A huge thank you to all the families and friends who showed up for our annual Pet Show during the Maine Potato Blossom Festival. It was the most perfect evening weatherwise and what a fun event to show off your furry family member, whether that was a feline, dog, bird, guinea pig, lizard, rabbit, etc. — you get the picture.
Courtesy of Gloria Towle)
Tempo Employment Service once again sponsored the show.
This year’s event was in memory of Marcia Reed, who started this wonderful fundraiser 35 years ago. Marcia worked hard to create a fun and exciting way to have families show off their beloved pets. This year Marcia’s daughter, Elizabeth Reed Brook, helped to head up the Pet Show and added some interesting new twists to the event. Each entry went home with a beautiful Blue Ribbon. Between the registrations and donations, $270 was raised for the Central Aroostook Humane Society’s new animal shelter building.
We all love summer, and with summer comes celebrations and fireworks. Please be mindful that fireworks can truly “stress” your pet and cause unnecessary anxiety.
Here are some tips to keep your pet happy and stress free.
First, please don’t take your pet to any fireworks event. Keep them home and consider moving your pet into a separate, quiet room for relaxation. Close the curtains and turn on some music or the television. Give your pet a bed, lots of toys, or a blanket they can curl up on. Fill their space with things they love and feel comfortable around, including you.
The easiest way to practice fireworks safety is to comfort and console your anxious animal. If your pet is whining or shaking during fireworks, try laying down next to them. This will reassure them that you are there to help and calm them. Pet your furry friend and gently speak to them, rub their ears, hug and cuddle them. It’s fine to be your pet’s security blanket during this time.
If you are looking for that special pet, stop by the Central Aroostook Humane Society or check out our Facebook page for all the latest happenings. Enjoy a fabulous summer, and please be responsible: spay and neuter your pets.
Gloria J. Towle is the secretary for the Central Aroostook Humane Society board of directors.
