Ark Animal Sanctuary

    The past two months have been very busy for us at the Ark. We have had so many rewarding experiences we thought we would share a few of them with you.
    Last spring, we had taken in an 8-year-old Australian Shepard named Tasha. Tasha was in deplorable condition when she arrived. She was missing most of her fur and she had a yeast infection, not to mention she was 8 and had not been spayed. She went into foster care where she received the medical treatment she needed and deserved and she was spayed. After five long months of hard work and medications she was ready for adoption, but there were drawbacks. She was 8 years old, very nervous and hated to ride in the car. Finally after eight months of waiting Tasha’s dream finally came true. She was adopted just before Christmas to a very loving, kind, patient and gentle woman. Tasha now runs and plays in big open spaces, she now gets regular vet care and regular grooming. If her mom sits in the back seat with her she will even take a very short car ride as long as mom holds her. Tasha acts like a puppy sometimes at 8 years young life just couldn’t get any better.
Tasha
    Dutchess is a 13-year-old arthritic cat that came to the Ark and we all had our doubts that someone would adopt her. The first few weeks she was miserable, she cried all the time. Her cries were heard by a very dear lady who offered her a home. Once Dutchess was in her new home her new owner called to tell me she was fitting right in and she even held the phone up to Dutchess so I could hear her purring. For Dutchess and her new owner 13 is just a number not a reason not to adopt.
     Manny is a 7-year-old dachshund. His story broke my heart. He belonged to a small child that passed away and was surrendered to the Ark about a year ago. Manny had been adopted twice and returned both times thru no fault of his own. Manny is one of the sweetest, kindest dogs I have ever met. After being returned the second time I promised Manny that he would never be adopted and returned again, even if that meant keeping him myself. Finally about 3 weeks ago the phone rang – someone was interested in Manny. They came to visit with him and decided they wanted to give him a home. Manny has been in his new home for about two weeks now, he has been back for a visit and he is so happy. He gets to sleep in bed with his new mom and dad, but more importantly they have a grandson that has filled the void in Manny’s heart and in return Manny has filled the void in Hannah’s heart. Hannah is another dachshund the family owns. Hannah was grieving the loss of her canine playmate Cricket.  Manny saw Hannah and went and curled up in the bed with her and took a nap. Hannah and Manny are now the best of friends.
    Everyone at the Ark is touched by each and every animal that we take into our care. We love seeing our babies get a second chance at life. We simply make the connection. It is the wonderful caring people who open their hearts and their homes to these special animals and give them the lives they deserve. You are all Angels.
    Every week we receive pictures and updates on the animals we have adopted. They always brighten our day and remind us of why we are here. Keep the pictures and updates coming – we love it!
    For the month of January, the Ark took in $450 in donations and fundraising. Our expenses were $1,392. We took in two dogs and one cat. We adopted eight cats and three dogs. We currently have 49 cats and two dogs.
    Please join us on Saturday, Feb. 4, outside Hollywood Pet Salon for a bake sale. We will also be serving, soup, chili, baked beans and pulled pork. Our volunteers will be armed with hand and feet warmers and electric blankets.
    Join us Wednesday, Feb. 28, at the Horn of Plenty for lunch and dinner, reservations are recommended. We will also be having a Dinner at the Elks in February. Details will follow. Thank you for your continued support and thank you for reading our column.