‘Pitch in for the Paws’ benefits two County shelters
PRESQUE ISLE — A community-wide collaborative to collect a number of critically needed winter supplies to support abandoned animals at two county animal shelters is being hailed a huge success. The effort, led by TAMC staff and volunteers, provided more than $3,000 worth of items shared by the Central Aroostook Humane Society in Presque Isle and Halfway Home Pet Rescue in Caribou.
Photo courtesy of TAMC
THE SECOND ANNUAL Pitch in for the Paws collection effort led by TAMC and several county businesses was a huge success. Pictured are, from left: Dawn Poitras, co-chair of the TAMC Total Health Team; Laurie Colton of project partner the County Federal Credit Union, Betsy Hallett, Central Aroostook Humane Society shelter manager; Crystal Patterson, CAHS kennel technician; and Heather Storey, CAHS shelter technician.
“This is absolutely amazing. This is a huge help,” said Betsy Hallett, CAHS shelter manager as representatives from the organization arrived at TAMC’s North Street Healthcare facility to pick up the items collected during the weeklong drive. “It allows for a tremendous cost savings and helps us to do other things, such as veterinary care and spaying and neutering, with our limited resources.”
After hearing about a high need for supplies at the humane society last year at this time, the TAMC Total Health Team created “Pitch in for the Paws,” an innovative donation drive. This year, the well-received effort was expanded to assist not just one, but both shelters in the region.
“We are very thankful to TAMC for taking the lead on this project and providing this much needed winter push,” said Mary Rowe, HHPR office manager. “The winter months are particularly challenging for our non-profit organization. These contributions will help greatly!”
In addition to expanding the number of those benefiting from the project, several area businesses stepped up to join TAMC by not only serving as a drop-off point for community donations, but in encouraging their employees to take part and bring in items, as well.
MMG Insurance collaborated on the project last year and was quick to sign on again this year. Other businesses and organizations taking part in the drive were the County Federal Credit Union, S.W. Collins, United Insurance Kieffer Agency, Beaulieu’s Garage and the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
“The County Federal Credit Union was more than happy to be a part of this special project to benefit two such worthy organizations. We are so pleased that we were asked to have our branches be collection sites and are thrilled with the results,” said Laurie Colton, assistant vice president of loan operations. “The amount of items collected altogether is quite impressive.”
Pitch in for the Paws launched Oct. 31 and ran through Nov. 8. Supplies collected at the various locations throughout central Aroostook included Purina cat and dog food, cat litter, blankets, leashes, cat carriers, dog kennels, treats, toys, puppy pads, cleaning supplies and more.
Dedicated to the health and wellness of the community, the TAMC Total Health Team launched the event last year in recognition of the important role that pet ownership can play in a patient’s care and overall quality of life. Owning a pet has been shown to reduce stress, improve recovery times, lessen symptoms of depression, reduce levels of anxiety and increase physical activity.
“When you’re passionate about obtaining excellent health for yourself, family, friends and neighbors, how can you not include your precious pets in the mix?” said Dawn Poitras, TAMC manager of rehab and therapy services. “The TAMC Total Health Team understands the importance of pet health care to community members. Studies have shown that it is important to surround yourself with pets, since they benefit our own well being. It’s a win-win.”
