Out of the ashes, into the light
It has been two weeks since the tragic fire at The Ark Animal Sanctuary that left us all devastated. We still the mourn the 16 animals that were lost and will continue to do so. They will carry a special place in our hearts forever. While we know we cannot replace everything that was lost, we can move forward “Out of the ashes, into the light.”
Each day brings something new and we have a newfound strength thanks to this wonderful community. The people in Houlton have rallied together to show us they believe in our mission and that we must rebuild. They believe our work is so very important and that we must continue. They have come out in droves asking what we need and what they can do to help us. When we were tired and emotionally exhausted they carried the workload of fundraising and getting the word out there for us. They wrapped their arms around us and told us they loved us and that it was going to be OK. Because of your love and support and because you believe as much in our mission as we do we, we plan to rebuild.
We cannot dwell on the past and what ifs, but we can become stronger and move forward. As one lady told me, throw your rear view mirror away … you cannot change the past, it is done and over. A very wise piece of advice. From this day forward there is no looking back.
We are amazed at the attention our story has received, not only locally but globally. We have received donations and cards from just about every state in the country. We have received donations from 14 different foreign countries such as Germany, France, Spain, Croatia, Arabia and the list goes on. Animals bring people together in our case the lives of the 16 cats that were lost brought the world together.
Animals bring out the best in people and while there is so much sadness in the world there is just as much good. It is time to focus on the good. Our work is so very important and from the responses we have received the world believes our work is important. As the ground begins to thaw and the snow melts away, we will start the rebuilding process. We will continue to try and raise funds to do this. You will see us out there trying to raise funds in the snow and the cold with the help of all of our wonderful volunteers. Once again we will pay for everything as we go so we do not have a mortgage that we cannot afford to pay. It will take time but we will get there. While we are not required to take in the stray and injured we will continue to do so because that is just who we are. If you want some good food and our very famous Aunt Margie’s homemade pie then stop by and make a purchase, your money will go toward helping the animals and accomplishing our dream of re-building.
We walk away from this stronger and more determined than ever to build a sanctuary in honor of the 16 cats that lost their lives. We have made new friendships here and across the world. We have gained many new volunteers to help us. We are a family and we stand tall and strong and together we will make a better place for stray and unwanted animals.
Gone but not forgotten are Tommy, Hector, Auston. Pete, Bo Bo, Gaston, G.C., Jerome, Trudy, Esmeralda, Bobbi, Tootsie, Mary Lou, Marilyn, Tonka and Echo. You touched our hearts and souls. You are the inspiration that keeps us going. Our new sanctuary will be built in your honor.
We hope you will join us as we start our journey out of the ashes, into the light.
