The 10 commandments
of responsible dog ownership
By Gail Wieder
Board Member
Mark your calendars: Just wanted to let you know that I am starting up the quarterly meetings with the Friends of CAHS group! We have not had a meeting for some time but feel this is a good time to start up again and get connected with all the members — and also to encourage anyone out there to join the group.
This is a terrific group of people that help the board members in strategizing ways to raise funds for our animal shelter, to work alongside the board members at all of our fundraisers. They are a big part of CAHS and we are so lucky to have these volunteers.
Our first meeting will be at the Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library in Presque Isle at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26. I would love to see all the friends that have been with us over the years and welcome any new members to our group. Older children are welcome; 16 years of age and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
It won’t take up much of your time. If you love animals and volunteering, come to the meeting and see what the Friends of Central Aroostook Humane Society is all about. I look forward to seeing you all there.
I was looking thru my Planet Dog “Doglopedia” the other night and came across these guidelines that are shared among humane societies and dog and decided that I would share it with all of you. Remember that a dog’s life is likely to last 10-15 years and that any separation from you will be painful for them. Here are the Ten Commandments of Dog Ownership:
• Give me time to understand what you want from me;
• Place your trust in me. It is crucial to my well-being that you rely on me as I know I can rely on you;
• Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends and your entertainment. I have only you;
• Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I understand what the sound of your voice means when you speak to me;
• Be aware that however you treat me, I’ll never forget it;
• Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you;
• Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something may be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, or I’ve been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak;
• Take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old; and
• Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say “I can’t bear to watch it” or “Let it happen without me.” Everything is easier for me if you’re there. Remember that I love you.
This was something I had never read before. Being a dog lover, it will be something I will remember and read often.
My favorite quote kind of goes along with this, “Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet.”
If you are looking for that furry friend, come visit us at the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We have some wonderful, loving animals looking for a family to call their own. We are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closing for lunch from noon to 12:30 p.m. Please be responsible pet owners, spay and neuter your pets.
