2025 has started out great. In the months of January and February, we saw many dogs and cats find loving, warm homes to call their own. We are so thankful to those who have opened their homes and hearts to these deserving animals.
Mark your calendars for April 12 and 13, when we will once again be at the Spring Trash & Treasure Event at the Forum. More information to come.
We present the following tips for the younger family members.
Dogs can be fun, but remember, kids: a dog is not a toy. Always be kind with your dog, and never poke, step on or pull your dog’s hair, ears or tail. You can learn the following rules and share them with family and friends.
Always ask the owner before petting a dog; there might be a good reason why a dog should not be touched. He may be “on duty” as a handicapped person’s helper or he could be hurt, sick or afraid of children.
Approach a dog from the front or side. Hold your hands low and speak softly. Don’t surprise a dog from behind, wave your hands in the air or speak loudly, because you could scare the dog and cause him to try to bite you.
Let a dog eat and sleep in peace. A dog who is eating may think you are going to take his food away if you come too close, so be sure to leave him alone until he is done. If a dog is sleeping, you might scare him if you come too close and wake him up, so speak gently or wait until he wakes up by himself.
Watch out for toys. Some dogs have strong feelings for their favorite balls and chew toys – just like you do with your toys. You wouldn’t want someone to grab your favorite toy away from you, so don’t take a bone or toy away from a dog’s mouth unless you have trained him to drop it and give it to you first.
Lastly, respect a dog’s space. Dogs naturally protect their territories. Sticking your hand inside a strange dog’s pen, through a fence, or in a car window where a dog is sitting may cause him to bite to protect his property.
And that goes especially if you are visiting the dog kennels at our shelter. These dogs are scared, confused and unsure of all who pass by. They need time to trust.
Check us out on Facebook or stop by the Central Aroostook Humane Society at our new location at 210 Cross Street, Presque Isle. Our hours are Tuesdays from 12 to 4 p.m., and Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closing for lunch from 12 to 12:30 p.m.
Please be responsible — spay and neuter your pets.
Gloria J. Towle is a member of the Central Aroostook Humane Society board of directors.
