Visits serve as educational opportunity
PET BULLETIN
‘Mews and Yips’ from the Central Aroostook Humane Society
By Christine Cowett Robinson
We participated in the Kiwanis Show at the Forum last weekend; what a great time! We saw many people we knew and met some new friends. Many people were thrilled to see that we didn’t have many dogs for adoption and to also share stories of animals they adopted from us.
We could not have had such great success without the Friends of CAHS and there to support us. This is a great group of volunteers dedicated to helping us in our mission to spread the word about responsible pet ownership. Their smiling faces and enthusiasm really re-energize us; and their support is wonderful. If you would like to be a part of Friends of CAHS, the group meets quarterly and you will be kept up to date via e-mail as to how you can help. You only commit what time you want to this project and there are no dues or mandatory meetings. For more information please send an e-mail to friendsofcahs@yahoo.com for more information. This is a great way to help the homeless, abandoned and neglected animals of the County.
The winner of the doll house built and donated by Alfred Cowett was Sandy Albair of Caribou.
The winner of the “Welcome Dog” was Tony Saucier.
The winner of the T-shirt was Byron Skidgell.
A great time was had by all. Congratulations to the winners!
My dog Rusty and I like to visit daycares and schools to talk to children about dog bite prevention. Every year approximately 2.8 million children are bitten by dogs. Usually the dog either belongs to the family or is known by the child who was bitten. It is our job as adults to protect children from our dogs and to protect dogs from children. Most bites happen because children will push dogs past their comfort zone. The best thing we can do is to encourage our children to change their behavior before it gets to the point where the dog feels it must defend itself.
Teach children to never approach a dog who is not under control, loose or tied. The dog owner must have control of the dog, then encourage the child to ask the owner’s permission and then let the dog sniff them first. Children need to learn to respect animals; a sleeping animal should be allowed to sleep and not be bothered, an eating animal should be allowed to eat and not be bothered. It is best to provide your dog a place where he can do these things undisturbed.
What is common sense to us is not to children, so teach your children well. If you would like someone to visit your daycare of school, we would be more than happy. Just give the shelter a call and ask for a visit. Our visits to educate groups are free! All you have to do is ask.
Looking for a “Friend for Life?” Contact the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, or give us a call at 764-3441. Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
