CARIBOU — The animals assisted by the Halfway Home Pet Rescue received a surprising donation earlier this month that stemmed from an annual summer party.

Contributed photo
This year’s “Positively Pawsitive Party” hosted by Melissa Franklin of Bangor was incredibly positive for the Halfway Home Pet Rescue, which was selected as a recipient for party proceeds. Franklin, center, and her husband Jordon visited the shelter on Aug. 10, and dropped off a $610 donation and a carload of gifted supplies. Shown receiving the donations on behalf of the Halfway Home Pet Rescue are, at left, HHPR Media Coordinator and Executive Committee Member Robyn Smith of Caribou and, at right, President and Founder of Halfway Home Pet Rescue Norma Milton.
Each summer, Melissa Franklin hosts a “Positive Party” with her friends in her Bangor home. She invites a group of family and close friends for a barbecue/pool party and for positive socialization. If a participating individual utters a negative word or feeling at the shindig, they are fined for their negativity and resultantly, must put money into a penalty jar.
At the end of the party, Franklin contributes the donated financial gifts, physical gifts and penalty funds to a local charity organization.
Most of Franklin’s guests have looked forward to this “Positive Party” for several years now and during this summer’s gala, the group selected the Halfway Home Pet Rescue (HHPR) in Caribou as the charity of choice.
Melissa’s husband, Jordon Franklin, son of Duska Hemingway Franklin and Jeff Franklin, is from Caribou and the positive party group understood that the shelter could use a little extra support.
As such, this year the “Positive Party” became known as the “Positively Pawsitive Party” and the gifts were plentiful with helpful items for the pet rescue as well as a financial gift of $610.
On Aug. 10, Melissa and Jordon visited the shelter to present donations from the party to HHPR officials — both the $610 and a carload of gifts.
President of the Halfway Home Pet Rescue Norma Milton said that the Franklins also had the opportunity to see a busy day at HHPR.
“They now have a great sense of how much good their generosity can accomplish for the non-profit organization,” Milton said.
Melissa, Jordan and all of their family and friends have made a Pawsitively Positive gift to all the pets at HHPR, and Melissa noted that it is her hope that more people will search for the positive things going on in the life and will celebrate their good fortunate by doing a “Positive Party” for a charitable organization.
“[The Halfway Home Pet Rescue] is extremely grateful for this assistance from the Franklin family,” Milton said.
The shelter has also received overwhelming support from the greater Caribou area in their Shoe Recycling fundraiser; through the program, the shelter earns $20 for every box of reusable shoes collected.
Milton said that at this point, the rescue has shipped over 40 boxes of shoes and has earned a total of $800 for shelter medical expenses. She added that this is an ongoing long-term project and the public can donate by dropping off shoes at 11 Pioneer Ave in Caribou or at the lobby of TD Bank in Caribou and in Presque Isle.
The is Halfway Home Pet Rescue is a 501c3 non-profit with a mailing address of PO Box 488, Caribou, ME 04736. The shelter director can be reached at 492-1722, by e-mail at norma@halfwayhomepetrescue.org, or by visiting the website at halfwayhomepetrescue.org.