‘Pitch in for the Paws’
to benefit Presque Isle animal shelter
PRESQUE ISLE — With winter months fast approaching and a critical need for supplies and food at the Central Aroostook Humane Society (CAHS), employees at The Aroostook Medical Center are aiding those animals left and abandoned at the local facility.
TAMC’s Total Health Team has created an innovative fundraiser, “Pitch in for the Paws,” in order to contribute needed supplies to the animal shelter. During the first week of November, TAMC employees will be gathering items in order to meet the needs of CAHS in Presque Isle.
Throughout the week of Nov. 5-9, supplies will be collected in various donation boxes at TAMC locations throughout central Aroostook. TAMC is encouraging all employees and community members to bring in needed items such as, but not limited to, bleach, hand soap, paper towels, Purina cat and dog food, and non-scoopable litter. The goal of the fundraiser is to collect enough donated items to fill up the TAMC Birthday Buggy, a converted ambulance that TAMC has used since last spring to participate in various community activities and to celebrate its centennial.
On the final day, Friday, Nov. 9, the Birthday Buggy will travel from site to site filling up with donated items. The last stop will be at TAMC’s North Street Health Care facility. At this location, the new CAHS Toyota Van will meet up with the Buggy to escort it and the supplies to the humane society.
Many organizations within the community give aid to CAHS during the holiday season, but the reality of the situation is that all year long the organization needs supplies to care for abandoned pets.
“These items are a huge expense to the humane society, and with pets coming in more frequently, it’s hard to keep up with such a high demand for these products,” said Chris Robinson, president of the CAHS board of directors and owner of Critter Hill Kennel. “During this time of year it is beneficial to the pets at the humane society to receive supplies in order to meet all the needs of the pets living at the humane society. We want to create a comfortable, clean living condition for the pets at the humane society.”
“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.”
During the month of November, TAMC will also be posting tips through e-mail and along the wall toward the TAMC cafeteria on how helpful pets are to an individual’s health.
“As a health care organization, the staff at TAMC has not only shown exceptional concern for the health of people in our community, but as an organization we have also taken a great interest in the ‘health’ of our environment,” said Eugene Curtis, director of support services. “The ‘Pitch in for the Paws’ campaign is just another leg in our journey to promote better health by not only highlighting the proper care of pets, but also the health benefits of owning a pet.”
According to a recent article published by WebMD, there are many ways owning a pet can improve your health. Experts say just interacting with your pet will cause your cortisol, a hormone associated with stress levels, to decrease. All pets have a calming effect and, as a result, studies have shown that pet owners experience lower blood pressure levels. Pets can also benefit our health in several different ways such as helping to recover from depression, decrease anxiety levels, keeping the owners physically active, increase social interactions, and many therapists are starting to use pets in order to soothe their patients.
As an incentive for participation in the “Pitch in for the Paws” drive, when adopting a pet during the month of November, TAMC employees just need to present their badge and they will receive a special discount. TAMC is encouraging its employees to think about adoption first and the importance of pet ownership.
It is important before becoming a pet owner to do the proper research before finding your new pet. That’s why TAMC is also providing tips on pet ownership in November to employees in various communications to ensure that pets are happy and healthy.
TAMC employees will also have the opportunity during the month to share personal photos of their own furry friends on the wall leading to the cafeteria.
“The pets in the community need our help in November in order for them to live comfortably at the humane society while they wait for a forever home,” said Poitras. “We want to do it up big for the animals.”
