Santa Paws is coming to town
PET BULLETIN
‘Mews and Yips’ from the Central Aroostook Humane Society
By Denise Trombley
Well, it’s that time of year again when pets’ tails start wagging in anticipation of greeting Santa Paws at The Central Aroostook Humane Society! He will be making his appearance on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
We hope you will plan to stop by and bring your pet and also your family. Santa really loves to have the kids and adults included in the photo. For a minimal donation, you can enjoy some wonderful memories. 
Holidays can be a stressful time for pets, especially with a house full of new people, sounds and smells. Here are some tips for making the holidays more peaceful and safe for your pup:
Set your pup up in a separate area of the house that will be quiet, comfortable and free from chaos; exercise your pup before guests arrive; keep garbage covered and out of reach; and cover and keep foods away from the edges of countertops and tables.
As far as food goes, tell your guests up-front the house rules for feeding your pup table scraps or people food, and remember to never give your pup cooked meat bones — they can become soft or brittle and lead to choking, or worse, an intestinal blockage.
If your pup does get to eat people food, keep in mind that the following common foods can be dangerous or possibly even deadly to your furry friend: alcoholic beverages, artificial sweeteners, avocados, chocolate, coffee, corn on the cob, garlic, grapes and raisins, onions and chives, macadamia nuts, persimmons, peaches or plums, and yeast or raw bread dough that contains yeast.
Opt to play it healthy and safe and bake up a batch of these quick-and-easy dog treats that are sure to get your pup’s tail wagging:
Pup-a-licious
Peanut Butter Treats
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/3 cup smooth natural peanut butter
1 cup hot water or 1 cup skim milk
1 egg
Directions: Preheat the oven to 375∞F. Mix flour and baking powder in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, mix peanut butter, egg, and hot water or skim milk until smooth. Slowly add the dry ingredients and mix well. Add a bit more water or milk if the dough is too dry; flour if it’s too wet.
Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut with bone-shaped (or any other shaped) cookie cutters. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly brown.
Allow treats to cool before serving and/or storing in an airtight container.
Let the tail wagging begin!
Please consider making room in your heart and home for one of the animals available at the Central Aroostook Humane Society’s animal shelter. There are cats and dogs that need loving homes. Visit us at 26 Cross St. in Presque Isle to adopt the forever pet that is right for you. Hours of operation are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, closed for lunch from 12-12:30 p.m.
Denise Trombley is a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
