We had a wild and crazy fundraiser last Monday when Jordan’s Way came to the Central Aroostook Humane Society for a three-hour live Facebook event.
Kris Rotonda travels to shelters all over the country raising much needed funds for the animals. He visits 300 shelters a year and brings high energy and excitement. In his four years of doing this to honor his beloved pet, Jordan, he has raised close to $11 million.
We want to thank the employees who went way above and beyond to prepare, and also the board members and many volunteers who showed up and helped us raise close to $14,000. We are also very grateful for all the many friends, family and businesses who helped to make this event so awesome.
Summer has finally arrived and with it comes parties, festivals and backyard barbecues. With a local business selling a variety of big-bang fireworks, it’s important to remember that most pets are not fans of them.
With the Fourth of July on its way, chances are pretty good that many celebrations will be happening with fireworks. For many people, nothing beats lounging in the backyard with good friends and family, including our four-legged members of the household. Although exciting for most, fireworks can be a source of great fear and danger for animals.
Remember, dogs’ and cats’ hearing are much more sensitive than ours, so those loud booms can be extremely uncomfortable. Frightened dogs may have different reactions: some tremble at their owners’ feet, others retreat to a hiding place, some try to run off (traveling for miles), and others display bizarre behavior. There are also times where ordinarily well-behaved pets may become aggressive, destructive and/or unpredictable.
Scolding or coddling a dog will not help. Scolding will scare and confuse the animal, and coddling serves to reinforce fearful behaviors. Instead, try to distract the dog from the disturbing noises with physical activity such as playing ball. Taking your dog on a very long walk is another way to expend your dog’s excess energy before the fireworks display, and can help put him/her in a calm state.
Indoor-only animals can often become so frightened during fireworks displays that they take desperate measures to escape the noise, such as breaking through window or door screens. For this reason, you must also make certain your pet is wearing a collar and identification tag with current contact information so you can be reunited quickly if your pet does happen to escape.
There are many family and group activities that are perfect for pets, but a public fireworks display or any other type of gathering where fireworks will be set off usually isn’t one of them. It’s best to make sure and keep all pets safely confined indoors when people may be inclined to set off fireworks.
Having a radio or TV at a normal volume indoors may help to dampen jarring noises. If you are unable to leave your pet at home, then bring a travel kennel for the animal to feel safe in.
While exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws of curious pets, even unused fireworks can pose a danger. Many types contain potentially toxic substances, including arsenic, which can be fatal to animals if ingested. Be sure to keep them out of animals’ reach.
Of course, we can’t forget other small animals. If your pets live outside, partly covering cages, pens and aviaries with blankets can help to soundproof the area. It is important to make sure that your pet is still able to look out, though. Also, providing lots of extra bedding can allow your pet to have something to burrow in during the festivities.
Taking the necessary safety precautions can ensure that your animals are safe and comfortable during these summer celebrations.
Stop by the Central Aroostook Humane Society at our new location at 210 Cross St., Presque Isle, or check out our Facebook page for animals that are up for adoption.
Please be responsible: spay and neuter your pets.
Gloria J. Towle is on the Central Aroostook Humane Society board of directors.
