PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Central Aroostook Humane Society will host its annual Paws for the Cause fundraiser on Saturday, June 1.
The Central Aroostook Humane Society, located at 26 Cross Street in Presque Isle, will host their annual Paws for the Cause walk on Saturday, June 1. (Melissa Lizotte | The Star-Herald)
Executive director Betsy Hallett said that the shelter has hosted Paws for the Cause for more than 20 years as one of its biggest fundraisers. The main event will be a two-mile walk for pet owners and their four-legged friends close to the shelter’s 26 Cross St. location. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., with the walk starting at 10 a.m., followed by special prize giveaways.
Last year, the shelter raised $4,000 toward general operational expenses, which average $200,000 per year. Fifty community members took part in last year’s event.
“Donations and fundraisers are the biggest things that keep us running,” Hallett said.
The humane society hosts many fundraisers throughout the year, such as car washes, holiday photos with “Santa Paws” and their Toast to the Animals wine tasting and silent auction in the fall. The shelter regularly accept donated materials, including cleaning supplies, pet toys and treats, in person at the shelter or through its Amazon wish list.
Currently the shelter has five dogs and one cat up for adoption, which Hallett noted is a much lower number than usual. She said one of the best parts of Paws for the Cause is seeing many animals who were previously adopted from the shelter and have now found happy homes.
“I would say 70 to 80 percent of the animals we see at Paws are ones that people have adopted here,” Hallett said. “It’s amazing to see the stories that have happy endings.”
She encourages dog owners to bring their furry companions out to the humane society on June 1 to do their part to help future shelter animals find their forever homes.
“We’re very grateful, not just for Paws, but for everyone’s support throughout the year,” Hallett said. “The community is what keeps us going.”
