A letter of thanks and regret from Caribou Pet Rescue

    The Board of Directors  wishes to apologize to our friends for the manner in which you learned of Caribou Pet Rescue’s impending closure. The public service announcements you have been hearing and seeing on local radio and TV, have been the surest means to get the information to you.     Deciding to close the shelter at year’s end was not an easy decision. The board members agreed to stick together for the common good of the animals and not close the doors immediately when the last remaining founder resigned at our Nov.6 meeting.
    To those three founders, the Board and entire community, I’m sure, has to tip their hats to you. Without your incredible vision, your desire to help the helpless, hard work, determination and incredible passion – this baby, Caribou Pet Rescue, would never have been born.
    We are working with the state to get the giardia issue under control. CPR is actively working with potential adopters and once the animals do get their clean bill of health, CPR will reopen and the animals will go to loving, forever homes. That’s all any of us have ever wanted and attempted to do, find permanent homes so our furry friends could have the life they deserve.
    As Dec. 31, draws near, the Board is committed that any un-adopted animals will be placed with surrounding shelters.  Some board members will go even one step farther and have promised to help those shelters place former CPR residents. The Board will do it’s best to somehow make this right for the animals.  Please rest assured that on Jan. 1, 2009 – we aren’t just forgetting them and walking away.
    We apologize for the inconvenience of being closed to the public, but that is for health reasons.  Thank you for understanding that when you call the answering machine is on.  Please leave a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.  The Board understands your concern and curiosity, but please realize if the staff is answering your calls – they are being taken away from animal care.  The Board will do it’s best to reply in a timely fashion during evening hours.  Please bear with us.
    CPR has drastically cut back on paid employee hours so that every available dollar goes to animal care and settling debts that the shelter has incurred.  By year’s end it is our goal to be debt free. To the local vets and other businesses that have extended CPR credit – please rest assured that you will not be left holding the bag.
    A special thank you to the band Turning Point, who will be playing at the Van Buren Road Lodge this Saturday evening, Nov.15, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.  The $5 cover charge will go directly to CPR – please remember to bring a photo ID.
    Our next fundraiser will be a home heating fuel raffle.  A limited number of tickets will be sold. Look for those details – who couldn’t benefit from that?
    To all of you who have been loyal supporters thank you from the bottom of our hearts – not only the board members, but every little furry body that has come through the doors and especially those still in house. They need you more than ever.  Please remember that your donations are tax deductible. Please note that our new mailing address is: Caribou Pet Rescue, PO Box 754, Caribou, ME. 04736.