Just a reminder to join us this Saturday, June 2, for our annual Paws for the Cause Walk, starting from the Central Aroostook Humane Society Shelter on Cross Street in Presque Isle.
Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. and the walk starts at 10, rain or shine. Light refreshments will be served and prizes given out for various categories, and also some special treats for your dog. (Unfortunately this year, a rabies clinic was not available). This is always a fun, easy event and helps to raise funds to support the shelter animals.
We hope you will join us for a great cause. Leashed dogs are welcome, too.
Last week’s article highlighted the rabies that have already been reported in Maine. What it is, how it is spread and the signs to look for.
In this article we would like to detail what steps to take if there has been exposure to a potentially rabid animal.
If you have been exposed to rabies by a domestic animal (cat or dog): Clean all wounds with soap and water for 10-15 minutes. Call your local animal control officer. Call your healthcare provider. The cat or dog will likely require a 10-day quarantine to rule out rabies.
If you have been exposed by a wild animal (raccoon, skunk, bat, fox, or other wild animal): Clean all wounds with soap and water for 10-15 minutes. Call your local Game Warden. Call your healthcare provider. Rabies testing is needed on the wild animal to rule out rabies.
If your pet has been exposed by a domestic animal: Call your local animal control officer. Call your veterinarian. If fully vaccinated, the cat or dog will likely require a 45-day observation period to rule out rabies.
If your pet has been exposed by a wild animal (raccoon, skunk, bat, fox, or other wild animal): Call your local Game Warden. Call your veterinarian. Rabies testing is needed on the wild animal to rule out rabies.
More information on rabies can be found at www.maine.gov, search Division of Infectious Disease.
Please consider finding your next companion at The Central Aroostook Humane Society. Our hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a lunch break from 12 to 12:30. Visit us on our Facebook page for updates. Please be responsible — spay and neuter your pets.
“Animals are such agreeable friends – they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms” — George Elliot.
Gloria J. Towle is the secretary and a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
