Ark Animal Sanctuary News

By Lorraine Monfils
    A while back I received a phone call from a young lady who was calling to ask if we could take in a cat with AIDS. I asked all the necessary questions, including where she lived. When she replied that her residence was in Pennsylvania, I was very surprised. I quickly asked if she realized that the Ark Animal Sanctuary was located in Maine. She answered as quickly as I had asked and informed me that she was aware of this. We continued to talk and I asked how she planned to transport her kitty, Keith, to Houlton from Pennsylvania. She explained that she and her husband were going to move to Massachusetts in the near future and would drive him from there to us. I continued to try to explain to her that the distance from their town in Massachusetts was still seven hours away from Houlton. She replied that this was not a problem.
    She continued to tell me about why they had made the difficult decision to place Keith with us. She told me that they had rescued him from a “cat colony” near them, had taken him to a veterinarian for neutering and shots, and at that time found that he tested positive for AIDS. They were disappointed, but had no intention of returning him to the sad situation they had found him in. Once they got Keith home, they found that she was severely allergic to him. This was heartbreaking and a very real dilemma. Since they knew he tested positive for AIDS, they realized he could not be an outdoor cat. Knowing that they also could not keep him, they went online to find a place that could and would offer Keith some help. They found the Ark Animal Sanctuary website.
    In November, Keith was driven seven hours from Massachusetts to Houlton, and to us. It was very obvious that the young man who brought Keith into us cared deeply about this animal. He was full of questions, spent a lot of time with the kitty, and watched as he became somewhat adjusted to his new environment. He left all of Keith’s favorite play things as well as a generous donation to help take care of him. The last thing he did was to take some pictures.  I recognized how difficult this parting was for him. It was a tearful goodbye.
    Keith remained well for five months, but then he became very ill. We took him to the veterinarian and found that he had a viral infection. He would not eat or drink on his own. He remained at the veterinary clinic for four days, while a strict regimen of antibiotics and IV fluids were administered. He also had to have a feeding tube put in. This is how he was fed twice daily. Keith was returned to us while he was still not eating or drinking. We were very aware that his immune system was much compromised, and knew as well that he was really struggling! Frustrated with the feeding tube and IV fluids, Keith never gave up, and neither did we!
    We waited with silent prayers, and after almost two weeks Keith started to purr and attempt to clean himself. Today, for the first time, Keith ate on his own. He looked up at me when his dish was empty as if to say, “More please, I am so hungry!”  Keith is well on his way to recovery and would love as nice a home as he once had.
    For those of you who feel we went to the extreme for Keith, we did. It was well worth it. Just ask Keith. For the young couple who rescued this beautiful cat and got him to where he needed to be, you are heroes to us, but more especially, to Keith.
    We will again be selling delicious pulled pork sandwiches at noon on Saturday, April 9, and also on the following Saturday, April 16 . This food sale will be in front of the Hollywood Pet Salon.
    Our donations and fundraising for the month totaled $1,888. Our expenses were $1,046. We again want to thank The Horn of Plenty for their wonderful support of the AAS. Words can’t begin to relay the appreciation we feel. We also want to thank Darlene Kenney for her hard work in planning the event. This was just one of the very positive comments that came to me referring to that night. We just want to thank Darlene once again for the wonderful evening at The Horn of Plenty. The place was full, and the food was awesome as usual!!! Thanks.
    We greatly appreciate the public support we received at our dinner the last of February. A big thanks to all who cooked, tended the kitchen, and waited on table. I want to thank the Houlton Rotarians for allowing me to speak at a recent meeting. It was a wonderful chance to talk about the Ark Animal Sanctuary and all the plans that we are so hopeful the future will bring.
    We took in four cats and one dog. We adopted eight cats. We presently have 42 cats and one dog. Please take some time to go online (www.arksanctuary.com) and look at all of those adorable little cats and kittens that are just waiting for a loving home. Thank you for your support, and thanks for reading our column.