For the last couple of years INAM has instituted this holiday drive campaign to collect toys, treats, food, litter, supplies and more for pets without homes of their own and to help alleviate costs of caring for them for the rescues. Major national sponsors such as Bark Box, American Dog Magazine, Acadia Antlers and more participate with product donations. The INAM dogs (lovingly called Monster Elves for the season) are the spokespups and promoters of the Drive; through their Facebook pages, each advertise and collect for the rescues near and dear to their hearts.
This year there are nearly 70 Monster Elves across the country, collecting for over 85 rescues/shelters. This is Emma’s first year as a Monster Elf; she is currently the only INAM dog in Maine, and therefore the only Monster Elf in the state, so we are very grateful to be chosen!
In a nutshell, the drive is collecting donations of all things pet — toys, treats, food, beds, litter, litter boxes, leashes, crates, gas cards for vet runs, gift cards from Amazon, Walmart, Petco, and Petsmart will also help as we could purchase what is needed in store or online with them.
Until our new building goes up and is ready for occupancy, the animals in our foster home care program are our responsibility and your donations help greatly in that regard.
For our local friends, there are currently two donation boxes in Houlton: Hollywood Pet Salon, 70 Main St. and Town and Country Clothing & Footwear, 2 Market Square.
Emma has an Amazon wish list which mirrors our own with some extras, because toys and treats for animals awaiting adoption are what the holiday drive is all about. We will post the link on our Facebook pages throughout the season; Emma also has it on her FB page: /EmmaTheSidekick. Direct contributions can also be sent to Ark Animal Sanctuary 70 Main St., Houlton ME 04730 c/o Emma or Holiday Drive.
We will also Pay/Paw It Forward to the area rescues that came to Ark’s aid and comfort following the fire. For our Canadian friends, DunRoamin’ Stray-Rescue in Florenceville is running their end of this holiday drive on their own turf so there is no duty/border crossing issue with donations. Please help support them as their volunteers are some of the most kind and dedicated animal people you will ever meet. They are a part of Ark’s family.
Please help make this a great year for our community animals!
Please join us for a bake sale on Saturday, Nov. 22 and a food booth during the Parade of Lights on the Nov. 29 outside Hollywood Pet Salon. Our Christmas event: Miracle on Mechanic St. takes place on Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. including the 12 Dogs of Christmas Parade and Santa!
Town & Country Clothing and Footwear is also hosting their annual Wrap It Up campaign through Christmas! Free gift wrapping with a donation to Ark for in-store purchases!
Thank you for your continuing support and as always, thank you for reading our column.
