A board member’s story
By Gail Wieder
Board Member
I will start by saying I am a proud new member on the board of directors for the Central Aroostook Humane Society. I am so excited about my new position. In 2010 I joined the “Friends of CAHS” — a group that was started to help the board members in strategizing and helping raise funds for our shelter. October of this year I was elected to the board. What brought me to this point in my life? My love of animals! If you think you may be interested in joining the Friends group, check out our Facebook page for more information. We are always happy to welcome new people.
Our shelter is a warm, loving, safe haven for all the animals that come into our care. The employees are so compassionate; you can see the love they have for each and every animal that are brought through our doors. Over the years my husband and I have adopted several dogs and cats from this shelter. Our first adoptee was back in 1982. Some have passed away over the years but were all wonderful members of our little family. Our little fur family now consists of two dogs and one cat — all from CAHS. Let me tell you a little about their success stories.
We chose Eppie, or maybe she chose us in 2007, a week before Christmas. When we took her out of her pen at the shelter she leaned against my husband’s leg with a toy in her mouth and her tail wagging. Her big brown eyes looked up lovingly, not a peep out of her, her eyes said it all. My husband said “she’s the one.” I was a little concerned she had been brought to the shelter because she was a runner. He said, “I don’t think she will run, we can train her not to.” So home she went with us, and up the road she went and each time she went up the road we would go get her and bring her back and each time we would tell her “no” and walk with her around the yard. Within two weeks, the distance got shorter and shorter, and now she is content to play in our yard and enjoys being a pampered house dog relaxing on the couch or bed. What a wonderful dog she is.
Odie I found in 2008; he is the comic of the family! He was supposed to be my little dog but he is my husband’s little shadow. He has separation problems but we deal with it and so does he. He is a happy little dog and just wants someone with him at all times.
Our cat Zoey has a very leisurely life, eats and sleeps, and is very content as long as she has a soft place to curl up and food in her bowl.
Won’t you consider adopting an older animal; our two dogs were both 2 and 3 years old when we adopted them. They are usually all “potty trained,” which is a big help. Most issues can be worked on with a little time, a little love and affection and patience is all they need. The animal is just so happy to be with someone that they will do anything to please you.
We want to say thank you to all those families and pets that came by the shelter for Pictures with Santa Paws. Employee Sharon Brown turned our board room into a Winter Wonderland for Santa and volunteer Helen Palmer was our photographer! All photos were by donation and all the proceeds go directly to help the homeless animals of our communities. Photos will be taken again this Saturday.
If you are considering a friend for life, come see us at the Central Aroostook Humane Society or check us out on petfinders.com. We have a lot of great animals just looking for a forever home. Our hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closing for lunch 12-12:30 p.m.
Please be responsible pet owners and spay and neuter your pets!
