Get ready to Toast to the Animals
PET BULLETIN
‘Mews and Yips’ from the Central Aroostook Humane Society
By Gloria J. Towle
Our biggest event of the year is days away! On Friday, Nov. 13, the doors will open at 6 p.m. at the University of Maine at Presque Isle Campus Center, and the Toast to the Animals will run until 9 p.m.
Those attending will enjoy a special evening that will benefit the animals at the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We have had such an outpouring of support for our sixth annual Toast to the Animals, not only with individuals and businesses stepping up to sponsor the event, but many have donated beautiful items and certificates for our silent auction. We will have over 100 items that have been generously donated.
Just as a tease, we will have several balloon rides, Kiwanis tickets to the sold-out Polar Express train ride, jewelry, artwork, gift baskets, tools, fireworks, green fees/golf items, Vera Bradley, massages, fitness classes, a spay/neuter and even a three-credit course valued at $660. We also have many certificates to local restaurants, hotel rooms, pet boarding, floral shop, veterinarian, tax services, salons and many more!
This year’s wine and beer tasting is brought to you by Aramark at the university and will feature all Maine wineries and breweries. Guests will receive six tickets at the door that can be used for a taste of each sample, or to mix and match what you prefer. For those not caring to sample the beer or wine, we will have water, coffee and tea available, or your favorite soda or beverage will be available to purchase.
We are offering a variety of food selections and also fair pairings that will complement some of the beer and wine choices. We are excited to have Carol Ayoob and Dan Morin back again this year with their musical talent. We will also have a 50/50 drawing, and there will be drawings for a variety of door prizes for the lucky ticket holders.
Each year we look for a worthwhile project to earmark part of the Toast proceeds for. This year’s project will be a new front entryway at the shelter. As many of you know, the front door opens directly into the lobby and front desk. In the winter especially, the blast of cold air not only freezes the employees and customers, but it is like a vacuum throughout the pet rooms. The amount of heat loss and extra fuel that is used is a problem that we felt needed addressing.
If funds allow, then we will also build an enclosure at the side door as well. We are slowly making improvements to a building that was built many years ago. Fundraisers such as our Toast help to raise not only the funds to make these improvements possible, but to also care for the needs of our temporary four-legged guests as they wait patiently for their new forever home!
Tickets for our event will be available at the door, at the Central Aroostook Humane Society or by calling Nancy Nichols at 227-1609. Guests must be 21 years of age to attend.
Remember as the weather gets colder; bring your pets inside where it is warm and safe. Providing an outside shelter and fresh water is a must for any pet that needs to spend any amount of time outside in the winter.
We have a variety of kittens and many cats that are already altered, so please stop by and visit. You can also check us out on Facebook and petfinders.com. Please be responsible pet owners: spay and neuter!
Gloria J. Towle is the secretary and a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
