By Mary Peabody
In 2004 Lorraine Jellison Monfils moved back to Houlton with her husband. She returned with some very ambitious dreams. The first was to start a new business, which would cater to pets, dogs and cats specifically. She would groom and clip, as well as supply various pet supplies at her new store. Thus the Hollywood Pet Salon came into existence. Lorraine has put a tremendous amount of time and dedication into making this a successful endeavor. If you have been into the pet salon, you’ll sure see that it’s also one she enjoys. While working some very long hours at her store, Lorraine also began to help the Houlton Humane Society. She volunteered to groom and care for many of their stray cats, housing them as well as “showing” them at her Salon. From there she became an integral part of their fund -raising, organizing several very successful functions to benefit them, and continued with this for a few years. It was during this time of involvement herself with the homeless and abused animals in this area that still another dream emerged.
Lorraine envisioned The Ark Animal Sanctuary. This Sanctuary would provide care for small and large animals alike. This past year Lorraine decided it was time to formally begin that process, the first stages in the creation of The Ark Animal Sanctuary. She had her first very successful fund raising event this past summer. In the relatively short amount of time she’s had, she has generated considerable interest from people not only wanting to help financially, but those who are interested in volunteering for whatever is needed. This is going to be of great importance as the Ark Animal Sanctuary is going to be a volunteer based refuge.
This new venture can, and hopefully will be, a huge benefit to this area especially during this economically challenged period of time. I’m sure that many of you are aware that because of today’s economy, many animals, both small and large alike, are being turned out, not fed, or sometimes worse. The shelters in our state are full, and large animals, horses specifically, have been given up to the state when owners could not afford to feed them.
Lorraine has accomplished much of what is needed to be an established animal sanctuary. She has her 501 3C non-profit organization license, date of incorporation 5-14-09. Thanks go to Sara LaClaire Esq. for volunteering her services to help become this non-profit status.
A board of directors has been formed. They include: Ann Rairdon, Nancy Knights, Jen Hughes, Naomi Williams, Lori Weston, Melissa Berube and Lorraine Monfils
This board has met and completed The Ark Animal Sanctuary Mission Statement, Vision Statement and The Goals have been written and noted. Thanks also to local artist Darlene Kenney who designed The Ark Animal Sanctuary web site. Please visit it us at arksanctuary.com. More thanks go to Roz Morgan of Fox Hollow Photography for donating a sign for the gift shop. Still more thanks go to Kim Forest, a local artist, who designed the Sanctuary Logo. To all who have given their time and support, thank you so much!
Lorraine wanted to have people know what has been accomplished to date concerning our furry friends. She and her helpers have taken in 112 cats and adopted out 49. Presently she has 64 cats in foster care. They have been able to do 14 trap, neuter, and release. They have organized the Helping Paws program. This program gives aid to individuals who care for multiple cats, but are financially unable to spay or neuter their pets. Assistance was provided, and 25 cats have been altered and returned to their owners.
Assistance was also provided to a dog owner who was in need. Her dog had a very large tumor, and she could not afford, at this time, all the costs of the surgery.
Lorraine has said several times (to me) that she wants “total disclosure” with the public. She wants all of the townspeople to know what is being done for the animals, what is being spent, saved, and otherwise. So I give you her numbers at this time. Since May, $2,079 has been taken in as charitable donations. Lorraine and helpers have earned $3,605 in fundraisings, a total of $5,684. Expenditures totaled $7,508.00. Most all dreams have a price tag.
Lorraine, the board, and friends of the sanctuary have been searching for a “home”, preferably an older farmhouse, and one that could be a “fixer upper”. Adequate acreage and location would also be important considerations. Lorraine has found a couple of prospects, with some land, and a suitable building. These prospects have a reasonable price tag. With some hard work, fundraisings, and some support from community and friends, we have great hope that this dream will become a reality!
Happy tails can come true; it can start with you. Please give what you can to support the Ark Animal Sanctuary. Check out our Web Site at www.arksanctuary.com.
