Special to the Star-Herald
Learn how to protect your pets during a natural or man-made disaster. Katie Lisnik, Maine state director of the Humane Society of the United States, will be in Presque Isle Thursday, Nov. 13, from 6-8 p.m. at the Presque Isle City Council Room, 12 Second Street, Presque Isle. This is a free disaster preparedness meeting where you can learn how to protect your pets and your family in case of a disaster.
Also being discussed will be animal welfare initiatives in Maine and how you can be a voice for the animals. The information being provided is free, so why not attend and become informed? This is a great opportunity to network and share information. A meeting is also planned in Madawaska on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Madawaska Public Safety Complex from 6-8 p.m.
November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month. We have many wonderful senior animals available for adoption at the Central Aroostook Humane Society. A senior pet may be just what you are looking for; usually seniors are altered and trained, they are past the chewing and curtain-climbing stages and need love just like younger animals.
I look around my home, most of my dogs and cats would be considered “seniors.” It seems like only yesterday, my Zoe was a scared little puppy, now she rules the house. There probably isn’t anyone who would put up with her ways like I do. We lovingly call her “The Land Shark” because she can scoot across the floor at about 100 mph to terrorize a cat who has gotten too close to her bed. Zoe’s favorite pastime is to let my youngest dog, Tucker, know his place. Poor little Tucker can be standing there, minding his own business, when Zoe gets the notion that he needs to “respect her authority” and off she goes, teeth showing, and growling (we call it coyote face). Tucker automatically tucks his tail and flops onto his back. I think she does it just for sport.
It is amazing to watch my pack of dogs. Their pecking order has been challenged since Baxter’s passing. Nobody disputes that Zoe is the exalted ruler of the house, but the other three positions on any given day are still up for grabs. Baxter kept the younger boys in line; his size alone, 120 lbs, was enough to intimidate, but he also used space to keep the other dogs in line, throwing a shoulder when necessary or blocking another dog from entering a room. They have their own language and if you watch, you will learn a lot. It is about an unspoken respect of space and leadership. That is why it is so important as dog owners that we are good and fair leaders. If you aren’t a good leader, your dog will take on that role and that is where problems begin. Once your dog has become leader and you have lost control, it is harder to get that back, so establish yourself right from the start, be consistent and fair about your expectations. Your dog will respect and love you for it.
Being a strong leader does not mean whacking your dog or kicking your dog. It means standing tall and making your expectations clear; for example, “I expect that my dogs come to me when called.” How about “I expect my dog not to jump on me” or “I expect my dog not to get on the couch.” Not unrealistic expectations.
If you are considering getting a dog, discuss with your family your expectations before getting a dog. Some people come to us with unrealistic expectations: ‘I want a puppy who is less than 6 months old, leash-trained, good with cats, good with kids, housebroken, can cook dinner and wash the floor.’ Silly, I know, but sometimes, some potential dog owners would be better off getting their next pet at Wal-Mart, because they want the perfect dog to be born that way and don’t want to put anything into training them. Shaping the behavior of your dog takes time and each of us has different expectations and each dog has a different personality – all things to think about before bringing your next dog home.
If you are looking for a “Friend for Life” please visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, or give us a call at 764-3441.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
Photo courtesy of Christine Robinson
SCOUTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE – Girl Scouts from Troop 177, with the help of Leader Jean Brawn, collected food and other items for area food kitchens and shelters as their Make A Difference Day project. Here, the girls volunteered some of their time to help with cleaning of cat and dog cages at the Central Aroostook Humane Society in Presque Isle. They also donated items such as paper towels, dog and cat treats, cat beds, cat litter, bleach and toys. Pictured, front row, from left: Madison Michaud, Emily Brawn, Olivia Goulet, Tabatha Gordon, Tori Harvath and Miranda Flannery. Back row: Alyssa Hewitt, Brook Dinatalie, Bailee Robichaud and Rachel Patnaud.
