Pets find homes during Adoption Fair
By Christine Cowett Robinson
Special to the Star-Herald
Our Adoption Fair at Tractor Supply was awesome. Not only did we find homes for longtime residents, we also found homes for many cats right at the shelter. A longtime favorite of mine, Mr. Joe, found a great home. If he couldn’t live with me, then I am very happy with where he is. Also, a longtime supporter and former board member took one of our long-term residents — it’s in your blood!! I love seeing empty cages and knowing the animals found wonderful, loving homes. Remember, during the month of February, all adoptions on altered animals are half price. That is quite a savings to you.
SHELTER DONATION 
— Ralph McPherson and Joy Baressi-Saucier of the Presque Isle Rotary presented Christine Robinson, president of the Central Aroostook Humane Society, with a check for $2,000 to go towards kennel doors at the shelter.
Ellie and Angel, two dogs who were young, energetic and also long-time residents, also found loving homes last week. It is awesome that our dog kennels are empty — not sure what is going on, but it is wonderful. Could this mean that our hours of work have paid off educating the public as to the benefits of spaying and neutering? Quite possibly. Of course, this situation could change in one day, and we could be back to a full house. You just never know how things will turn out, but we are ready.
The Presque Isle Rotary donated $2,000 to the shelter recently and we now have beautiful and safe kennel doors in our outside runs. This is a huge relief to us, providing safety for the dogs and for the public.
Unfortunately, kitten season is almost upon us. Two intact cats can create 67 cats in just two years. In nine years, two cats and their kittens can create 11,606,707 cats! Likewise, dogs can produce 128 pups in two years and 67,000 in six years. (Information from Louisiana SPCA)
I can’t think of any better reason to spay and neuter your pets. Neutered male cats and dogs focus their attention on their human families, whereas unsterilized, unsupervised males roam in search of a mate, risking injury in traffic and in fights with other males. They mark territory by spraying strong-smelling urine on surfaces. (Data from aspca.org) How about becoming part of the solution and having your pets altered. Sounds like a great idea to me!
I thought maybe we could enjoy some interesting doggy facts: Do you know how many breeds of dogs there are? There are more than 400 dog breeds, but the American Kennel Club officially recognizes only about 150. The American Rare Breed Association recognizes about 178 and the United Kennel Club about 308.
Do you know what the largest and smallest breeds are? The Mastiff (28-30 inches tall and, 175-190 pounds), and Saint Bernard (24-28 inches and 110 to 200 pounds) are the heaviest breeds. The Chihuahua is the smallest at 6-9 inches and up to 6 pounds. The Irish wolfhound is the tallest breed from 28-35 inches tall at the shoulders.
What are the most popular breeds in the U.S.? According to the AKC, the following are the most popular breeds: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Beagle, Dachshund, Yorkshire Terrier, Boxer, Poodle, Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus.
If you are looking for a “friend for life,” please educate yourself first. Just because you see a dog on TV or in a movie, that does not mean the dog is the right breed for you. I would strongly encourage anyone who is interested in a specific breed to research the breed, speak to owners of the breed, your local Kennel Club and anyone else with information. A good, responsible breeder will talk to you about the pros and cons of the breed. Purchasing a purebred dog is a big investment, but more importantly is giving a pet a forever home.
Visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or give us a call at 764-3441.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
