8 minute read
Dogs for Adoption
Rescue of the Month
RESCUE OF THE MONTH: POPE MEMORIAL HUMANE SOCIETY Caring for & Finding Homeless Animals Loving Owners
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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 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.
HERMES, 8 YEARS, GERMAN SHEPHERD
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.
STELLA, 2 YEARS, TERRIER-PITTIE MIX
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!
View more available dogs on our website, downeastdognews.com. Many rescues are showing dogs by appointment only right now. Some rescues do not offer phone numbers and require you apply online.
Please see the contact info. highlighted in yellow below each dog.
RONIN
1.5 years old, Catahoula Mix
Energetic and playful. Not a dog for first time dog owners or people unfamiliar with the Catahoula breed. He loves to snuggle and learn new tricks. Can be protective of his home but is learning to be more comfortable around new people.
FINLEY
11 Months, Retriever Mix
He has got those flashy, get-you-noticed colors, AND the personality to boot! He has food insecurity and will protect his food at all costs. Therefore, he needs a home with children 16+ years. He is a take-him- everywhere adventure pup.
LAHEY
German Shepherd/ Amer. Staffordshire Terrier/Belgian Malinois
Lahey is a mix of power, smarts, and activity level! Must be only dog and will need continued training & a strong leader but will also give his person tons of love! Fenced yard highly recommended.
Email: Catahoula Rescue, sln2310@yahoo.com Sponsored by: Rising Tide Co-op
323 Main St., Damariscotta, (207)563-5556, risingtide.coop
FIONA
5 years old, Mixed Breed
Super smart & loves to snuggle her people but is not a good fit for small children or other pets. She walks well on a leash but can be reactive to new people and dogs. A crowded neighborhood or apartment setting would not be the best home for her.
FMI: www.pethavenlane.org Sponsored by: First National Bank
18 Branches from Wiscasset to Calais, 1-800-564-3195, thefirst.com
TORI
2 years old, Mixed Breed
Tori is high-energy but walks wonderfully on a leash. Once she gets her energy out she has fantastic manners. She does okay with other dogs, cats are unknown (but she walks past them no issue), and older kids should be fine with her.
FMI: www.luckypuprescue.com Sponsored by: Kompletely K-9 Dog Training and Rehab.
248 Choate Rd., Montville, (207)322-5111, kompletelyk9.com
SMILEY
1.5 years old, Shepherd Mix
Smiley has high energy and is looking for an active home. He has very good manners on the leash. Some other dogs are fine, cats are unknown, and older kids should be fine with this handsome guy.
FMI: www.luckypuprescue.com Sponsored by: Scarborough Animal Hospital
29 First St., Scarborough, (207)883-4412
BUDWOLF
9 years old, Siberian Husky Mix
Budwolf has plenty of energy for playing and frolicking in the snow. Smart & goofy, he could potentially live with another dog; cats are unknown. He would like a quiet adult home.
FMI: www.pawsadoption.org Sponsored by: Bagel Café
25 Mechanic St., Camden, (207)236-2661, bagelcafemaine.com
ROXY
8 years old, Great Dane Mix
Roxy loves butt scratches, being outside and yummy treats! She takes a little time to warm up to new people & places, but once she does, she’s a terrific old lady. She would prefer to be an only pet in a mature household.
FMI: www.pawsadoption.org Sponsored by: Green Tree Coffee & Tea
2456 Atlantic Hwy., Lincolnville, (207)706-7908, greentreecoffee.com
PRINCESS
4 years old, Staffordshire Terrier Mix
Princess enjoys playing fetch and being the best lap dog she can be! She is looking for someone that will work on her basic training and where she can be the only dog in the home.
FMI: www.olddogsnewdigs.com
Sponsored by: Water Bark Wellness
4 Commercial St., Rockport, (207)230-8455, waterbarkwellness.com
AURORA
2 years old, Lab/Staffordshire Terrier Mix
She enjoys playing fetch and going for walks. Aurora is Lyme+ and has been treated with antibiotics. Dogs infected with Lyme disease can be prone to recurrence of the infection but can live a relatively normal life.
FMI: www.shsanimalshelter.com
FMI: olddogsnewdigs.com Sponsored by: Mason’s Brewing Company
15 Hardy St., Brewer, (207)989-6300, masonsbrewingcompany.com
COPPER
6 years old, Mix
Outgoing, cuddly, and so darn silly. Loves going for hikes and being around his people. He has lived with children of all ages but needs to be the only dog. Copper does have a history of kidney issues and will require daily medication and regular blood work.
FMI: www.harvesthills.org FMI: www.shsanimalshelter.com
Sponsored by: Green with Envy Salon
Camden, Rockland, Belfast, Augusta, (207) 236-3689, greenenvysalon.com
BART
5 years old, Lab Mix
This fun, loving boy absolutely adores playing fetch and going for hikes! He would do best in a home with older children 13+ and no other pets.
