We hope to see many of you this Saturday, May 31, at our big open house and 5K Walk. There is certainly much to celebrate, especially now that the Central Aroostook Humane Society is finally settled in our new building.
Presque Isle Rotary will be there to help to make this block party fun and exciting. Registration for the walk starts at 9 a.m. and walkers will start at 10 a.m. You can make it easy and register on line at presqueislerotary.org/paws.
Visitors will be able to tour the new shelter from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and there will be music, games and some wonderful food vendors to enjoy.
We just found out that from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, June 16, something special will happen. Kris Rotonda, founder of Jordan’s Way, LLC, will host a three-hour live Facebook fundraiser from the shelter.
Kris has traveled all over the country and visited hundreds of shelters to raise awareness and much-needed money for animal organizations. He has visited our shelter before and we are thrilled that he will be returning. Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks.
We all need playtime, dogs and cats included. Sharing playtime with pets has the added benefit of strengthening the bond between us, so we better understand one another.
With their innate intelligence and curiosity, dogs want to be part of the action, whether it’s enjoying a TV program or racing around the backyard. Dogs’ natural intelligence and curiosity make them want to experience new things.
Exercise is essential, especially for a high-energy canine. Take your dog on frequent walks to use up some of that excess energy. Don’t forget how good that will make you feel, as well.
Obedience training teaches you and your dog about inter-species communication. Your dog can learn the rules and understand what’s acceptable and what’s not. It’s an enjoyable experience, especially when punctuated by lots of praise and a few treats. Obedience classes also allow for socialization and feedback.
Teaching your dog some basic tricks is fun for everyone. The secret is to find behaviors that your dog does naturally, and then build on them through praise and positive reinforcement. Kids love this, too.
There are lots of toys on the market that draw on your dog’s intelligence to provide fun and — even better — rewards. Dogs solve “puzzles” through trial and error and earn treats. The more they try, the more they learn and the more fun they have.
Be sure to stop by the Central Aroostook Humane Society’s open house this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Check out our Facebook for all the latest news and available pets that are up for adoption. Please be responsible pet owners: spay and neuter.
Gloria J. Towle is on the Central Aroostook Humane Society board of directors.
