Aid sought for abandoned dogs’ vet bills
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Officials with the Central Aroostook Humane Society are asking for the public’s help in covering veterinary bills for two abandoned dogs, recovered from a home in Ashland about two weeks ago.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
DOGS NEED VET CARE — Betsy Hallett, manager of the Central Aroostook Humane Society, holds two Yorkie mix dogs found abandoned at an Ashland home. Brodi, the lighter of the two, and his father, Cain, are in need of medical care. Hallett hopes the public can help with the cost of their treatment.
“They’re Yorkie mixes. Cain, the father, is 9. His son, Brodi, is 4 years old. They came to us with a number of health issues,” said Betsy Hallett, manager of the shelter.
Both dogs are scheduled for surgeries at Hotham’s Veterinary Clinic in Presque Isle in the near future.
“Cain isn’t neutered. He tested positive for Lyme disease and still has an ear infection. They’re both being treated for skin infections and kennel cough,” she said.
Hallett said Brodi is suffering the same issues.
“Brodi’s kennel cough is worse. He also has a luxating patella (floating kneecap). His back knee slides out and goes back in place. It may be a breeding issue,” Hallett said. “He’s also Lyme positive and needs to be on antibiotics for a month, with regular testing.”
According to Hallett, the dogs were brought to Maine when the family moved to Ashland.
“The family moved here last spring. They’re originally from Rhode Island. When they moved from Ashland, they left the two dogs and several cats behind. We’ve found home for the kittens but had to euthanize an adult cat due to health issues,” said Hallett.
Hallett said she wasn’t sure the exact amount needed for the dogs’ vet care and is awaiting a figure from the veterinarian.
“I’m also looking into help from animal welfare. The bill will likely be over $1,000 for their combined care,” she said.
She said despite the dogs’ near brush with death, living in sub-zero temperatures in an unheated home in Ashland, their story has a happy ending.
“We’ve found an awesome home for them together. They love to play with each other and are very close. It would be a shame to split them up,” said Hallett.
Donations toward Cain and Brodi’s medical care or contributions for the shelter can be mailed to: Central Aroostook Humane Society, 26 Cross St., Presque Isle, ME 04769. PayPal payments can also be made by visiting www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org and clicking on the link marked ‘donate.’ Donations can also be dropped off during regular business hours. For more information, call 764-3441.
