Special to the Star-Herald
We asked and we received. We asked for a photocopier, and what we got was a 4-in-1 machine given by an anonymous donor. It was something they had in storage, and we happened to come along at just the right time. How very lucky for the shelter. We had also asked for help last week with our van. A “kind citizen” called Presque Isle High School, and their automotive department is going to take a look at it for us and the “kind citizen” is going to pay to have it towed for us. I couldn’t be happier. We had many offers from generous people to fix our van; you have no idea how much that meant to us, to know that all we had to do was ask. We will have it evaluated by PI HS and keep you postedon the status.
Did you know that dogs need as much water in the winter as they do in the summer and that eating snow is NOT enough? It is true. We are into subzero temperatures, so be sure you have adequate shelter, preferably your warm home, for your dog, and that your dog has plenty of food and fresh water. If your dog cannot come into the house, please be sure he has a warm shelter with plenty of fresh straw in which to make his bed and to get out of the wind. Dogs and cats can suffer from hypothermia just like we can. They can also suffer from frostbite. It is our responsibility as pet owners to ensure that does not happen to our animals.
My dog, Zoe, has decided it is too cold to “do her business” outside and has chosen instead to sneak off into an unoccupied area of our home to “do her business.” While I love Zoe dearly, this is not acceptable and I must keep a close eye on her and use child gates to block off areas of the house. I have spoken to other pet owners whose dogs do the same thing when the temperatures drop. So I am very close to my rug shampooer, but Zoe is getting better. I do not allow her to lie by the fire when everyone else goes outside, I force her OUT! Nobody wants a dirty dog, but with these temperatures, you can’t really blame her, still, out the door you go, Zoe!
This is a tough time of year for all of us; we choose with the cold weather to go into hibernation, and so don’t our dogs. What can you do this time of year to keep your dog stimulated? How about taking them snowshoeing or skijoring? We take our dogs with us when we go sliding. They chase us up and down the hill. But when the weather is cold, like last weekend, nobody wants to be outside, so now is the time to keep your dog’s mind stimulated by teaching him tricks. Teach fun things like holding a bone on their nose and waiting for a release, playing dead or sitting pretty. Use positive reinforcement and by spring you will have an Einstein on your hands. Dogs thrive on learning and making us happy; use that to your advantage during the cold weather and teach them some cool tricks to impress your friends. You will both be proud of yourselves.
If you are looking for a “friend for life,” please visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We have many wonderful animals available for adoption. Our business hours are from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, or you can give us a call at 764-3441. You can also visit us online at www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org.
Please be responsible and have your pets spayed or neutered. There just aren’t enough responsible homes for all of them.
