Special to the Aroostook Republican
I am always amazed by the generosity of the people of the County. We are again fortunate to receive a wonderful donation in the amount of $770 from Lynne Graves and Mary McAllister of Country Collectibles. They held a raffle at the Women’s Expo and sold tickets on a beautiful Trollbead bracelet.
Photo courtesy of Christine Robinson
County Collectibles held a raffle at their booth at the Women’s Expo, with proceeds donated the Central Aroostook Humane Society in Presque Isle. Pictured, from left: Dottie Smith, winner of the Trollbead raffle; Lynne Graves, co-owner of Country Collectables; and Christine Robinson, president, Central Aroostook Humane Society.
The winner, Dottie Smith, of Presque Isle, won the beautiful animal-themed bracelet worth $465. All proceeds were donated to the Central Aroostook Humane Society. This donation will go a very long way in helping us be pro-active in our spaying and neutering but also help with the daily feeding and care of the animals. It is wonderful to know how many of you out there took the time to buy a ticket to support the shelter. Every little bit helps us to help the animals in our care. We are so thankful and humbled.
We will soon see you at the Fall Arts and Craft Fair at the Forum. We prepare for this every year and look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new people. Hearing all of the stories about the wonderful animals who now have loving homes makes our day. Our employees put heart and soul into each animal, and we all work very hard to find them loving homes.
Dogs come in so many shapes and sizes, each with a personality of its own. I compare them to people; what works for one dog may not work for another. For example, my dog Baxter did awesome at obedience class using a standard choker collar, while Rusty really was nervous at the sound of the chain so we had to use a nylon collar. A lot of people ask me what type of training techniques I use on my own dogs. I don’t use any one technique, I use a lot of everything, whatever works. Some believe that clicker training is the only way to go, while others believe in choker training. What I believe is that as long as you remember that the animal that you are “teaching” is a living being and you are kind and consistent, there is no “best way” of training a dog.
Photo courtesy of Christine RobinsonCamryn Ala, at left, and her friend Kira Rogers recently visited the Central Aroostook Humane Society in Presque Isle as part of Camryn’s birthday celebration. Camryn had her friends bring donations for the shelter for her 5th birthday. They brought in food, litter, toys, etc. Camryn is the little blonde haired girl. Camryn also received birthday wishes from family members from throughout Aroostook County, from Houlton to Caribou, making the celebration a very special occasion.
With regards to housebreaking, I was asked one day, “how can you be so passive in your training?” My reply, “My heart will not allow me to beat my dog for messing on the floor, nor will it allow me to rub the dog’s nose in it.” My heart says, “Chris, you missed all of the signs, you need to pay attention, you need to be in control, this is your responsibility, step up to the plate!” It is teaching your dog, not beating them into submission, that will help both you and your pet grow and develop a wonderful relationship.
One training tool that has worked well for me with all of my dogs is called “Nothing in Life is Free.” This method is a non-confrontational way of becoming leader of the pack. It is incredible to watch this training method work. What this method does is make the dog work for you. For example, you do not give your dog attention when they demand it, they must work for it. When my dogs are ready to go outside, I have six dogs sitting by the door waiting patiently to be let outside, they know if they are not sitting, they don’t get to go out (not first thing in the morning for their big pee break). Find out more about this training method at www.k9deb.com/nilif.htm. The great thing about this method is that it can be used on different dogs with different issues. Check it out and try it out — knowledge is power!
If you are looking for a “friend for life,” please visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society. Our hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., or give us a call at 764-3441. Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
