Friends of CAHS help homeless pets
By Christine Cowett Robinson
Special to the STar-Herald
Have you ever thought that you wanted to be a part of helping animals in Aroostook County? Now is your chance!
We have a wonderful group of supporters called “Friends of CAHS.” This group meets quarterly and supports the board in our fundraisers and also has fund-raising events of their own. I have to say that these members are worth their weight in gold, filling spots when board members cannot and they plan some pretty fun events. If you would like to know more about how you could support the Central Aroostook Humane Society by becoming a member of our “Friends”
group, just e-mail Friendsofcahs@yahoo.com. Their next meeting will be Tuesday, May 10, at 6 p.m. at the Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library’s downstairs meeting room in Presque Isle. This group is open to anyone from any town, so stop by and check them out. You are under no obligation to commit any time; it is entirely up to you what you have to offer. You may also volunteer at the shelter helping to socialize dogs and cats, fold newspapers, walk dogs, help with laundry and dishes — there is lots to do and many different ways in which to help.
We will be participating in the Caribou City Wide Yard Sale on May 21. If you have gently-used items that you would like to donate, please drop them off at the shelter. This should be a great opportunity for us to meet new friends. We may even have a critter or two there, so bring the family and stop by at 5 Franklin Street, right next door to Noye’s flower shop! So far we have some nice things to sell. So stop by and make us an offer we can’t refuse!
Older animals make awesome companions. They are usually calm, require less exercise, want more one-on-one affection, walk well on a leash and behave well with people, kids and other animals. They’ve already been housebroken or litter box trained, spayed or neutered, are up-to-date on vaccinations and have received basic obedience training. They only need a little TLC, which is exactly what we humans love to give our best friends. What more could you want from a companion?
As I look around the shelter, I am amazed at how many older cats we have available for adoption; cats that were once beloved companions and know how to be loving pets. They long for a place to call home, a warm bed, healthy food and an owner who loves them. Aged dogs also make wonderful pets; most are already housebroken and know basic commands. Some people say ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,’ but I would argue that fact. Most of my dogs were adults when they came to me and some even seniors, and they have adapted nicely to our home. They have come to me not housebroken but figured it out; not knowing their name, but they learned. It just takes patience and kindness. Cats and dogs of any age ask nothing of us except to be treated kindly, and a little of that can go a long way.
We had a cart at Graves Shop n’ Save in Presque Isle for patrons to donate food and other animal items. This was a very successful venture for us and we very much appreciate the donations. Donations of items, no matter how small, mean a lot to both us and the animals.
If you are looking for a Friend for life, please visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society. Our address is 26 Cross St., Presque Isle, ME 04769 and our phone number is 764-3441. The Humane Society is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday. You can also visit us online and donate at www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org.
Please have your pets spayed and neutered.
