By Norma MiltonSpecial to the Aroostook Republican
I wish to thank the kindhearted people who acknowledged the death of our little Amie. We know we have much to be grateful for and one thing is that our family and friends sincerely know how hard this sudden loss hit us.
Contributed photo
Emerson, a young 8 month old neutered male, continues to enjoy his time in a CPR foster home where he performs many useful computer functions. Emerson will be transported to his new home in southern Maine in just a few days. But in the meantime, he continues using his computer talents to the benefit of other animals living at Caribou Pet Rescue.
As the days have passed, I have realized that Charity, one of our older cats, is also having a difficult time without Amie. Charity always arrogantly tolerated our other cats, and was hugely disgusted but tolerant of the temporary foster cats. Charity and Faith were our own feline twosome for any play time over the past 4 years. But when it came time for loving, Amie was Charity’s favorite animal. Amie would lie on the floor and look at me helplessly as Charity rolled and brushed against Amie’s entire body in the feline body language of expressing affection to another animal. After acknowledging her love to Amie, Charity would set to work cleaning Amie’s face and ears. Since Amie’s death, Charity has spent a large amount of time on my lap and whenever another cat approaches for some attention, a quick swat from Charity sends them away. Meanwhile, Charity will roll and rub on my lap for several minutes before she settles down to wash my hands and fingers. As I rub her back and pet behind her ears, her eyes will close and a loud purr of contentment will roll across the room. Charity is thanking me for this comforting time together. It is a mutual comfort therapy session.
Both Everett and I noticed this big change in Charity’s behavior within days of Amie’s death. We will continue to give her extra attention and watch her closely to make sure she does not become sick with grief. Even though some people might chuckle about the intensity of my feelings about animals, I have no doubt about the affection that animals will show for one another. They grieve deeply when they have a loss. Animals communicate clearly in a body and scent language that most people can understand if they take the time and patience to watch and learn. In time, I feel sure that as well as playing occasionally with Faith, Charity will start to become more affectionate toward her and perhaps she will even grow to like a couple of other felines who are permanent residents of our home. We have Faith, Charity, Cuddles, and Polly Pocket as our own cats. Foster cats with us right now are Peanut Butter, Cleo, Wesley, Philip, Billy, Bobby, Tank and Emerson. Emerson and Tank will be leaving us soon for homes in southern Maine. Billy will be going to another foster home in Caribou for several weeks. Wesley, Philip and Bobby will stay with us until they have recovered from abandonment issues and, of course, dear Peanut Butter owns the world and all of us in it.
CPR still has several very nice older cats at the shelter that need homes. They have been leukemia tested, spayed/neutered, freed of parasites and had shots updated. This is approximately $130.00 worth of medical care done per cat. Starting today, March 5, 2008 through until March 30 in recognition of our 2nd full year of operation, we will drop the adoption fee to $25.00 for any adult cat who has been sheltered with CPR since before January 1, 2008 (the senior discount is not included in this offer). The majority of these adult cats are between 1 year to 3 or 4 years of age. Any cat with an estimated age of 10 years or older will have an adoption fee of only $1.00 each. Sir Thomas the Great is still at the shelter and he is only $1.00. Sir Thomas is neutered, freed of parasites and has updated shots as well. He is clean, gentle and gets along very well with other animals, especially other cats.
Caribou Pet Rescue is located at 6 Richards Rd in Caribou. Mailing address is PO Box 488, Caribou, ME 04736 Neuter and Spay – It’s the ONLY Way.lease continue to donate your returnable bottles and cans to Caribou Pet Rescue. Each week when I go to the 88 Bennett Drive Redemption, they have several envelopes waiting for CPR. This is a huge help and we are grateful to you.
Right now we have a need for Purina Puppy Chow and Dog Chow. Call 498-3800 for information.
