Ark Animal Sanctuary News

Contributed photo
BRUISER — Theres not one thing wrong with Bruiser’s eye. He’s just winking at potential new owners.
By Lorraine Monfils and Mary Peabody
    Early one Thursday morning there was a knock on the front door of the Hollywood Pet Salon. I remember that it was Thursday because that is the day that I am usually closed. On this day I do a multitude of things most all related to the Sanctuary. It might be taking any of the animals that have come to us with wounds or are ill to a veterinarian or checking up on any needs of the animals that we care for. Then there is the paperwork for my own business as well as AAS and the planning for our AAS fundraisers. It is most always a very busy day! On this Thursday the lady at my front door had an injured cat in a carrier. Despite the large open wound on the side of his face, as well as the fact that he had lost the tip of one ear to frostbite, he was one of the most affectionate and beautiful cats that I have ever met.
    The lady told me that she had tried to get help for him locally but had been unsuccessful. She also told me that he had been found living inside someone’s barn. That kind person knew that it was way too cold to turn him away, so she began to feed him and continue to try to get some help for him. She finally found that help when she came and knocked on our door.
    This was no small cat but rather a very large fellow who had not been neutered. Because of his size, as well as his wounds, we decided to call him Bruiser. We took this homeless but very lovable cat to the veterinarian that day. He was neutered, his wounds cleaned, antibiotics given, and he was returned to us so that his healing process could begin.
    Bruiser is loving life inside where it is warm! He now has an endless supply of food and water, something that was obvious he hadn’t enjoyed for a while. He will lay and purr in his comfortable bed while his wounds are healing. They are nearly all gone now. His frost bitten ear only adds to his majestic character. Bruiser’s wonderfully friendly nature tells us that he must have belonged to someone at some time. He is estimated to be between two and three years old.
    Bruiser is looking for a home where his humans will take care of him. In return they will get his endless supply of unconditional love. We are hoping that someone out there is ready to make a difference in the life of this animal. He has had a rough start in life and is now looking and waiting for a real home.
    If you are interested in adopting Big Bruiser, please call the Ark at 532-7387.
    Benefit Night will again be hosted by the Horn of Plenty on March 16. Please join us for The Horn’s scrumptious food and know that you are again helping us to help our AAS animals. Call ahead for reservations at 532-2260.
    Guardian Sponsor Program: Most of you are aware that we are a non-profit organization that works very hard to create money to help abused animals. We don’t like to ask for money but we greatly appreciate a little help.  For a $30/month donation you can sponsor one of the animals at The Ark. This will help pay for food, litter and medical needs. You can choose which pet, or have us choose for you. Photos are available on the AAS website and also Facebook page: www.facebook.com/arkanimalsanctuary.
    Sponsorship donations can be mailed in, brought in to Hollywood Pet Salon, or sent through PayPal.  Arrangements can be made to pick them up if needed. They can be made monthly, quarterly or yearly. Email reminders can also be sent.
    Again, asking for money is hard, and we try not to ask very often. If you feel that you could help us at this time, we sincerely thank you! We are so grateful for the wonderful support that the people in our town and surrounding towns have given us! These are not just words, but heartfelt appreciation!
    More info available online: www.ArkSanctuary.com or e-mail: keeper@arksanctuary.com. The AAS took in no dogs and we currently have no dogs. We did take in two cats. We were happy to adopt six cats who now have “fur ever” homes. We still have 46 cats who would love to be part of a family!
    Our donations were $283.25 and our expenses were $1,466.36.
    I don’t like to finish on a sad note, but must relay that Webster, the AAS Pig, passed away this past Friday. Some of you who read our column might remember that we wrote about a little girl that raised this pig to auction off at a fair. When the time came to sell him for slaughter, it was too difficult for her. A wonderful man bought Webster, and the Ark agreed to try to find this very large pig a home. For those that feel we only care for dogs and cats, having little or no interest in the fate of non- domesticated animals, that is not the case. The Ark Animal Sanctuary does what it can — the best that it can — to save the lives of all animals in this area. In this case it was a pig.
    Bob and Lorraine did everything in their power to keep this large lovable swine healthy. I have been told, by at least one that should know, that a pig has the intelligence of a dog. Bob and Lorraine gave Webster a wonderful home. When it got cold, and they felt he seemed to be not “himself”, he was made more comfortable with his own heating blanket. He was served the best food they knew how to feed, the best medical care that was available, and given all the love and attention that they could. He received all of this care from day one! All a person or a group can do is give their best. I know that both Bob and Lorraine, as well as their board and support team, have always given their best. This effort is not just for Webster, but for all those that the Sanctuary gives (what we hope will be) temporary refuge to. Please think about adopting!
    Thank you for reading our column and for your continuing interest and support.