Pet BULLETIN
‘Mews and Yips’ from the Central Aroostook Humane Society
Special to the Star-Herald
It is that time of year again, time to license your dogs. Dogs who are 6 months and older need to be licensed by Jan. 31 or risk paying a penalty. In the city of Presque Isle, unaltered dogs are $11 and altered dogs are $6.
When you renew your license you must show proof of rabies vaccination and for new licenses you must provide proof of spay or neuter as well as rabies vaccination. Don’t be late, there is a $15 fee per dog for a late license.
Why is it necessary to license your dog? Because it is the law! A dog license is a lost dog’s ticket home. When your dog’s tag is properly attached to your dog’s collar, the number on the tag gives animal control a way to find you and return your dog to you. It is all part of being a responsible pet owner. Eventually, animal control will find you, so why not just do the right thing?
I took my dogs sliding the other day; it was loads of fun. We blew up a big rubber raft and slid down the hill, and the dogs rode in the raft with us up the hill. They had a great time chasing us down the hill! We like to make our dogs a part of our fun and this is one thing we all enjoy. After an afternoon of sliding, I guarantee that we all slept well.
It is so very important, even in the winter months, that our dogs get plenty of exercise, so bundle up and get out there. Many behavior issues can be cured by increasing exercise; if you can’t provide enough exercise, hire it. Find someone to walk your dog or find a doggie daycare and let your dog go and play. A tired dog is a happy dog! Remember, increase exercise in small increments, and talk to your vet before any big changes.
I just put one of my pups on a diet. Poor Rusty has gained a lot of weight and we are struggling to take it off. When he was younger, he was very active, but he has slowed down a lot. Some rules to help your dog lose weight:
• If you leave food out for your dog constantly, stop;
• Put your dog on a regimented feeding schedule and stick to it;
• Use a scoop and measure your dog’s food in accordance to feeding guidelines on the bag; and
• Increase exercise.
Think of it this way, would you rather see your dog running and enjoying life for 10 years or laying on the couch for five? It is simple in theory, but easier said than done I am afraid. It takes commitment, but Rusty and I are on a mission; we both need to shed a few pounds and Monday is our first day on our quest to a healthier future.
Remember, dogs crave both mental and physical stimulation; daily walks and exercise provide both. It is up to us as responsible pet owners to keep our dogs fit and, when they aren’t fit, to help them regain their youthful figures and health.
The new year is upon us and looking back at last year, it has been amazing how generous our supporters have been. We are a very lucky bunch, but there is still more work to do. It is so important to spread the word about being responsible pet owners, about having your pets spayed or neutered and about enjoying our pets.
If you would like more information about responsible pet ownership or would like a representative from CAHS to visit your group, please give us a call. Someone can come speak to your group. Or, better yet, bring your group to us for the grand tour. I think all too often it is easier to stay away — hard to see the animals in cages — but that is the reality of our situation, cages filled with dogs and cats; ignoring it is not the answer. Please give us a call at 764-3441 and we can schedule a tour of our facility and answer any questions you may have. It is better to get information straight from the source rather than relying on hearsay and speculation. We encourage you to visit, then consider what you can do to help us spread the word.
I just had to share two happy-ending stories with you. I have a dear friend who lives alone in Portland and travels to the County to visit family. She had been thinking about getting a cat, so we went to the shelter right after Christmas and she found him — a beautiful white kitty who is deaf. This kitty had been with us for quite some time and has now found a forever home. Fluffy is happily living in Portland with his new mommy; both are very happy.
I was speaking to a group of “horse people” all over the state online. Someone was looking for a gray cat, so I posted a picture of Jazz, the beautiful cat who was Pet of the Week last week. Out of the blue at 7:30 a.m. I get a phone call “Chris, I am in love, I have to have this cat! There was something in her eyes, we connected.” Someone who was totally unrelated to the person who was originally looking for a gray cat wanted her. So we did the paperwork and it just so happened I was going to Bangor that same day, so I was able to deliver Jazz to her new owner. He e-mails me often to tell me that she is “PuuurrrrFect.” She loves to sit in the recliner at night with him and watch TV and when he heads to the barn, she sits in the window and watches him until he returns. They are living happily ever after. This poor kitty had been at the shelter since last May, had delivered kittens and nursed numerous other litters. She deserves to be a beloved friend, and that is what she has become.
The happy endings keep us going, they remind us of all of the good out there. Each happy ending reminds us why we are here and why we continue our work … for the animals and happily ever afters.
If you are looking for a friend for life, please contact the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday. You can give us a call at 764-3441 or if you would like to send a donation or an update about the pet you have adopted, please send it to Central Aroostook Humane Society, 26 Cross St., Presque Isle, ME 04769.
Photo courtesy of Christine Robinson
Donita Campbell was the lucky winner of the raffle for the dog basket. Tickets were sold in conjunction with Santa Paw’s visit to the Central Aroostook Humane Society, just prior to Christmas. Campbell’s prize included a variety of dog treats and other goodies.
Photo courtesy of Christine Robinson
ASHLAND SISTERS MAKE DONATION — Three sisters made Christmas a bit better for animals at the Central Aroostook Humane Society in Presque Isle, presenting a donation for the shelter prior to the holidays. Pictured with items collected are, from left, are: Brianna Harris, 9; Brooke Harris, 6; and Brittany Harris, 13. This was the second year Brittany set up a box at the Ashland Food Mart with the request for donations to help support the shelter. She collected dog and cat food, cleaning supplies, treats, canned food, litter and other supplies.
