By Norma MiltonSpecial to the Aroostook Republican
If you, or anyone you know, have ever doubted the depth of love an animal mother feels for her young, you need to meet our flood victim “little Nicky.” Nicky and her brother, Kermit, were brought here by a Red Cross worker when her owner lost everything he had in the Fort Kent/Van Buren Flood this spring.
Contributed photoNicky miscarried her two babies about 20 days early. They were about 45 days old and canine full term is about 62 days.
The Red Cross worker asked me to give short-term help to two small dogs. As a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and a CPR volunteer, I accepted the task. No one knew “Nicky” was pregnant. But on Wednesday, Nicky miscarried her two babies about 20 days early. They were about 45 days old and full term is 62 days.
Nicky spent one night at the Presque Isle Animal Hospital and came back the next day. She was delighted to be back. The first thing she did was pick up two small stuffed animals in the dog play pen and bring them over to her bed. She has spent all her time caring for and guarding her babies. Even her brother, Kermit, cannot come near Nicky and her babies. Normally, Nicky is very dependent on Kermit, but for now, Nicky is a new mother and she will protect her babies from Kermit’s foolish dancing and prancing.
This little canine momma is grieving deeply. Nicky has chosen to care and love two ragged stuffed animals as her way of dealing with her loss. Kermit has learned that he is no longer the center of Nicky’s world and he does not dare venture near the bed holding the stuffed animals. This need to control the environment will ease in time, but for now, Nicky needs to rule the pen.
I have also watched our little cat mother, Rachel, with her two kittens. She is such a constant careful mother that I have had to move out of my own bedroom because her kittens chose my bed instead of their bed. Mother Rachel stood over my face and literally “talked” to me all night until I moved to another room. “Out,” she yowled. “My babies want to play here and your snoring is scaring them.” Her kittens are privileged and she will not tolerate any problems. Consequently, if I want any sleep. I had to get out.
Typical of two 7-week old kittens, Kit and Kyle have decided to venture downstairs this week. These two babies see life as a marvelous adventure and they are firm in the belief that they can conquer all. Mother Rachel accepts the need to explore a bigger world and she hisses and boxes every adult cat in the house. Even though, the kittens are the ones to initiate trouble (by jumping on Charity’s head), Rachel has full command of any cat’s reaction to their foolish play. It is surprising how tolerate my cats are around Rachel and her kids. When Rachel speaks, we all listen.
A friend asked me why I left my bedroom instead of just moving Rachel and her kittens out. It never occurred to me. After all, why would I, a grandmother, want to upset a new mother especially one with claws.
Please continue to donate nicely used articles for CPR’s Tent Sale. We will keep this fundraiser going throughout the summer. We appreciate your donated items and your business. If you shop at our tent this summer, please just go to the shelter to pay for your purchases. We also will continue to collect bottles year around. This bottle drive is a big help to our operating budget. Your bottle change spays and neuters precious animals.
Caribou Pet Rescue is joining forces with the Emergency Management (EMA), C.E.R.T. personnel, Caribou Police Department, Caribou Fire and Ambulance during “Caribou Cares about Kids” week. We are adding in “Caribou Cares About Pets” as well as kids. Together we are planning a big shindig on August 9th. Please mark your calendar.
Call 498-3800 for information or check out our pets at Caribou Pet Rescue is located at 6 Richards; and the mailing address is PO Box 488, Caribou, ME 04736 Neuter and Spay – It’s the ONLY Way.
