By now I am sure you have all heard the news about the loss of our Sanctuary. First and foremost I would like to thank you all for your kind words, support and generosity. We are all still trying to make sense of it all.
Early Wednesday morning my husband and I watched the walls of the sanctuary fall and it was devastating — but even more devastating was the loss of 16 cats. It is an image that will be forever ingrained in our minds and in our hearts. I know that what happened cannot be changed. The circumstances are out of our control and that we must move on. Our volunteers as well as my husband and I need to go through a healing process as we all were emotionally attached to every cat at the sanctuary. We cared for them on a daily basis and they all had their own personalities and stories.
If you recall our grand opening was on Nov. 3, just a few short months ago. We were so proud of what we had accomplished and so very anxious to move into our new beautiful building. The cats loved their new space and for the short time they were there they thrived in their new environment. Our volunteers took such great care of them and loved the work they were doing. Their hearts are broken.
Life is full of many challenges and we learn from every obstacle that we have to overcome. The Ark has survived many set backs in it’s short life, and this is our biggest set back. As most of you know we are not afraid of hard work and challenges. We face each challenge and obstacle head on. We are determined to make a difference.
I know you all want to know if we will re-build. There are so many factors that need to be determined first and then we will rebuild. It may take time but we will rebuild.
The Sanctuary we lost was built with love. Every nail that was hammered and every board that was put up was done, with love, by my husband. He knew every square inch of the building. He worked so hard because he knew how important our work is.
I hope and I pray that the 16 souls that were lost are at peace and that they know how much they were loved.
We have received so much support from everyone. Donations are coming in from across the country. I am so proud to be a part of this community and am overwhelmed by your support and generosity. I never really realized how many people supported us. I wish I could hug each one of you personally and say thank you.
Our web site coordinator has worked non stop to try and keep you all updated and to thank you for your donations and support. She has been my right hand person and has taken a great deal off my shoulders. On Wednesday I was crying and hugging one of the volunteers telling her that the Ark was gone. She looked at me and said “Lorraine, the Ark isn’t gone. We are all the Ark and as long as we are here the Ark is here.” I hugged her and said thank you. She is right each and every one of us is a part of the Ark, we created it, not only in a physical address, but in our hearts and souls.
Everyone is asking how they can help. Please keep in mind that we lost everything. We had not pulled all the cats back from foster care to go up to the sanctuary. We still have 17 cats and they will remain in their foster homes. At this time we are accepting monetary donations, which can be mailed to the Hollywood Pet Salon at 70 Main St., Houlton, ME 04730
Thank you for your support, generosity, love and understanding.
