, we wish you a very Merry Christmas!
If you are looking for a friend for life, please visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society at 26 Cross St., Presque Isle. Our business hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, or give us a call at 764-3441. You can visit us on line and make donations right online at www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org. Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
