By Gail Wieder
Recently I have read messages on social media sites about animals, mostly cats and dogs, needing to find good homes. Maybe someone passed away, came down with an illness or is moving and cannot take the animal with them. In several instances they stated they didn’t want to take the animal to a shelter.
If the person or persons is able to find the animal a good home, knows someone willing to take the animal and love it and provide a great home, then that is terrific. Sometimes it is not easy to find the right home for the animal, and the local animal shelter is the answer. The shelter will give food, housing, a dry place to sleep, medication if necessary and love until they find the right home for this furbaby.
I have been on the board of directors for almost four years now and have seen what our shelter does for all the animals that come through the doors. The Central Aroostook Humane Society is a very special shelter. The employees there take special care of all the animals that come there, whether they are brought in, dropped off, picked up or come in as strays. Betsy and her crew work had to find each furbaby a new forever home.
I would like to tell you about a few of the “happy tails” that have happened at the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
Justis, a canine, came into the shelter very malnourished at 35-40 pounds. This dog should have weighed around 70 pounds. Justis was so thin, with his hip bones protruding and his ribs showing – such a sweet dog. Justis was taken to the vet to assess any problems, then Betsy and her crew started nursing him back to health. Justis was given special foods to help him get to a good weight for his size. While he was at the shelter he was loved by all who work there. After a few months of excellent care by the shelter staff, a 70-pound Justis went to his forever home. He is doing wonderfully and is much loved.
Brutus, an oversized dachshund, was a funny little guy. I would visit him on my lunch hour a few times a week. At first I just let him sniff me and would do some patting, but he was a little standoffish. Eventually he would jump up and put his short little paws on the side of the chair and I would give him kisses and ear rubs. One day a gentleman came in. He knelt down, and out came Brutus, ran right over to this man and sat right at his legs, and it is like they were picked for each other. The next picture I saw of Brutus was of he and his new “Dad” having a nap on the couch together. Makes my heart very happy!
While I was visiting the shelter one day, a dog named Lyla had just arrived and was in bad shape. Whenever I think of this dog I get misty-eyed. Being the dog person that I am, I asked Dez to see her. This dog came over to me and put her head in my lap. I sat with Dez and we both cried that day for this beautiful, kind soul. Her skin around her eyes was red and sore, and she had so many red, oozing sore spots on her, I didn’t know where to touch her. I started patting the top of her head, and the tears fell down my cheeks. How could anyone let this happen to an innocent animal?
Lyla just stood there with her head in my lap as if to say, “It will be all right. I am here. They will help me.”
And help they did. Over the next few months I would visit and see Lyla’s healing progress. It was amazing to see how she improved, with vet visits and the loving care of Betsy and her staff. Lyla eventually went to a wonderful family and they love her unconditionally. I got to see her at the Paws for the Cause Walk in May, and spoke to her family. She loves them so much and they love her. What a happy ending for this beautiful dog. She will always hold a special place in my heart!
An animal shelter is a perfect place to bring an unwanted animal, too. That animal will be well cared for until a home is found for them.
If you have not been to the Central Aroostook Humane Society, please go, talk to the staff and see all the wonderful animals that need homes. You will find us at 26 Cross Street, Presque Isle. Hours of operation are 10 a.m.-4 p.m.,Tuesday through Saturday, closing for lunch from 12-12:30.
Remember, our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet!
Gail Wieder is a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
