Special to Star-Herald
I was at the shelter one day, a potential adopter came in, picked out a dog and filled out the application. While reviewing the application we realized that he had two cats that were not altered and not up to date on shots. After a bit of discussion, we denied the application and told him that after he had his animals altered and up to date on their shots, then he could come back and we would discuss an adoption. His reply was, “Well, what if I want to breed this dog?” I couldn’t believe it. We are so much more than the “pound.” We are a humane society, and we strive to make the lives of the unwanted animals of the County better. We try to match the best animals with the most compatible and responsible pet owners. We do ask that adopters fill out a brief application; we do call your references; and, most importantly, we do our vet checks. We try to educate the public about responsible pet ownership and what that really means. The animals at the Central Aroostook Humane Society belong to us, and it is our responsibility and commitment that each pet goes to the best possible home that we can find.
Our shelter is much more than “the pound.” We care who gets our animals and try to the best of our ability to screen potential homes; that is why our contract reads that if you can no longer keep the animal, it must be returned to CAHS. Our employees put heart and soul into caring for the animals who stay with us, they have a vested interest in where they go. That is part of the contract you sign when you adopt an animal. If you must part with the animal and know of someone who wants the animal, return it to the shelter as your contract mandates and we will let the person who wants the animal fill out an application and possibly adopt from us; that keeps you safe by not violating your contract, the pet safe by continuing a paper trail and the new adopter safe by giving them peace of mind that if they can no longer keep the pet, we will take it back. If we bend our contract for one, we will have to bend it for all, then what is the sense of having one?
Taking on the responsibility of an animal is a huge commitment and can be an expensive one. The lifespan of a cat or dog is usually in its teens and a horse can be much longer. All baby animals are cute, but always remember that they will grow up and that they need to be taught right from wrong. There are many adult animals out there looking for good homes and maybe an older animal would fit into your lifestyle better than a puppy or kitten.
Older dogs are usually spayed or neutered, have had some training, have some manners and are usually past their puppy chewing stages. Older cats are usually litter box trained and can easily adjust into a routine. Educate yourself and choose your next “friend for life” wisely. If you are lucky you will have your pet a very long time; with proper care and attention, your lives will be filled with many happy years together.
Want to help out the Central Aroostook Humane Society but don’t want to become a Board member? How about joining Friends of the Central Aroostook Humane Society. This is an auxiliary group that has been formed to support the Board in projects, such as fund-raisers and special events. If you become a member, you will be added to our mailing list and be kept advised of what events you may be able to help with. If you are interested, please e-mail friendsofCAHS@yahoo.com
If your group would like a representative from CAHS to visit and discuss issues such as dog bite prevention, responsible pet ownership, pet over-population or just discuss what we do at the shelter, please give us a call at 764-3441.
If you are looking for a friend for life, please visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, or visit us online at www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered!
