Special to the Star-Herald
It seems that donations were the key topic at the Fall Craft Fair at the Forum last weekend. I explained to many people that all shelters are hurting right now, there is a pet explosion and owners are surrendering their pets at a scary rate. There are shelters who are more vocal about their situations than others, but we are all in danger. This is going to be a very tough winter and we are all scurrying to just make it from day to day. At present, our shelter is housing approximately 85-100 cats, way over capacity and that is not even figuring in the pregnant mamas yet to deliver. Our ACO room is full; our holding room is full.
I am not sure what part of “spay and neuter” your pets people aren’t hearing, but I am telling you loud and clear, it needs to be done. That means neutering males as well, because one un-neutered male cat can and will impregnate many, many females. The same goes for dogs, if your dog is not of grand champion blood lines and is not a good specimen of its breed, don’t breed it. Leave it to the professionals, the ones who have their dogs hip-checked and know the lineage of their dogs. Oh, by the way, just because your dog is AKC registered, it does not mean that you should run out and breed it! AKC only certifies that your dogs are purebred, it does not certify that your dog is a good example of its breed, that it has a good temperament, that it will hunt, that it can be housebroken, that it will not eat your couch or that it will not come down with some horrible genetic disease at age 3 and have to be euthanized. You have to do your homework and believe me, you get what you pay for. In a litter of 12 purebred dogs whose parents are show quality, the majority of the litter is going to be “pet quality” with flaws that are not acceptable in the show ring. Talk to any reputable breeder, they will explain that to you. For good information regarding the AKC registrations and breeding, speak to someone from the Central Aroostook Kennel Club. They are a wealth of information.
Halloween is coming and although it can be lots of fun for us, it can be a very stressful time for your dog. Keeping your pet safe during Halloween needs to be a top priority so here are some tips for making this Halloween a safe one:
• Don’t leave your dog in the yard. Keep them safe inside your home. We have all heard the stories of pranksters and what they may do to pets: tease, injure, steal or even kill pets;
• Chocolate is poisonous to a lot of animals and tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers are dangerous if swallowed;
• Watch out for lit pumpkins and your pets. Your pet may knock it over causing a fire or reach in and be burned by wax;
• Don’t dress your dog in costume unless you are sure he loves it. It isn’t fair to put them through that stress;
• If you do dress your pet, be sure the costume isn’t constricting, annoying or unsafe. Do not obstruct the pet’s vision;
• Keep your pet in a separate room, away from the scary trick-or-treaters, it can be very scary. It is our job to protect our animals, even from stress; and
• Be aware of where your pet is and don’t let them dart out through the door.
Our pets are depending on us to keep them safe. Let’s give it all we got and have a safe Halloween.
If you are looking for a “friend for life” please contact the Central Aroostook Humane Society. Our business hours are form 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, or give us a call at 764-3441.
Items can be donated for our wish list and include:
• Monetary donations directly to DOC for our fuel oil for the winter;
• Cat litter (non-scoopable);
• Bleach;
• Laundry detergent;
• Old blankets;
• Money;
• Wal-mart gift cards;
• Photo copier paper; and
• Office supplies.
