Special to the Star-Herald
I wrote of a beautiful little Mama kitty who nursed her four babies, then took on four more and then another litter of seven, but then became ill with URI. You will be happy to know that I brought her to my home and have nursed her back to health.
She is really something, very loving and affectionate. This cat loves catnip! I honestly can’t say enough good about her. She will be returned to CAHS this week, so if you would like to visit her there, please stop by. This cat is the most beautiful color, she looks like an orange kitty who has rolled in soot. In all my years with the shelter, I have never seen another like her. She is very petite. I think she needs a real name, we have been calling her Mama but hope that when she finds a loving, wonderful family to call her own, they will give her a beautiful name of her own.
Mama was a trooper, but there are many other wonderful kitties waiting for homes at the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We have cats and kittens of all ages! Please stop by; if you aren’t interested in adopting, maybe you are interested in volunteering. We are always looking for people to walk our dogs and play with our cats. It is very important to us that all of our cats are social and used to being handled. It is good for your health and theirs.
We met with the state representative of the Humane Society of the United States, Katie Lisnik, when she came to Presque Isle last Thursday. She explained to us what we need to do to be prepared for a disaster. It was very informative and would have been a great resource to any pet owner in the community. The HSUS is a wonderful educational resource for anyone willing to take the time to cruise their site, but what is even better is meeting the representative in person and asking questions regarding animal welfare topics in Maine, topics that affect us all as pet owners. It was a presentation well worth attending and I honestly learned a lot. It is also wonderful to network with other animal lovers and pet owners. There were representatives from many different organizations, from public safety to your average pet owner, and the best part was that it was free (ok, maybe not the best part, but that was a bonus). If we do not attend such events, they might not return. Education is power!
The Central Aroostook Humane Society is going all out this year with Pictures with Santa Paws. We have decided to hold it for two weekends in a row this year, since it was so well-attended last year. So, please visit Santa Paws on Saturday, Nov. 29, from 10 a.m.. to 2 p.m. and again on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our “cat lady” Sharon Brown has cruised yard sales all summer long collecting wonderful decorations for this event. Each year she outdoes herself with decorating. Can’t wait to see what she comes up with this year! Helen Palmer, our photographer, will be there with Santa, and all we ask for is a donation for your pictures. We will be providing refreshments and would love to share in the holiday cheer with you and your family. These pictures make wonderful Christmas cards, so don’t wait, plan to stop by the Humane Society and have your photos done.
Many ask if we have a wish list, well of course we do! As of late, we have had some wonderfully creative people find ways to earn money for the shelter. One family had a supper and silent auction. Instead of buying gifts, they took an item from their home and auctioned it off; all proceeds were donated to the shelter. Others make donations to the shelter in other people’s names; we have cards at the shelter that we fill out to notify people that a donation has been made in their name.
As for our wish list: Our number one item is cat litter. We use only the non-scoopable cat litter. This is one of our biggest expenses, since we house so many cats and it is so important that their litter be clean to prevent the spread of diseases. Another very important item is bleach. We use it in laundry but also in disinfecting our dog kennels and cat cages. Other things would be paper towels, copier paper, laundry detergent, dog treats, donations towards our winter fuel can be made directly to our account at DOC. We can use towels, blankets, buckets, gift cards and money. Get creative; maybe I missed something! All donations are greatly appreciated and help us to help the animals.
I found this and thought it was cute enough to share. Have you ever stopped to wonder what the animals are thinking as you walk through the shelter. Have they given up hope? Do they look depressed? Perhaps they growl, wonder why? I like to think that they still have hope and can find the strength not to give up. I did not write what is below, but I think it is a cute perspective.
“I Rescued a Human Today”
Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn’t be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel, I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn’t want her to know that I hadn’t been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn’t want her to think poorly of them. As she read my kennel card, I hoped that she wouldn’t feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone’s life. She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell own her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven’t walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one. I rescued a human today. (Author unknown.)
I remember one little dog whom I helped to re-home. The other person who helped me re-home this dog got a call from the new owner and she said “I had to call and thank you! You have saved my life. This little dog gives me a reason to get up in the morning, a reason to go to bed at night, a reason to smile. Thank you!” Isn’t that amazing? How one little dog can make such a big difference in someone’s life? I know myself, I don’t ever want to know what life without an animal is. Mine make me laugh and smile every day (ok, it isn’t always roses, but the good greatly outweighs the difficult).
If you are looking for a friend for life, please stop by the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We have many wonderful animals waiting to find loving homes. Our business hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, or you can give us a call at 764-3441.
Please be responsible pet owners by having your pet spayed or neutered.
Photo courtesy of Christine Robinson
DONATION – These two ladies came to the Central Aroostook Humane Society and donated $100. They’re from TAMC, Patient Accounts, North Street Plaza in Presque Isle. Pictured, from left: Betsy Hallett, director of the shelter; Cheryl McArdle and Donna Gribetz.
