Silent auction, ‘Santa Paws’
to raise funds for shelter
PET BULLETIN
‘Mews and Yips’ from the Central Aroostook Humane Society
By Christine Cowett Robinson
My pets are such a huge part of my life, I cannot imagine my home without them. Each has their own individual personality and special place in my heart. All of my pets are recycled, meaning they had another home before I got them.
Many people feel that the animals at shelters are all there because of behavioral issues, but that is just not the case. Some animals come to us due to life changes, allergies or divorce. It is not fair to judge these animals or stereotype them, they are not damaged goods. I have not found one dog who was unable to learn and adapt to a new home, some take more time than others, but given lots of love and consistency, they can make it in a new home. It does take patience to retrain a dog to your particular expectations, but given the chance they all aim to please.
What about cats? Cats I find to be easier than dogs; they pretty much “roll with it” and most are already litter box trained due to being in a cage at the shelter. It is difficult however, to take a cat who has been an outside cat and keep them inside and happy, difficult but not impossible. It takes dedication from an owner to help a pet adjust to their new home.
We are ready for our “Toast to the Animals” on the 18th from 6:30-9 p.m. at Freddy P’s in Presque Isle. This will be a great social event. There will be wine from a winery here in Maine, lots of interesting people to talk to and a silent auction with a bunch of “wicked cool stuff”. Won’t you join us? Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or in advance at the humane society. This event is being hosted by Friends of CAHS and Momentum Aroostook. It should be a great time to visit and support the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
Pictures with Santa Paws is also coming right up on Dec. 4th (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.) and Dec. 11th (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.). At this event, you can bring your dog, cat, rabbit, pony, goat or whatever animals you have and the kids and have their picture taken with Santa. Our conference is magically transformed into a winter wonderland. We will be drawing for our beautiful furnished doll house on December 11th. Tickets are still available to purchase, just visit the shelter or send us an e-mail at CAHS@atimaine.net. This is a great time to get together and share in the holiday spirit.
Most people can see the obvious benefit of spaying a female dog — avoiding unwanted litters — but don’t know the many medical and behavioral benefits of having their male dog neutered. Neutered dogs are healthier. Neutered dogs are less likely to develop prostate problems and testicular tumors. By eliminating most roaming and fighting, neutering reduces the risk of injury and infection, saving you expensive veterinary bills.
Neutered dogs are more content and better behaved. Neutering reduces the annoying and embarrassing urge of male dogs to “mount” furniture or people’s legs. Neutering reduces aggression against other animals. A male sensing a female in heat nearby may break down doors and jump fences, and will roam the neighborhood searching for her. Neutering relieves this sexual frustration and lets the dog relax and enjoy being part of the family. Dogs have no psychological sex drive. They feel no need to reproduce, and are happier when they’re neutered.
Neutering is a relatively safe and painless operation done by a licensed veterinarian. In some areas, neutered dogs are eligible for reduced license fees, which soon make up the cost of the operation.
By neutering your dog, you enhance its chances of living a long healthy life, save yourself a great deal of potential trouble and cost, and make your pet a more content family member. Courtesy of The American Humane Association.
One unaltered dog or cat can produce many litters, impregnating many different females, so it is very important to have your pets both spayed or neutered. Altering your pet is the only way to stop pet over-population. If you don’t think it is important, then I encourage you to visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society, look into our cat rooms, they are full. What part of “alter your cat” is so difficult to understand? Please be part of the solution by having your pets altered.
If you are looking for a friend for life, please stop by the Central Aroostook Humane Society, we are open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday or give us a call at 764-3441.
