Time to count blessings

I think that we need to stop and count our blessings. The Central Aroostook Humane Society has been fortunate; we have some wonderful supporters who are there to help, especially in times of need. We are also very fortunate to have caring volunteers, not only cleaning, etc., at the shelter but also serving as board members and friends of CAHS. Another blessing is our ability to do positive things in the way of helping the animals in need in our area — not only do we take strays and give them a safe place with food, water and medical attention, we help people re-home their pets when they can no longer care for them. We are proud of who we are and what we do but also why we do it.

PAWS UNITED, made up of employees of United Insurance, their family and friends, combined efforts to raise funds for the Central Aroostook Humane Society, creating the biggest team to take part in the annual Paws for the Cause Walk on June 18. Kneeling in front is Liz Farley with her dog, Mattie. Pictured from left in back are: Tammy Packard with her dog, Grace; Jessica Buckley and Dudley; LuAnne Michaud with her Yorkie, Emma; Kristen Guiggey and Ryleigh; Wanda Guiggey and her dog, Casey; Jessica and Emily Straetz, with Maggie; Nita Therriault and her dog, Baxter. At far right an unidentified boy visits with one of the pets.

We are dedicated to making the lives of animals in our area better — to help the helpless. Our employees work very hard to ensure that the animals in our care get the very best and you can help too. Volunteering your time is very rewarding; you will be paid back tenfold by the love you receive from the animals at our shelter.  To find out more about how to become a member of our “Friends of CAHS” group, just email Fridndsofcahs@yahoo.com.

Have you ever considered getting a guinea pig as a pet? Well About.com has some interesting information regarding these cute little fuzzy creatures. Their life span is around 5-7 years typically, although up to 10 isn’t too unusual. They grow to be approximately 10 inches long and 2-3 pounds. They have a rounded, stout body, no visible tail (a few tail vertebrae can be felt under the skin). They come in a variety of breeds with different coat types and color patterns. Just like pigs, males are called boars, females are called sows, and the babies are called piglets. Hairless varieties of guinea pigs have been bred and are sometimes called “skinny pigs.”

Guinea pigs as pets:

• Guinea pigs are quite hardy and calm, so they do make good family pets;

• They are social and will interact with people well. They will do best kept in same-sex groups, although males may fight (especially if unrelated or not raised together);

• They may be nervous at first but are easy to handle and tame, and rarely bite;

• They need a fairly large enclosure but aren’t much for climbing or jumping so it is easy to improvise luxurious guinea pig housing;

• Guinea pigs come in a variety of interesting colors and coat types, although the long-haired (Peruvian) type needs a good deal of grooming and coat care;

• While they can vocalize quite loudly, they are fairly quiet and calm pets;

• They may wake at night but are not nocturnal — they have repeated sleep/wake cycles throughout the day; and

• Guinea pigs are unusual for rodents as the piglets are born with a full coat, eyes open, and the piglets are weaned at a very young age and the babies fend for themselves early on. (Many other rodents are born hairless, blind and virtually helpless.)

We get all sorts of interesting creatures at the Central Aroostook Humane Society. Each one has their own special needs, so please educate yourself before you bring home a pet. Evaluate the time and money you have to spend on making your pet’s life full.

If you are looking for a friend for life, visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society or give us a call at 764-3441. You can visit us at 26 Cross St., Presque Isle, or visit us online at www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org. Please have your pets spayed or neutered.

MISS SHEBA was escorted in the Paws for the Cause Walk by her “parents,” Steve and Nancy Nichols, of Presque Isle.

Jill Ellsworth, of Presque Isle, took part in the CAHS annual walk with her 5-year-old pups, Mufasa and Simba.

SAM TAKES THE LEAD — Traci Stone of Presque Isle and her friend, Ryan Cullins of Fort Fairfield, let her dog, Sam, lead the way in the annual pet walk.

Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
FAMILY AND FRIENDS turned out to support the Central Aroostook Humane Society. Pictured from left are: Amanda Perkins, holding the umbrella, joined by her cousin, Jennifer Perkins walking her dog Doree and Lisa Nadeau. Jennifer and Lisa are co-workers representing Northeast Publishing Company in Presque Isle for the event.

Staff photo/Kathy McCarty

KELLY O’MARA and her dog, Harvey, at left, took part in the annual Paws for the Cause Walk, joined by an unidentified participant and her pet.