Special to the Star-Herald
Our car wash last Saturday was a huge success thanks to Randy at DOC and all who stopped by to have their vehicle washed. It is always great to talk to people about their pets, and we even had a few dogs visit us. Board members and volunteers pitched in and we all worked together; isn’t that what it is all about? Working together. I have had a lot of dogs in my lifetime, but the one who will remain close to my heart is my first dog, Ziggy. I was in high school and had just gotten my driver’s license, so I took a trip up to the Central Aroostook Humane Society. I looked at all the dogs in the cages, their sad faces. I was about to leave when I noticed this Yellow Lab mix. She was beautiful! I went home and asked Mom to come with me to visit her. She did, but we came home empty-handed. The following weekend, I asked my Dad to go and see this dog. I explained that she was a year old, and her name was Ziggy. We took the 22-mile trip to PI to the shelter, fell in love with this dog and brought her home. That was one of the best decisions my family ever made. Ziggy was surrendered after having puppies and because she was a runner. Well, let me tell you, this dog never left our side; she would go swimming in the river and would sleep on the bed. My father would come home from work and look at her and say ‘go get Daddy’s slippers.’ Off she would run to his room and always return with his slippers. She was a true gift and true family member. Losing her is something we have never gotten over. Although I have had other dogs, my parents have not. She left a void in our hearts. Ziggy was something special, a true gift.
Many people think that the animals at the shelter are there because they have issues or there is something wrong with them. We all come with baggage. All these animals want is love, a home and a family.
Look past what you see in the cage – the dog who is stressed beyond words, the animal who is alone and afraid – and imagine what the dog could be once he reaches his true potential with love and care. They only know what you teach them; a true gift of a dog could be waiting for you at the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
Visit us at 26 Cross Street, Presque Isle.
Our business hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, or visit us online at www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
