Ark Animal Sanctuary News

by Lorraine Monfils and
Mary Peabody
    The Ark wants to give a huge thanks to Citgo Petroleum Corporation and their local marketer, Daigle Oil, for their recognition and generous contribution to the sanctuary. Your gift was greatly appreciated. Your generosity has given us such a wonderful boost at this time. It has been really exciting to type Citgo Ark Animal into Google search and see all the places where Houlton’s Ark Animal Sanctuary has been posted.
    Let me introduce you to Aileen, a very big name for such a tiny little creature. This furry little soul came to the ark on Saturday, Oct. 9, weighing less than six ounces. We figured she was approximately four weeks old, and way too young to be away from her mother. She had been left alone in a parking lot unable to fend for herself. After examining her we found she had an injury to her left front leg. Considering it was the weekend, we felt it would be difficult to get her veterinary care. This tiny little animal would try to stand up but then topple over. When she finally did stand, she would lean to one side, thus the name Aileen (I lean) seemed fitting!
    Almost the same day that Aileen arrived, so did another little six week old feral male kitten. It took that little fellow a very short time to realize that we wanted to be friends, and ever so slowly that feral personality began to disappear. This little gentleman had double paws both front and back. We decided he looked like a Theodore, teddy seemed fitting.
    Now here is the interesting part of this story. We introduced Teddy to Aileen, and he instantly took her “under his wing,” or should I say paw. All weekend he cuddled with her and cleaned her much like a cat mother might do. She appeared to thoroughly enjoy his attention. We felt this was pretty amazing considering he was male and so young himself.
    On Tuesday of the next week Aileen was transported to the veterinarian where she had her little leg x-rayed. The leg was badly broken, and so she remained there at the clinic overnight. She was fitted with a splint and returned to the Ark the following day. You might wonder if the splint slowed this little 6 oz. wonder down. No way! She was “wired” and ready to run! She moved around the room like absolutely nothing was wrong! She goes back to the veterinarian in two weeks for a check up. We want give a big thanks to Dr. Monteith for taking care of Aileen and donating her time and services for this kitten. There was no charge for her medical care. We will keep you updated on Aileen’s progress.
    On a sad note, we want to tell you about Hildy. Hildy was born into a local cat colony. The “owner” has never recognized the need for spay or neuter, and actually doesn’t think about the need for feline nutrition either. Hildy lived a short desperate life. She had at least a couple of litters and we know little food to feed herself or her kittens. She never had the warmth of a home or the veterinary care she needed. She was with us when she died on Oct. 12. Her little body just shut down. She will no longer be cold, go hungry and continue to have unwanted babies. She can now rest in peace.
    I have to wonder why this situation continues to happen. Was the cost of a simple spay worth what this kitten went through? We hope you will say a prayer for all those other homeless, abused, cold, and neglected animals out there that need our help. We cannot save them all, but we have certainly been making a difference in the lives of all those animals that we have come in contact with. Food, water, medical attention, or acknowledging the fact that they do exist, we have given them all of this and love as well! They are all named, and sadly, when they are beyond veterinary as well as our help and do leave this world, they leave with the dignity that often they did not have in life.
Updates by Mary Peabody
    To the pet owners and animal caretakers here in Houlton: please realize that it is getting colder and that your pets need shelter. Be aware that there are animals in this area, dogs, cats and larger critters that sometimes have no home or person to turn to for help. They may not have the warmth, shelter, or food that they need. Keep an eye out for those animals that may need you to help them.  
    We have had some wonderful fundraisers during the month of October. Thanks for to all who gave their support. If I have calculated correctly, our bake sales, supper at the Horn of Plenty, and October Harvest supper have netted around $1,400.
    Anyone who entered a photo in the “Hot Diggity Dogs” photo contest, we want to remind them that all of these photos are featured in our 2011 calendar, which is on sale at the Hollywood Pet Salon for $10.
    The holidays are just around the corner, and the Ark Animal Sanctuary is gearing up for “Miracle on Mechanic Street” once again. It will be held on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join us and purchase your fresh Christmas tree or wreath at that time. Listen to Christmas music while having pictures taken with Santa. There will be a silent auction, craft sale, candy sale, and bake sale. While there, snack on pulled pork sandwiches, nachos, and candy apples. There also will be dinners available to go. Lia Sophia will have a table set up and raffle items.
    Adoptions are possible at this time. Come and support the AAS and maybe give a homeless animal a real gift, a chance for a better life in wonderful home. At 1 p.m. on Dec. 4, we will have the “Twelve dogs of Christmas.” We are searching for dogs to participate. We are looking for labs, golden retrievers, bichons, rescue dogs, mixed breeds, daschunds, chihuahuas. The dogs must walk on a leash and be OK around other dogs. For more information call 532-7387.
    Lorraine is remarkable in her drive to help the animals. I know she relies on the dedicated people that are aligned with her in the effort to help the animals in this area. Like a “well oiled machine”, the people that share her vision for the AAS contribute their talent the way they know best and be of the greatest use. Whether it involves helping care for the animals, transporting for veterinary care, setting up and maintaining the AAS website, organizing fundraisers, decorating for a supper, cooking, or writing our monthly column. If all the hours were tallied in time given to helping cats, dogs, and all animal life, it would be beyond anyone’s imagination. It is a life of total dedication to the animals. My hat is off to all of those caring people who give their talent, time, money, as well as their hearts to those aas animals. Some names that support the AAS you may never hear of unless you happen to be part of Lorraine’s e-mail network. I am so impressed with their dedication. The letter written by Darlene Kenney to the Houlton Pioneer Times (Oct. 27) says so much. Congratulations AAS.
    In October the Ark took in $1,371.00. Our expenses were 2,792.88. As you can see, we are so appreciative of any donations. Maybe you can help by purchasing your AAS 2011 calendar at the Hollywood Pet Salon. This month we took in two dogs. We also took in 13 cats. We adopted three dogs and 13 cats. We currently have two dogs, 67 cats and 1 pig!
    From Lorraine — in Friday’s mail (10/29) I received three envelopes. One with a check for 136.30 for used ink cartridges and cell phones, thanks to Lynn Rondeau. The second one with donations made in memory of Gilbert Roy from Dunn’s funeral home with 125.00, and the third from MMG Insurance Co.  Apparently they had a casual day to raise money for us and sent us a check for 271.00. They are based out of Presque Isle. It is amazing the support we have, I am overwhelmed with the generosity of people and the amount of support the Ark has. $532.30 this week in donations.
    Still another update: Today’s Walk-A-Thon (10/30) netted $2,000. Huge thanks to Veronica Daggett for organizing the entire event!! Thanks also to those 34 walkers who weathered the cold winds to help the AAS!! The best part of the day was that our two dogs, Baby and Cesar, were both adopted and now have good homes. We all will sleep well tonight!
    It also looks like our credits caught up with our debits…will have to recheck that thought. Again, thank you all so much for your support. Thanks for reading our column.