Rescue
of the
Month
RESCUE OF THE MONTH: POPE MEMORIAL HUMANE SOCIETY Caring for & Finding Homeless Animals Loving Owners By Susan Spisak Back in 2020, I talked to Tracy Sala, Executive Director of the private, independent 501(c)3 Pope Memorial Humane Society aka PMHS. She indicated they had many adoptions at the beginning of the pandemic – people were home and could bond with and enjoy a new pet. I wanted to see how PMHS was faring these days, so I chatted with Kasey Bielecki, their Marketing and Public Relations Manager. She indicated adoptions have been steady the last few years. Last year, they adopted out 1,101 pets – 160 of those being dogs. And the good news is that pets aren’t being relinquished back as many nationwide shelters are experiencing. That’s thanks to PMHS’ efforts. “During the past couple of years, we’ve been trying
to do everything on our end to help people keep their pets.” One of those programs is the Pet Pantry. They offer temporary pet food assistance to individuals and families in need. PMHS also supplies pet food as they can to local pantries. PMHS relies on fosters, especially for senior dogs who may be jumpy with all the commotion in a shelter. Canines with behavioral problems will do better in a patient foster home, too. “Our staff does an amazing job for all the animals, but it’s still stressful for certain dogs.” Their goal is to make sure each dogs’ needs are met. (She said she knows DEDN is a dog paper, but did mention that in kitten season, fosters are invaluable. Last year they had upwards of 200 kittens.) When asked if anything is new and exciting, Kasey answered quickly. “We’re working on a five-year plan
to see how much more community focused we can become. How we can develop as a shelter.” The shelter already had a significant physical transformation thanks to a capital campaign and large donations. They were able to build a debt-free 10,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility in 2016. When we talked, she had just come from a fundraising meeting and was excited about an event being held in August. “It’s a big party,” she said of the 21+, human only celebration, “Barking Brew in the Barn” that will be held at Harmony Hill Farm in Warren. She said there will be a food truck, a S’mores bar, and local breweries will be on hand. (Watch their website link below for info). Kasey also shared that the Betty White Challenge in January “was insane” in a good way. It brought in over $14k in donations - they were surprised but very grateful for the
HERMES, 8 YEARS, GERMAN SHEPHERD
community backing. PMHS welcomes volunteers – they currently have about 170 but more are helpful. Crafters are needed to make the soft blankets that each animal goes home with. Call the shelter at number below for details. Consider donating to their Sherman Medical Fund, a matching gift fund. For more, popehumane.org/50000-matchinggift-launches-2022-pmhs-medical-fundcampaign/. All dogs in their care are examined, vetted, spayed or neutered, receive preventatives, and are treated to a mini groom. To view all their adoptable animals, visit hskcme.org. For adoption and volunteer applications, check the website. They’re appointment only - call the shelter at 207-594-2200 to schedule a meet and greet at 25 Buttermilk Ln., Thomaston.
STELLA, 2 YEARS, TERRIER-PITTIE MIX
He’s a handsome black and brindle boy. He’s okay with older kids. Hermes is not fond of cats and wants to be the only dog – his previous owner, who passed away, dotted on him. He also spoke fluent Spanish – so Hermes understands that language too!
She’s a total love! Stella is a charming but shy girl, but she has really started to come out of her shell at her foster home! Stella is now housetrained, crate trained, and used to a regular house routine in a few short weeks. She absolutely loves walking and is an absolute pleasure to take on long walks. She has so much love to give and loves to be near you on the couch or bed. Stella needs a fenced-in backyard for her safety - she was a street dog in her past life and could run far if scared. Stella’s otherwise a straightforward, quiet, sweet, and rewarding dog, with soulful eyes, adorable ears, hilarious howls, and a genuine desire for peace and continued guidance from her human.
If you are interested in Hermes or Stella, call Pope Memorial Humane Society at (207)594-2200 to schedule a meet and greet at 25 Buttermilk Ln, Thomaston.
Sponsored by 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
parisfarmersunion.com
Help us find a forever home! Become a sponsor and help raise money for a Maine rescue. jenn@downeastdognews.com
12
Downeast Dog News
