By Mary Peabody
The benefit supper, “It’s Raining Cats and Dogs,” was well attended despite two other public suppers held the same night.
Preparation for the supper was evident in so many ways. Two adorable little ladies, Lauren Eastham and Madison Dunn, met us at the door and escorted us to our table. As I entered the dining area, I saw that every table was beautifully set, all with centerpieces and completed with white linen tablecloths. The smells of roasting chicken invited us all in. Waitresses scrambled to serve the hot food and drink as soon as we arrived and then came back often “just to check.” The meal was absolutely delicious. The AAS wants to sincerely thank the people that cooked for this event. Whether you baked chicken, cooked brownies, or made donations of butter, cool whip, or whatever was needed, thank you for your contribution!
Almost daily we watch on TV or hear on the radio of another “cause”, and we see people far and wide joining in to help in whatever way they can to better a life for those in need, whether it is human or animal. So many people are so caring! The people in our town of Houlton as well as our town’s business are no different. Times are difficult financially right now for many, but especially for some of our businesses. So, to them especially, we want to convey how much we appreciated their support and generosity. Without your donations there would have been no silent auction. Many thanks to the Houlton Lodge of Elks for providing us the place to have our benefit and to the many businesses who donated items for our silent auction.
Lorraine Monfils has given me her figures for March. There were no cats taken in, but five were adopted out. At this time 45 cats are in AAS care. Four dogs were taken in, but five were adopted. The AAS has no dogs at this time. Expenses for the AAS were $1,263.84. Our benefit supper took in $2,500, and another $515 was received in donations. The Sanctuary seems to be well “on the way” to a reality.
Rose’s Story
by Lorraine Monfils
I remember so well the day that I first met Rose. The ARK was asked if we would help out with a mother cat and her two kittens. It was such a cold winter day when she and her two kittens were brought in. She was beautiful, a red and white kitty, with a loving disposition. Her two kittens were about five months old, both were males.
After checking Rose over, it was obvious that she was pregnant again. Although she did have a home, her medical needs had never been addressed. Not yet two years of age, this “kitten” herself was due for her second litter in less than a year. Her life since birth had been difficult at best. I think we all knew that her own life might be in danger now.
Fortunately, Rose’s two kittens, Red and Blue, were adopted together to a good home. In the days to follow, Rose gave birth to five more tiny furry bundles. She started her delivery one morning at 11 a.m. The last kitten, which did not survive, was delivered at 4:30 p.m. It was obvious that Rose was having difficulty after the first kitten. To watch her struggling with the remaining kittens was so hard. Knowing that she needed our help, we immediately went to work helping her to clean her babies. Little Rose was so exhausted by the time the last kitten came that she could not move. That evening, when we knew Rose would be OK, and she and her babies were resting comfortably, we all collapsed. We were exhausted.
Rose’s babies grew, and in time they were all adopted. Sadly, Rose still remained with us. She had been with us for nearly a year now, and to see her almost continually caged was hard. We wanted a home for her so badly. It was with this thought that I began this article. I so hoped that someone would read it, and come give her the home she deserved. The day that I started this piece a wonderful lady walked through my front door. After seeing Rose, she decided to adopt her as well as her “roommate,” Daisy.
They both now live on a farm in the country in a nice warm house with a barn. Can life get any better than that? Rose had a difficult start as many of our cats do. She was lucky. She will have no more litters of kittens or have to again be caged. Now she will have plenty of love and wide-open spaces to roam and just be a cat.
Plan to have lunch with us on April 10, from 11a.m. until 3 p.m. Take out will be available. It will be held in front of The Hollywood Pet Salon weather permitting. Pulled pork sandwiches served in rolls with chips and soda, and all for $5. Orders can be taken in advance for groups. Telephone: 532-7387.
In closing, we want to mention the wonderful piece of writing, “Animal Woes,” that Patrick Hutchinson contributed to last week’s Houlton Pioneer Times. He mentioned so many of the important issues that we, the AAS, try monthly to discuss with the public, pet owners specifically. Thank you, Pat, for helping us to get the word out. The AAS appreciates your efforts.
We appreciate the publics continuing interest and support. Thank you for reading our column.
