Staff Writer
HOULTON — Find a good loving home for a few deserving and deserted animals — a cause can’t get any better than this.
Pioneer Times photo/Jennifer Ruth
WALK FOR US — These two mixed breed dogs get ready for their long walk on Saturday, May 10 for the Houlton Humane Society’s annual dog walk-a-thon.
More than 30 people took on that cause early Saturday morning gathering with their pets at the Houlton Grange with one goal in mind — to raise some much-needed money for the Houlton Humane Society. Labs, greyhounds, spaniels and mixed breeds of fluffy loveable canines gained most of the attention as participants set forth to walk in support of the county’s animals in need.
“This is one of our favorite fund-raisers,” explained Cathy Davis, president of the Houlton Humane Society. “It’s an opportunity for folks to get together who all share a common interest. They’re able to get a little exercise and fresh air and provide financial assistance to the shelter, so it was a great day.”
Although there was a slight chill in the air, participants made the best of the day by parading thorugh town with their “best friends” at their sides. Pledges, donations and sales helped bring in approximately $1,500.
“Financially, we are still having very serious problems,” said Davis. “If it hadn’t been for this walk-a-thon, we wouldn’t have had enough to cover the payroll this week. We have another oil bill that’s come in, another vet bill that’s come in and there are more bills than there is money.”
The animal shelter continues to live paycheck-to-paycheck and Davis said more support is needed to continue providing the services to the shelter’s temporary residents. Currently, there are more than 170 cats and six dogs now living at the facility.
“We contract with 27 communities and every single one of them pays a fee to the shelter,” she explained. “It’s a per capita fee — it’s $4 per capita and we have not changed that in years and we’ve started to alert towns that in 2009 we will probably be anticipating an increase — we have to. What they pay us right now doesn’t even cover payroll and now we’re at a point with so many animals that there are four people on staff … we’re going to have to start paying unemployment, which is an additional expense.
“We’re just so overrun with animals,” she added.
One donation that came in separately from the walk-a-thon fund-raiser was from a local family who have acted as volunteers to the animals in need. Steve Cowett, his wife Janice and their daughters Sarah and Morgan have always been huge supporters of the shelter. Davis said the family spent time with the animals, showing them love and affection, which is something a lot of abandoned and abused animals need.
Recently, 14-year-old Morgan Cowett lost her battle with cancer and it was her wish that her friends and family give back to one of her most passionate things — the animals.
“She and her family came out to the shelter for years — walked dogs, socialized cats — she recently lost a battle with cancer and the family has turned over to us the memorial donations, which were made in Morgan’s memory and we will using those funds, which is over $2,000, to subsidize adoption fees so that folks that would like to have a cat or dog and can’t afford the $60 fee, those fees will be waived. So we will be able to place cats as a result of those memorial donations and we want to get the word out,” remarked Davis. “The last time we were able to waive adoption fees, we were able to place 60 cats.”
Also in memory of Morgan, Davis said the shelter is going to waive all boarding fees for pet owners whose animals have been mistakenly picked up by animal control or brought in by good Samaritans.
“If you’re missing a cat, please call the shelter,” said Davis. “If your cat hasn’t come home in the last 48 hours, please call us. At this point in time, in Morgan’s memory, I will waive all fees for anybody that comes to get their cat in the next 30 days.”
Davis said funds are still needed to help with the shelter’s operations and if they can find homes in the meantime, that would be great.
“On behalf of Janice, Sarah and I we would like to thank everyone who donated a monetary gift in Morgan’s memory,” said Steve Cowett. “We greatly appreciate this!”
To find out how you can help the shelter, or to contribute to Morgan’s memorial fund, contact the shelter at 532-2862.
Pioneer Times photo/JenniferRuth
POOCHES — These little dogs eagerly await the annual dog walk on Saturday, May 10 at the Houlton Grange.
The two greyhounds at right, get prepped for the walk with their owners.
