So what a busy few weeks we have had at the shelter. We have taken in 37 cats, which makes us double capacity. We also took in three dogs that no one claimed, plus five owner dogs, putting us at 13 dogs and 10 kennels. These numbers are scary, but luckily, there are some things you can do to help. What you ask? Let me tell you.
First off, obviously, is adoption. We have purebred dogs, mutts, purebred cats and just cats. We have every color you could possibly want; every age you may prefer; and every personality under the sun. I think sometimes people have a perception about shelter animals, that they are here because they are “bad” or “mean” or there is “something wrong with them.”
That is not the case at all. Some are here because their owners died. Some are here because their owners had family issues come up and they can no longer keep them. Some were left homeless after a fire. And some were found on the streets. No matter what their history may be, they all deserve another chance at a home, at love. So adoption would be the first way to help us and help them. Come in Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and meet our group of adoptable pets. You may find your new furry friend.
Another way to help is Facebook. Most of us have it and know how well it works for sharing information. So go to our page, like it and share it. Share our adoptable pictures to your friends. Share them on your wall. Get our animals out there so they don’t have to live here.
Fostering is another way. These animals live a good life here at the shelter with us. We love them like they are ours. They all have time out of cages, have comfy beds and lots of toys. But at the end of the day it’s not a home. We are always looking for people to open up their homes for a dog or a cat and let them live with you, while they look for a home. We have over 20 wonderful families who do this and I know they would all agree that this is the most rewarding way to help. We can provide the food, litter, toys etc. All you provide is the home and the love.
And one final way to help, of course, is financially. With this many animals, a dollar only goes so far. Not as far as we would like. Right now with food and supplies, it is costing us about $600 a week to just care for the animals. That doesn’t include vet bills or utilities. We do get town money, but a quarter of the towns pay us less then $500 a year. This doesn’t go far at all. We are firm believers that every dollar helps. And every dollar we get goes to care for our animals. So send us your change. Do a bottle drive to raise money. Maybe ask your office where you work if you can put a donation jar. Or even check in your couch cushions. Every bit helps.
And speaking of money, we want to thank The Horn Restaurant for doing a night for us, where we got some of the dinner service profits. The meal was amazing and the company was even better. Also thank you to Beal’s Variety, Aroostook Milling, Jeans Serendipity, Country North Gifts and Houlton Tire for allowing us to have donation jars at your stores. We truly appreciate the community support. We are only as strong as our supporters. Let’s all find a way to help!
