The Ark Animal Sanctuary is an organization that was started to help animals that absolutely had no other alternative. We realized that there was a great need for help locally for strays and owner surrenders and we help when and where we can.
The public needs to understand that we receive no town or state funding so our finances are limited. Everything we do comes from hard work and the generosity of others.
We try to help people, but if you are not willing to help yourself by neutering and spaying your pets, it becomes very difficult for us to help you. Nothing in life is free. Things are not just handed to us. When you walk through our front door asking for help, you are going to have to show us that you are willing to make it a team effort in solving the problem.
Bug
We are going to ask you for a donation. If that is not possible then you will be asked to volunteer your time. We strongly believe that pet owners must be held accountable for their actions.
With that being said I am about to tell you a story about an individual who went above and beyond to save the life of a cat. A group of individuals in a small town in Ohio implemented a trap, neuter and release program. They managed to trap a very thin, sickly long-haired black and white cat who looked like it was on its last leg.
They took the cat to the local clinic, where it was determined that he had just about every parasite going including lice. He was also in need of some serious dental work. The cat was named Bug. He was neutered, treated for parasites and tested. Unfortunately he tested positive for FIV, which meant he could not be released back. The young lady that trapped him was now emotionally involved. She placed Bug in a temporary foster home until she could figure out what to do with him. Her heart was breaking for this cat, so thin and sick from the parasites and a sore mouth. She had no idea how long he had been out there homeless and in this condition. She could not just walk away, she had to do something.
She started making phone calls and found there was no place locally that could take Bug. On Aug. 7 she made a phone call to our organization, desperately seeking help for Bug. There was no hesitation in her voice when I asked how Bug would get to us. The answer in her mind was really quite simple of course … she would drive him. She also explained that Bug needed some extensive dental work and that she was willing to leave a donation to cover his medical bills. This young lady was willing to go above and beyond to help a cat that wasn’t even hers. I was surprised at her commitment and asked her why, especially since he wasn’t her cat. Her response again was very simple, Bug had been out there full of parasites and his life was at its lowest point, things couldn’t get much worse for him and he deserved a chance at a normal life. Clearly Bug had touched her heart.
On Fri., Aug. 16, Bug and his guardian angel set out on the long journey from Ohio to Maine. Bug arrived at The Ark late Sunday night, Aug. 18, all paperwork in order with vaccines and tests all at the expense of this young lady. She also absorbed the expense of the trip.
Bug settled in and seemed to be quite content in his new surroundings. That Thursday Bug was scheduled for his dental surgery. Once he was sedated he received a thorough examination of his mouth only to find that his tongue had been severed on each side and was only held in place by a small piece in the middle. I can’t begin to describe the anger and sadness that we all felt. This poor cat had been thru hell and back and was still alive and fighting. I can’t imagine the pain he he must have endured with his tongue and a mouth full of bad teeth. Bugs teeth were so bad that they all had to be removed, he was given pain meds for his tongue and dental surgery plus antibiotics and sent home.
Bugs tongue is healing quite nicely along with the rest of his mouth. He is eating three cans of food a day. His appetite is remarkable!!!
Now I am sure there are some of you who will say why take a cat from Ohio especially when there are so may cats here in need. The answer is plain and simple. Bug came to us because a young lady went the extra mile to help him, she did not take the easy way out. She invested her own time and own money to make a difference in Bug’s life, a cat that wasn’t even hers. How do you say no to that? Anyone with this kind of commitment and dedication has my vote all the way.
We realize that not everyone is in a financial position to do what this girl did for Bug, however each and everyone of us is in a position to do the right thing and neuter and spay our pets so there will be no more unwanted animals. How many more sad stories does there have to be before we say enough is enough?
For the month of August, The Ark took in 11 cats and adopted 10. Three kittens passed away. We currently have 55 cats. We took in no dogs, adopted no dogs and currently have three dogs.
Our expenses for the month of August were $2,574. We took in $1,654 in fundraising and donations.
Please join us on Saturday, Sept. 7 for “Strut your Mutt” beginning at Hollywood Pet Salon and Walking up to our new location at Old Woodstock Road. The walk begins at 10 a.m. For more details call Lorraine at the Hollywood pet Salon 532-7387. We will also hold a bake sale on Saturday, Sept. 21 outside Hollywood Pet Salon.
