These days the Ark is home to approximately 80 cats. Many of the cats have special needs and will most likely live out their days at the Ark.
Currently we have three cats with hypothyroidism and they require medications twice a day. We have four cats who are leukemia positive and seven cats with feline immunodeficiency syndrome.
We have three tripods (three-legged cats) and two cats who are missing an eye. We have two cats with paralysis, and we have to express their bladders twice a day. There are multiple cats with no teeth, many of which are feral. We also have one diabetic cat who requires insulin twice a day.
We have quite the mixture of cats. And yes, we have many adoptable cats. We honestly believe that each and every one of them deserves a loving home. In the right environment and with a little love and patience, any animal can learn to trust and love, and they can become your best friend.
We are not your typical shelter. We are a sanctuary, where no animal is ever euthanized unless a vet deems it necessary for quality of life. We take in the hard cases because we believe every life is worth saving. We work hard to ensure the animals in our care get whatever they need. There are days where it is emotionally draining. We see things no one should have to see. We fall in love with them all, and our hearts break each time we lose one.
We preach about neuter and spay and we try to educate, and yes, we make some people very angry with all of the preaching. Please know this: We are preaching to make a difference in the lives of so many animals. They have no voice; we are their voice. And until things change, you will continue to hear our voices loud and clear.
We do what we do because there is a need, and while we understand not everyone is cut out to do animal rescue, we are not cut out to walk away and do nothing. We are here to make a difference, by saving one life at a time.
Thank you for your continued support, and as always, thank you for reading our column.
The Ark Animal Sanctuary is located at 102 Old Woodstock Rd., Houlton. Visit them online at arkanimalsanctuary.org/home, call 532-7387 or check out their Facebook page.
