December is a reflective time for those of us who volunteer at the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
We look back on the past year and realize that without the support of many — the 30 towns we contract with, the businesses and individuals that support our fundraisers, the many volunteers who show up at our doors to spend time helping the animals, the Board of Directors and amazing employees — we just couldn’t continue to exist.
It is truly amazing that we have more than 19,000 followers on our Facebook page. Many of you are kept up to date daily on all the happenings that take place at the shelter, the good and the bad. But mostly it helps us to showcase the many animals that are up for adoption.
During most of the summer and up until now, we have seen a very unsettling number of dogs coming into the shelter, many of whom are owner released. We also have a waiting list of dogs needing to be surrendered. We’re not certain why this has become such a hard situation for families, but we are thankful that they are making the decision to see that our shelter will take these pets, feed, care for and love them until the right family comes along to give them that forever home.
We have been very grateful for the low-cost spay and neuter clinics that have been available to us through the efforts of Halfway Home Pet Rescue in Caribou. Their grant writing and success in securing generous funding has allowed many of our shelter felines, and also many cats around our surrounding areas, to take advantage of these amazing clinics.
Money and supplies are donated throughout the year through organizations that conduct drives and by individuals who give on their own. Others have given their time and talents by coming to the animal shelter and helping the employees take care of the animals, from cleaning cages to feeding the animals, walking the dogs and spending time providing tender loving care and attention. The animals need socialization and any human interaction is a plus.
We continue to be so grateful for the new building that we have enjoyed for a little over a year. The benefits are many — we have an energy-efficient, clean and safe space for the animals and employees. So many of us had this dream for years.
We want to wish everyone a very happy and healthy new year and, again, thank you one and all for helping the Central Aroostook Humane Society to continue doing our important work.
Please be responsible pet owners: spay and neuter.
Gloria J. Towle is on the Central Aroostook Humane Society Board of Directors
