April is Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month
By Christine Cowett Robinson
Special to the Star-Herald
The Open Market was so much fun. Again we, as board members and Friends of CAHS, met many wonderful people. It is always fun to share stories of our beloved critters and how they have enriched our lives. It renews my faith that there are more animal lovers out there than non-animal lovers. It was evident from our donation jar and the generosity of those who visited our booth.
As the weather gets warmer, I am beginning to see people walking their dogs — or rather dogs walking their people. There are different tools that you can try to make walking a bit more enjoyable for both you and your pet. There is the Gentle Leader head harness that works on the same premise as a horse halter in that if you have control of the head, you have better control of the animal. There is also the Easy Walk Harness, which instead of hooking between the shoulders on the back, it hooks in front of the chest, making pulling almost impossible. Both of these items with matching leashes are sold at the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
Of course, nothing really replaces good obedience work. Working with a trainer and teaching your dog obedience is a bonding experience, a time to communicate. There are other tools out there to help you with walking your dog, but these are the only two I have had direct experience with and like. It isn’t a matter of slapping them on and them working; you must also train your dog to enjoy wearing them. There is a short video at the shelter that can show you how to use them and there are also instructions to take home. So stop by to have your dog fitted and start enjoying your walks! Remember, a tired dog is a good dog.
Exercise is one of the best things we can do for dogs to reduce their stress level. Many behavioral problems you may be having with your own pet might be easily solved with more exercise.
What about shelter dogs? At the shelter, a dog’s life is a rather stressful one. Are you interested in coming to the shelter on your lunch hour to walk dogs, or any other time of the day for that matter? Give us a call at 764-3441 and get started today. We are in desperate need of people to walk dogs and get them out of their cages. Our outside playpens are full of snow and it isn’t always possible for them to get outside and play and blow off steam. Maybe you need to put in some community service hours for school; please consider doing them at the Central Aroostook Humane Society. This is a great opportunity to make a difference in the life of the dogs at our shelter.
April is Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month. Every year, the ASPCA asks supporters across the country to “Go Orange for Animals” throughout the month of April. Join us for April’s “Go Orange for Animals” campaign — together we can improve the lives of animals in our corner of the country. Go orange! Glow orange! Show orange for animals!
What can you do to show your support and raise awareness for prevention of animal cruelty? Your business can pick a day to dress in orange or you can hang orange lights in your windows; the possibilities are endless. How about have a “Wear Orange Day” at work and each employee could donate $1 to the Humane Society to help us fight animal cruelty.
Where do the abused and neglected animals usually go — to the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We offer a safe haven for these lost souls, a place to heal, receive medical attention, a warm bed, good food and a kind hand. Where do the animals go, when hoarders let them keep breeding until their house becomes inhabitable? Who supports the state humane agents and your local animal control agents? Since 1966 it has been the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are proud of who we are and the work that we do and we want you to be proud too. Won’t you join us?
If you are looking for a friend for life, look no further than the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We have many wonderful animals waiting for homes. Our hours of operation are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or give us a call at 764-3441. You can mail a donation to 26 Cross St., Presque Isle, ME 04769 or use our “donate” button on our website, www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org. Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
