Words, Woofs & Meows

By Susan Spisak

Fetching Hope Rescue (FHR) is an all-volunteer, foster-based group whose mission is to save neglected, abused, and stray dogs, then place them in loving, forever homes in New England. The 501(c)(3) was founded in 2012 by April Scott and Amber Olesen out of Westbrook. In the last decade, they’ve rescued and rehomed nine hundred dogs.

FHR had a distinctive start back in the day. Amber and April’s first adventure was a trip to a southcentral shelter, but they were sidetracked. They rescued two litters of puppies from a Walmart parking lot—the wee ones were being given away. Those litters, the U and V pups as they became known, were the first to be adopted out by FHR.

Since then, things have changed for the nonprofit. FHR’s Rescue Program Director is now Alissa Laitres. She’s been a volunteer and foster along with partner, Tim Aballo, for a decade. April does important and necessary admin work, while Amber has moved.

FHR remains a small operation. “We have a core group of four volunteers that run operations. April, Michelle McPherson (Transport Coordinator), Wendy Scott (Event Coordinator) and myself,” explained Alissa. They have six active foster homes in Maine, one in Vermont, and seven transport drivers who rotate as needed.

Other than a few local owner surrenders, most of their dogs come from shelters and rescues in the South. “We most recently pulled nine dogs from the euthanasia list at Polk County Florida Animal Shelter, and before that, we brought up two brothers from a small shelter in Virginia who saved them from a life of neglect,” said Alissa. She added that they try to be there for shelters and rescues that need immediate relief.

All out-of-state dogs are fully vetted and quarantined before they travel. FHR uses USDA Certified professional transport services for the trek. All dogs are safely inside the vehicles, and the drivers can see and hear them during the entire journey. “It’s peace of mind knowing that our precious cargo is well cared for from the moment we commit to them, and this includes their trip north.”

Alissa said one of her favorite stories goes back to a U pup, Uma, now named Cassidy. “Her dad (Nic) adopted her when he was living in Scarborough, Maine and shortly after adopting her, they moved to Montana. Their story is so telling of the incredible bond between a dog and their human, as well as the commitment that Nic had to his girl. A cross-country move, a new marriage, a child, and additional pets never broke Nic’s commitment to his dog, and that’s truly commendable in a culture where everything, even the family dog, is disposable.”

FHR is looking to add to their core group including southern Maine foster homes, transport drivers, and adoption event volunteers. They also need a southern Maine Foster Coordinator who is a compassionate and passionate leader. Interested in this volunteer position? Email fetchinghoperescue@gmail.com. For more on FHR including adoption requirements and available dogs, fetchinghope.com/.

Happy is ready for a home to call her own! She is Cur-type dog, approx 35 lbs. Her ideal home would be with another lady friend. She bonds easily to women, and men make her a little nervous. Happy is ready to show her new home just how friendly, affectionate, playful and gentle she is!

Gabby is friendly, affectionate, playful, dignified, funny, athletic and smart! She is approx. 50 lbs. and is more than ready for her forever home! Gabby does well with male dogs but not always other females. She would be okay as the only dog in a home, too!

To apply for adoption: www.fetchinghope.com/adopt

Raymond (207)655-6760 • So. Paris (207)743-8960

Bridgton (207)647-2383 • Jay (207)897-3333 • Lewiston (207)783-1366 Newport (207)368-4329 • Turner (207)225-2525 • Winthrop (207)377-2614 North Conway, NH (603)356-5669

Tobias loves going on walks. He would like an active, adult only home where he can learn obedience. He has a strong prey drive so a home with no small pets is best.

Beryl is sweet and obedient. She enjoys lounging on the couch, riding in the car and walks on a leash. She needs to be the only pet in the home.

Lila is looking for a new how with adults or teens who live a quiet lifestyle. She would love you to throw a tennis ball or take her for walks.

Sponsored by: Green with Envy Salon

Camden, Rockland, Belfast, Augusta, (207) 236-3689, greenenvysalon.com

Riley is a shy girl and needs a quiet home with no cats and will need to meet potential canine friends first.

Sponsored by: First National Bank

18 Branches from Wiscasset to Calais, 1-800-564-3195, thefirst.com

Birdie is silly and strong. He is playful, loves attention and is food motivated. He can be leery of men and doesn’t have a lot of experience with other dogs.

Sponsored by: Bagel Café

25 Mechanic St., Camden, (207)236-2661, bagelcafemaine.com

Oakley is lovable, athletic and smart. She would thrive in an active home or a large yard with a high fence. She needs a home with people 8+ years old and to be the only pet.

Sponsored by: Rising Tide Co-op

323 Main St., Damariscotta, (207)563-5556, risingtide.coop

Evie is sweet and melts into you for love. She is good with all humans and some other dogs.

Sponsored by: Kompletely K-9 Dog Training and Rehab.

248 Choate Rd., Montville, (207)322-5111, kompletelyk9.com

Ella is a very special girl. She is good with all humans and most other dogs.

Sponsored by: Mason’s Brewing Company

15 Hardy St., Brewer, (207)989-6300, masonsbrewingcompany.com

Skarn was a stray and has been a rescue for far too long. He is smart and eager to please. He does well with other dogs after proper introductions. A home with children 12+ is best just because of his strength.

FMI: pawsadoption.org Sponsored by: Green Tree Coffee & Tea

2456 Atlantic Hwy., Lincolnville, (207)706-7908, greentreecoffee.com

Gemma is cute as a bug. She likes camping and the beach, snuggling on the couch and loves people. She is low key and plays well with her furry foster siblings and the kids in her foster family.

FMI: pawsadoption.org Sponsored by: Water Bark Wellness

4 Commercial St., Rockport, (207)230-8455, waterbarkwellness.com

Xena hasn’t had the best life until she went into foster care, now she is soaking up love like a sponge! Xena bonds deeply with her human and wants them all to herself, so a home without other dogs & cats is best.

Channing is a fun-loving guy. He loves people and other dogs and would be happy in a family that is around a lot for him to share his love.

Online Hundreds of items from local businesses will be up for bid online. Whether it is a 2-night stay in an Executive Suite overlooking the harbor that you are after or a gift card to your loved one’s favorite local store, the PAWS online Auction for the Animals has something for everyone. Proceeds will benefit PAWS Adoption Center. FMI: www.pawsadoption.org/ auction-for-the-animals

Camden, 5:30PM – 10PM Join PAWS at 16 Bay View Camden for an evening of holiday fun to celebrate with friends. This year’s event offers complimentary wine, heavy appetizers from Chef Andrea of 16 Bay View, music, PAWS celebration, and a silent auction with items exclusive to this event. Tickets are $100 and limited to just 75 individuals, so be sure to purchase them before they sell out. www. pawsadoption.org

Camden, 6PM – 9PM Loyal Biscuit is so excited to welcome you late into the evening for our biggest sale of year (Camden location only)! Shopping in your PJ's is totally allowed! 20% off 6PM – 7PM, 25% off 7:01PM – 8PM and 30% off 8:01PM – 9PM. Sale excludes ALL cat & dog food. loyalbiscuit.com

Rockland, 11AM – 4PM The Museum of Maritime Pets will host a holiday open house every Saturday and Sunday December 3 through 31 from 11-4 (Closed Christmas Day). Celebrate mascots and working animals, browse our library, tune in to our podcast and videos, and do some holiday shopping in our nautical gift corner! The Museum is located at 75 Mechanic Street, Suite 106W in Rockland, facing the marina. FMI: (207)390-5909

Rockland, 12PM – 3PM Is your pet in need of a pedicure? Bring them down to Pet Quarters located at 235 Camden St, Rockland and Shannon from Catahoula Rescue of New England will be on hand to make your fur kids look their very best! We trim not only dogs, but cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, you name it! Nail Trimmings and Ear Cleanings are $10.00 each or a combo price of $12.00 for both. All funds raised go directly to the rescue. Call ahead in case of snow!

Brunswick, 2 Events Benefit for: On Track Agility Club of Maine held at Maine Dog Training Company, 25 Stanwood Street, Brunswick. From 9:30 AM until Noon will be a Nosework Beginner Workshop. $25 per working team. $10 audit. Max: 10 working spots. From 1PM – 4PM will be Dog Sniff Thrus - Odor only. 2 runs, $20. Gallery welcome. FMI: KashaKnits@ gmail.com

Westbrook, 9AM – 3PM Enroll your kiddo in our Pawliday Palooza workshop on Saturday, December 10th. It’s sure to be a barking good time! Programming will include a lesson on animal body language, meet-andgreets with our shelter pets, holidaythemed crafts, and cookie decorating. This special holiday event is staffed by our Animal Refuge League humane educators. The fee is $25/attendee. Saturday, December 10th sessions: 9am-11am: grades K-3 and 1pm-3pm: grades 4-7. FMI or to register: arlgp.org/ pawliday-palooza/

Waterville, 10AM – 5PM To join in on the celebration, bring your pup into the Waterville Loyal Biscuit for some delicious pet friendly eggnog from Primal! We will be offering 20% off all toys, treats, chews, jackets and beds all day long! This is a great opportunity to stock up on treats and fill your pet's stocking with holiday goodies! And while you shop for your pet, enjoy some complimentary cocoa for yourself as well! loyalbiscuit.com

Brewer, 10AM – 5PM To join in on the celebration, bring your pup into the Waterville Loyal Biscuit for some delicious pet friendly eggnog from Primal! We will be offering 20% off all toys, treats, chews, jackets and beds all day long! This is a great opportunity to stock up on treats and fill your pet's stocking with holiday goodies! And while you shop for your pet, enjoy some complimentary cocoa for yourself as well! loyalbiscuit.com

Rockland, 11AM – 1PM Is your pet in need of a pedicure? Bring them down to Pet Quarters located at 235 Camden St, Rockland and Shannon from Catahoula Rescue of New England will be on hand to make your fur kids look their very best! And remember we trim not only dogs, but cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, you name it! Nail Trimmings and Ear Cleanings are available for $10.00 each or combo price of $12.00 for both. All funds raised go directly to rescue. Call ahead in case of snow!

Brewer, 10AM – 12PM Is your pet in need of a pedicure? Bring them down to Loyal Biscuit, 421 Wilson St, Brewer. Danielle from our Brewer location will be on hand to make your fur kids look their very best! For just $10 per pet, you can have your pet’s nails trimmed and all the proceeds will be donated to Old Dogs New Digs. loyalbiscuit.com

Online Via Zoom Monthly free Pet Loss Support groups hosted by Patricia Lee Rode, MA for Pope Memorial Humane Society. All are welcome. To sign up email Patricia: patricialeerodeone@gmail.com

Thomaston, 12PM – 2PM Is your pet in need of a pedicure? Bring them down to Tractor Supply, 38 Thomaston Commons Way, Thomaston and Shannon from Catahoula Rescue of New England will be on hand to make your fur kids look their very best! And remember we trim not only dogs, but cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, you name it! Nail Trimmings and Ear Cleanings are available for $10.00 each or combo price of $12.00 for both. All funds raised go directly to rescue.

Rockland, 12PM – 2PM Is your pet in need of a pedicure? Bring them down to Pet Quarters located at 235 Camden St, Rockland and Shannon from Catahoula Rescue of New England will be on hand to make your fur kids look their very best! We trim not only dogs, but cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, you name it! Nail Trimmings and Ear Cleanings are $10.00 each or a combo price of $12.00 for both. All funds raised go directly to the rescue. Call ahead in case of snow!

ANSWERS from page 6 Answers: 1.(c) 2.(c) 3.(b) Any of the options could be correct; 4.(b) if you want to keep the behavior strong, it will have to be rewarded frequently enough to maintain it 5.(b) 6.(a) 7.(b) Dogs do not do things just to please us; if there’s something in it for them and it pleases us in the process, it’s a win-win! 8.(b) 9.(a) 10.(b) Dogs pull because it works…and because walking on leash is a very unnatural thing for them to do. 11.(a) 12.(b) 13.(c) 14.(b) 15.(a)