Everyday we hear so many sad stories about animals sometimes we just need to hear a happy story to remind us how important the work we do is. I am sure that most of you are familiar with the two rottweilers — Bleu and Wolf — with hip dysplasia. They have been in the care of The Ark for almost a year now living with foster parents. The boys have been unable to find a permanent home because of their medical issues. The boys were purchased from a back yard breeder and the circumstance of their beginning is not completely clear. Long story short these two wonderful dogs were dealt a bad hand in life, not by choice, but because the breeder was irresponsible and breeding dogs with health issues.
We were contacted by a group called “A life with Dogs” and asked if we would like to write an article for their website. We agreed and Bleu and Wolf’s story was featured on their blog. That was all it took. We received a phone call from Last Chance Sanctuary in Arizona saying they would give the boys the home that they so desperately needed. There was only one catch, we had to get them there.
So began the fund-raising effort to raise enough money to get them there. We set up a fundraiser on Indegogo and the very next day donations started rolling in from all over the country. Aruba, yes you heard me right Aruba, California, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Arizona and local people as well. We received cards thanking us for helping “the boys.” We were just amazed! Eventually the boys will need wheel chairs and yes a lady from Arizona called and donated one for each of them. So many people wanted to help Bleu and Wolf. It was amazing.
We knew it was going to be a long journey for the dogs and that we did not want to fly them, or put them on a transport where they would be kenneled for much of the trip. We wanted to make the transition as easy and comfortable as possible. Once again, more people stepped forward to help. Two of our supporters and volunteers decided they would drive Bleu and Wolf to Arizona. Pete and Darlene Kenney offered to use their own vehicle and the Ark will pay for their gas and lodging with the money raised.
It doesn’t get any better than that! We are hoping to give Last Chance Sanctuary a donation as well for the care of the boys. They are a 501c3 and operate like us with no town or state funding just donations and fundraisers. They are an all-volunteer based organization. They are an amazing group and do amazing work.
We have just about reached our goal — we have $800 more to raise. We are hoping that maybe some gas companies would be willing to donate gas cards. If you would like to help Bleu and Wolf get to Arizona, donations can be made to our Paypal account. Just visit our website www.arksanctuary.com. Or donations can be mailed to The Hollywood pet Salon 70 Main St., Houlton. Please earmark your donations for Bleu and Wolf.
We are in hopes to transport the boys the second week in April. And yes we do intend to have a big send off. As the date gets closer we will let you know. We intend to have an event at The Hollywood Pet Salon, where people can meet the boys and wish them luck.
It is astounding how two disabled dogs caught the attention of people from all over the country. Total strangers with nothing more in common than wanting to do the right thing and help two dogs who could not help themselves. They are truly blessed so have so many wonderful people in the world who care about them. The thank you cards are wonderful but the Ark did not do anything special we just put their story out there. You the public are the amazing ones who went the extra mile to help them. You are the ones who are making their journey possible and for that we are forever grateful.
For the month of January The Ark took in $1,427 in fundraising and donations. Our expenses were $1,986. This does not include the donations for Bleu and Wolf.
Please join us on Feb. 8 and 22 for a bake sale outside the Hollywood Pet Salon from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thank you for your continued support and as always thank you for reading our column,
