Rain did little
to dampen walkers’ fund-raising spirit
PET BULLETIN
‘Mews and Yips’ from the Central Aroostook Humane Society
By Christine Cowett Robinson
Mother Nature didn’t cooperate as well as she had in the past, but walkers — over 60 of them and their dogs — showed up to support the Central Aroostook Humane Society at our Paws for the Cause Walk last Saturday.
It was another great fund-raiser for us, bringing in over $1,600 this year. We so appreciate anyone who helped us, from letting us hang a sign in your place of business, to coming and walking in the rain. I believe fun was had by all. We were very pleased to have both Presque Isle Animal Hospital and Hotham’s Veterinary Services there providing a rabies clinic and a micro-chipping clinic during our event. I hope you took advantage of our clinics.
Since the shelter only had two dogs available for adoption, I brought seven of my own. Ya, I know, I must be nuts, but it was great! Each dog found someone willing to walk them, and walkers were more than happy to have a dog. It was a win/win situation. I don’t believe the dogs minded the rain one bit. We even did some dog washes in the rain, believe it or not.
The Friends of CAHS group was a huge help this year as well. They baked sweets and dog biscuits and helped in any way necessary on the day of the walk. It was so nice to have those extra hands this year. If you would like to know more about becoming a Friend of CAHS, please send us an e-mail friendsofcahs@yahoo.com and we will be happy to give you any information you want about becoming a member. Friends of CAHS is a group formed to help our small board with events; they support us in our fund-raisers and help where we need help. This is a great group and you only put into it what you want. Meetings are quarterly at the library in Presque Isle. Stop by and see what it is all about. The next meeting will be Tuesday, Aug. 10, at 6 p.m. at the library.
Katie Lisnik, the Maine State director for the Humane Society of the United States, is hosting a free animal welfare meeting on Monday, July 12, where participants will learn how to become an active voice for animals in Maine and beyond. She will be in Presque Isle on Monday, July 12, from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m., at Presque Isle City Council Room, 12 Second Street. This is a wonderful time to network with other animal lovers in our area.
Holy cow, I am trying to plan a two-week vacation and it is going to take a miracle to get me out of town. I own horses, ducks, chickens, pigs, dogs and cats. I am trying to get all of my “ducks in a row” and find dependable care for my pets while I am gone. I am lucky enough to have friends and family who will help me that I trust.
Proper planning prevents poor performance and planning ahead for your pets will ensure that you will have a safe place for them to stay while you are gone. I have found people I trust to stay at my home and care for my animals, and I don’t mind paying for that peace of mind. My home is a crazy one with all these critters, so it will take more than one person to make my vacation go smoothly and to ensure my pets are well taken care of.
This is the ideal situation for me. While others may not be as lucky as I am, there are other options. You can board your pets. I am suggesting that you book your boarding time early and make sure you take the time to visit the kennel and speak to the owners to be sure you are comfortable leaving your pet. Yes, it is almost as bad as leaving a child. Most kennels expect pets to be up to date on routine shots and for dogs to have their kennel cough preventative. Plan ahead!!
If you are looking for a friend for life, please visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday. You can give us a call at 764-3441 or visit us online at www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org. Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
Skyler McAtee, age 11, and her brother Xavier McAtee, age 5, recently visited the Central Aroostook Humane Society in Presque Isle. Skyler used some of her birthday money for treats for the animals.
