‘Santa Paws’ plans visit

    I cannot even begin to express how excited and humbled we were by the money raised by the small community of Eagle Lake for the Central Aroostook Humane Society. It was far more than we ever expected and they also bought us many much-needed items. The children at the elementary school and the staff worked very hard on this project soliciting donations from the local community. Obviously many people felt we were a worthy cause and were very generous. If everyone gives just a little, it means so much. We try very hard to give back to the community and to do fund-raising on our own and not just sit back and wait for a handout. It takes all of us working together to continue the work of educating the public and spaying and neutering animals.  
    Don’t forget to support the Central Aroostook Humane Society at “Pictures with Santa Paws.” It will be held Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again Saturday, Dec. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring your pets and enjoy some holiday cheer. Each year our “Cat Lady” Sharon Brown spends her summer collecting items for this event and each year she out does herself with decorations, transforming our conference room into a winter wonderland. We look forward to seeing what she will surprise us with this year. Bring the whole family and support our cause. Also, the Central Aroostook Humane Society is selling raffle tickets on two beautiful baskets full to the brim — one with cat items and one with dog items. Tickets can be purchased at the shelter and are $1 each or  six for $5. They are beautiful!
    Thanksgiving is almost here and we at the Central Aroostook Humane Society have much to be thankful for. We are thankful that we can provide a service to the animals and to the people, to give a safe haven to unwanted animals and to give people a safe place for their animals to be until a new home can be found. We are thankful for the people who support us and find us worthy of donations. We are very thankful to have such a caring and dedicated staff; they do the hard part.
    When you think about dinner, leave Fido out of the picture. Cooked turkey is good for dogs, but the cooked bones are not, so be sure to discard the carcass in a safe container that your dog cannot get into. Too much fatty turkey skin or anything else containing too much fat can give your dog the poops, so if you do choose to share, don’t overdo it. Make sure you set the rules of “not feeding the dog at the table” with guests and children before the meal. And beware of leaving any food where your dog might be able to steal it. During dinner is a good time to give your dog a new treat or toy to keep them occupied. You could even make a “special dish” for your dog with leftovers. How about this one from  the Web site bellaonline.com, for example:

Preparation: Grease a 9-inch loaf pan; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, vegetables, garlic powder, egg, barley and oats. Mix the ingredients together well and place the mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Press the mixture to flatten and level, then use a table knife to cut a few shallow slits on top. Pour the gravy over the loaf and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 1 to 1-1/4 hours or until nicely browned on top. Cool, then cut the loaf into about six slices. Wrap in plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. To feed: Break the slices into bite-size pieces.
    From all of us at the Central Aroostook Humane Society,”Happy Thanksgiving.”
    Friendly reminder, as the weather gets colder, we use anti-freeze, it is deadly to your animals. If you even think your dog or cat may have ingested sweet-tasting anti-freeze, get them to your veterinarian immediately, do not wait. It is a matter of life or death. Also watch for leaks from people visiting your home, that is how I lost my precious kitty, Tatty Ann.  
    If you are looking for a friend for life, please stop by the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are full to the brim with wonderful animals who are waiting for a home. Our business hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or visit us online at www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org. Now is the time to take advantage of our special adoption prices. Speak to our friendly staff for more information.
    Please have your pets spayed or neutered.

Photo courtesy of Christine Robinson
    VETS HELP PETS — Once a month, the Central Aroostook Humane Society brings animals to visit the residents at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Caribou. The home’s staff took up a collection and made this wonderful donation to thank us for our visits. Pictured, from left: Chris Haskell; Ryan Cavagnaro; Laura Lizotte; Mark McKenna; Stacy Butler; Cyndi Ayotte; Betzy Hallett and Phyllis Baker.