World Spay Day

Christine Cowett Robinson, Special to The County
10 months ago

Hello there, friends of the Central Aroostook Humane Society. Just wanted to reach out and tell you that we can feel the love.  So many people have donated money, supplies and gift cards. When we asked for help, you came through for us — and more importantly, for the animals. 

We have so many exciting things in the works.  Of course, at the top of our list is the construction of our new building.  Things are on track, and we are so excited.  Trying to raise funds for such a huge project has been a daunting task, but our noses are to the grindstone.  

Coming up, we have the annual Toast to the Animals on April 20, which is in its planning stage. We will also participate in the Trash and Treasure sale on the weekend of April 13.  

But more immediately, World Spay Day is Feb. 27.  This day celebrates having animals altered and educating the public by raising spay/neuter awareness.  Halfway Home Pet Rescue in Caribou has done an amazing job with their spay/neuter clinics for cats and has helped the Central Aroostook Humane Society alter many animals.  Also, our humane society held a dog spay/neuter clinic which was very successful.  We are trying to do our part to prevent unwanted litters leading to the over population of animals in our communities.  

The humane society has written grants for spaying and neutering and used them to alter many shelter animals before adoption.  How can you help celebrate World Spay Day?  You can donate specifically to the shelter spay/neuter program so we can continue the work we do.  Just send us a designated check to sponsor a spay/neuter.  

By spaying and neutering one male and one female, more than 2,000 unwanted births can be prevented in just four years and more than 2 million in eight years, according to the North Shore Animal League in Port Washington, New York. 

Wow. So it’s important not only for the health and well-being of your own animals but also for those not yet born.  Shelters across America are packed to the brim with unwanted cats.  Spaying and neutering reduces or eliminates the risk of your pet marking or spraying.  It also lessens their want to roam, which makes them less likely to be injured in fights or accidents.  It reduces the risk of testicular cancer and decreases the likelihood of prostate disease.  But most of all, it reduces the number of unwanted animals.  

Spaying and neutering are a win/win for all involved.  So, join us in celebrating Spay Day by making that appointment today. Contact the Central Aroostook Humane Society or Halfway Home Pet Rescue for information on clinics.

Christine Cowett Robinson is president of the Central Aroostook Humane Society board of directors.