Rescue
of the
Month
RESCUE OF THE MONTH: ANIMAL REFUGE LEAGUE OF GREATER PORTLAND Caring for & Providing Hope for Homeless Pets By Susan Spisak
The 501(c) 3 Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, aka ARLGP, was founded over one hundred years ago. In 2016, they moved to their current 25,000 state-of-the art facility at 217 Landing Road in Westbrook. ARLGP’s mission is to serve the community in a multitude of ways as well as to nurture the connection between people and pets, thus advancing animal welfare. Their efforts have proven to be successful – for the second year in a row, ARLGP has been named Downeast Dog News Number One Best of the Best Shelter/Rescue as voted by readers. Jeana Roth, Director of Community Engagement for the shelter, said she is excited by this recognition as it not only aligns with their mission, but they’re incredibly grateful to be part of this community who appreciates their efforts and wide
range of services. “We want to support pets and their families through adoption, behavior and training, access to veterinary care, education for kids, pet food pantry, and more. I think through these programs, we are able to connect with our community at a deeper level.” Many classes, including Puppy Start Right Drop-In Training and Puppy AllRight are back on. “Lots of fall training options are available and planned,” said Roth. (Visit arlgp.org/training, you can also see future training options.) There are various other offerings for the younger set including School Vacation Camps, Birthday Parties, Scout Opportunities, and Summer Camp 2022. (Visit arlgp.org/humaneeducation/about/.) While their focus is local, when there’s a need, ARLGP’s welcomes animals through partnerships with rescues/shelters across Maine, the
US, and Puerto Rico. To augment that effort, the IDEXX Safety Net partnership was formed in 2021, allowing them to save more lives. “IDEXX has been a long-time supporter of our mission and our organization. As Westbrook neighbors, their team is equally invested in supporting the health and happiness of animals in our community,” Roth explained. In September, they welcomed 25 dogs and 81 cats through this IDEXX Safety Net with partners Wings of Rescue, SPCA Florida, Animal Rescue Front, Inc., and Maine’s Greater Androscoggin Humane Society. These pets came from shelters impacted by Hurricane Ida in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida. “The majority of these animals have been adopted, which makes us incredibly happy. We are proud to provide these animals with new opportunities in Maine,” said
Roth. One dog who is still awaiting his forever home is handsome Cletus. He came to ARLGP in March from their Georgia-based partner, Road Trip Home. The 18-month-old was discovered with rubber bands wrapped tightly around his snout! While his physical scars are still visible, Cletus was the ultimate trooper. Roth said that the rough start hasn’t impacted his joy. “He can’t wait to find a Maine family to start his new beginning with.” Cletus would love being the only pet – he likes attention, the outdoors, and exploring nature with his master. The ARLGP is open for in-person adoptions. Monetary donations, canned cat food, and dog toys are needed. If you’re interested in fostering, volunteering, adopting, and for their hours, visit arlgp.org.
SAXON, 2 YEARS, MIXED BREED
CLETUS, 18 MONTHS, MIXED BREED
Saxon has it all: handsome good looks, brains, and loyalty! This coal-colored beauty needs lots of brain games, training activities, and physical exercise. He is looking for a home with dog-savvy kids 14+, and where he is the only animal. Saxon will make an incredibly loyal and wonderful companion for his person, and he’d prefer his master be around more often than not. FYI - thanks to a generous supporter, Saxon's adoption fee has been sponsored. And, thanks to our friends at Spectrum Real Estate, Saxon's adopters will receive a group training class at the ARLGP to help set him up for success.
Cletus would do best in a home that appreciates the hound personality and wants to do lots of fun activities. As a natural hound, we think he would do well in a home in a rural setting, with lots of space to explore, sniff and wander with his people. We believe at this point, Cletus would do best as the only pet in his home, but that doesn't rule out doggie friends and playmates! He is eager to learn and loves his treats. We have taught him many great tricks and commands, and he has the skills and motivation to learn more. He also has super-duper agility skills! Cletus goes home with a free group training class at the ARLGP, thanks to Spectrum Real Estate.
FMI: arlgp.org/adopt/dogs/
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
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Downeast Dog News
