Ark Animal Sanctuary

    The Ark Animal Sanctuary is excited about and getting ready for its supper, “It’s Raining Cats and Dogs,” to be held on Saturday, March 20. All proceeds will go to the AAS for care of the animals. It will be held at the Houlton Elks Lodge from 5-9 p.m.     The supper menu is as follows: French onion soup, garden salad, oven-roasted chicken, baked potato, and served with warm bread. Dessert will be a delicious chocolate brownie truffle. There will be a silent auction as well as a desert auction. Tickets are $10 each and are available at The Town & Country Clothing, Jean’s Serendipity and The Hollywood Pet Salon. They can also be purchased at the door the night of the event.
    We want to give a big thanks to Cody Shaw. On his birthday, Cody celebrated by asking his friends to bring gifts that would be suitable for the animals at The Sanctuary. Because of Cody, our animals in need had a party of their own. Maybe some other birthday people will follow your kind example.
    We were thrilled recently to receive a very generous donation from big-hearted fan of the AAS, who wished to remain anonymous. We appreciate greatly your gift, and a “Thank You” seems so inadequate. The AAS board, as well as their friends, are working very hard to provide a home for all the animals they have. Your generous gift has taken us a step closer to this goal.
    Lorraine Monfils has provided me with the animal numbers for February. Eleven cats and one dog were adopted. At this time, with one cat taken in, they have 50 cats and one dog. All animals are being boarded at this time. We appreciate those people who have taken in and are caring for our furry friends until they can have a permanent home. Expenses for the month were $362. Donations were $1,825.
A True Story
    The following article is by Lorraine Monfils.
    Early one morning, Clara Bell, a black and white tuxedo cat, gave birth to six tiny baby kittens. They were all so tiny and perfect, or so we thought.  As the days went by and the kittens grew, it became obvious that one of the kittens was different. By different, I mean that he was smaller and thinner and not as active.
    As soon as the kittens were old enough to be separated from their mother, we took the small one to the vet to find out what was going on. He was diagnosed with cerebella hyperplasia. This disease happens mostly when cats are not vaccinated, and it is transmitted from the mother to her kittens. This disease affects the neurological system and motor skills.
    The end result was that the kitten couldn’t walk without falling over. His head would bob, and it would take him longer to get where he wanted to go. This little furry animal definitely had some special needs. He was still unnamed, and as various customers came in and fell in love with him, they all gave suggestions. All were rooting for him.
    One customer commented that he had a wonderful personality. He did not let his shortcomings slow him down. We decided to name him “Ed”.  The amazing thing about Ed was that he didn’t know he was different or ill. Laying down he would play with his litter mates, and you would never know he had a problem or was unusual.
    Ed was the happiest little kitten in the world. Although he struggled at times, he had never known any other way, and so he accepted it. He was able to eat, play, and use the litter box. Of course there were many things he couldn’t do. That was OK, because he had never had the chance to do them anyway. Without having done it before, he didn’t miss it. It rather is like someone who has never experienced the love of an animal. They do not know what it is like. They have never had those dependent loving eyes look to them for affection, so they just don’t miss it. Many can tell you all the problems with owning a pet, but can’t begin to tell you of all the rewards, pleasures, and benefits of a pet. They have never experienced them.
    And so, from his perspective, Ed was perfectly normal. Clara Bell was adopted along with little Ed’s litter mates. Now Ed was the only one left. Volunteers would come and play with him, but knew he needed a home. He was lonesome without the rest of the litter. An impossibility you’re thinking?  So were we!!
    A very special and wonderful person, who had a cat with the same disability, adopted Ed. Now little Ed is doing wonderfully in his “fur ever” home.  He is happy, content and very much loved. In Ed’s mind life is wonderful. A caring person was able to overlook all the kitten’s problems and give him the love and attention he so wanted. Perhaps we could all learn a lesson from Ed, or better yet, from the lady who so graciously welcomed into her home a creature that was not perfect, but one that she realized just wanted the human touch and to be loved.
    The AAS is continuing to look for a spot of land, perhaps with a building that can be renovated. We mentioned earlier that a “fixer upper” would be seriously considered. Our great hope is that maybe someone will step forward and say “I think I might have the spot …and maybe the right price.” Maybe there will be a gift of land. Hopefully, the AAS home that we are envisioning will not be too far into the future. We can only hope. Our animal numbers seem to be growing. We have wonderful caretakers for our fostered pets, but a spot where they could be viewed, considered for adoption, and have a permanent home would be far more suitable.
    We appreciate so much the donations and support that people in the Houlton area have given. I know how much time, effort, and thought that Lorraine, the board, and friends have put into the animals as well as the fundraising. It is a 24/7 operation. I am very impressed with their dedication. We are hopeful for continued support, and hope to see you at the “It’s Raining Cats and Dogs,” benefit supper on March 20. Thanks for reading the AAS news.