Special to The Star-Herald
This month is “Adopt a Shelter Pet” month in Maine. The Central Aroostook Humane Society is offering half-price adoptions on unaltered animals (excluding senior discounts). We want animals out of our shelter and into loving homes. That is our goal. So take advantage of this discount; it won’t last for long. At this time, our shelter is full to the brim with cats and dogs. It is amazing how many wonderful animals in all shapes and sizes we have. Yes, we have small dogs, yes, we have kittens, and yes, we have altered and declawed cats.
I was very sad to walk into our mothers’ room, which is off limits to the public and containing mother cats and their newborn kittens. The room was full to the brim with cats, most having 3-5 kittens at their side. HELLOOOO … what is wrong with this picture? What is wrong is that these cats are allowed to reproduce. It is very sad because we both know that there are just not enough loving homes for all of them.
We are currently seeing many dogs surrendered because their owners are moving and cannot take their dogs with them. I am not here to judge anyone; life can throw you a curve ball sometimes, but these are some very nice dogs, household pets just waiting for the right person to walk into the shelter. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated staff; one that will groom the dogs, play with the cats and do whatever it takes to find them responsible loving homes.
There is no time limit or dooms day at our shelter. We keep animals that are both physically and mentally sound until they find a home. We do not euthanize animals because their time is up. That is one huge misconception that comes up often in conversation. Our staff works very hard with the shy dogs or the less confident dogs to help them feel comfortable and find loving homes. Stressed dogs and cats get extra playtime or leash walks to help them with their stress. We also have Kong toys for the dogs to keep them busy and entertained. The best possible care is taken to match the right pet with the right family. If you have any questions about the Central Aroostook Humane Society, please get your information from the source and call us at 764-3441. We will gladly answer any questions you may have.
Does your group want to learn more about the Humane Society and what we do to help the animals? Please give us a call and someone will get back to you. We love to have the opportunity to share with others our mission. It is very important for us to discuss responsible pet ownership and dog bite prevention, as well as educate the public as to what we do and why.
Just so that you – the public – know, we have a temporary ramp at the door of the outside dog kennels and have contracted someone to build a permanent ramp for us so that our outside runs will be wheelchair accessible. Please be patient, we are a work in progress and such projects cost money. It is in our plans and we look forward to everyone being able to enjoy visiting with our animals.
If you are looking for a pet, now is the time to visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We have many wonderful animals available for adoption. You can visit us Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. or give us a call at 764-3441. You can also visit us on line at www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
