Pets come to us for a variety of reasons, but the most important thing is that they have safe place with us for as long as it takes for their new family to come along. Sometimes they are available for adoption for mere minutes, sometimes weeks or in a few cases, even a year. But for however long their stay is, they have nutritious food, a safe and comfortable shelter, veterinary care, enrichment activities, and lots of love from our staff and volunteers.
We contract with 28 towns in Aroostook County to provide a shelter for animal control officers to bring stray or abandoned pets. We keep a log of lost dogs and cats, and we encourage folks to call us as soon as their pet goes missing. Every time a pet comes in, we review our lost pet’s logs. We look for a phone number on the pet’s tag and we scan for a microchip so we can quickly call the owners to come claim their pet. Our Facebook page has become a wonderful tool for reuniting lost pets with their families. One picture shared by all of our followers, gets the word out and more often than not, pets are soon back home safe and sound!
We are committed to reducing pet overpopulation in Maine. Dogs, cats and rabbits that have been altered are happier and healthier. They exhibit fewer undesirable behaviors, such as spraying and aggression. Our goal is to have every shelter pet spayed or neutered prior to adoption. The Cleo Fund, the spay/neuter arm of AWS, helps pet owners with resources to have their own pets altered.
When you finally made the decision to bring a shelter pet into your home and family, patience is the key! It is a huge adjustment for not only your family, but for the pet that has just been adopted. Everything is new, everything has changed and it will take some time, guidance and especially patience to insure a smooth transition!
I Was a Shelter Pet
Now I have arrived at your home, everything is strange, and I don’t feel good.
Do not feel impatient if I don’t sleep in my new basket. Yesterday, I slept on a stone floor.
Do not be terrified if I gobble up my food. Yesterday, I had to do it to survive.
Do not get angry if I pee on your floor. Yesterday, it did not matter.
Do not be sad if I am afraid of your loving hand. Yesterday, I did not have one.
Have patience with me, it’s your world, but not yet mine.
If I trust you, I can give you the greatest gift I have to give … my heart.
Please never forget, I was a shelter pet. All I need is a bit of time to adjust.
When the time is right for a loving pet to enter your world, stop by the Central Aroostook Humane Society at 24 Cross Street, Presque Isle. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, closing for lunch 12-12:30. Please be responsible: spay and neuter your pets.
Gloria J. Towle is the secretary and a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
