October is National Adopt-a-Dog Month, a month-long awareness promotion that encourages people to adopt dogs from shelters and rescue groups. The American Humane Society has celebrated this since 1981 in an effort to help animals awaiting adoption find homes. This year, as we have done in the past, Downeast Dog News will showcase local adoption successes to highlight the nonprofits’ fantastic work. When I reached out to various staffers on their happily ever “afters”, the response was immediate—all were excited to share!
Mariah Donovan, Development Coordinator at SPCA of Hancock County in Trenton talked about one tiny little dog. “Tod came into our care feeling as small as he looked; he was surrendered into our care with two kittens in a box, and it was said that coming into our care was his ‘reprieve.’” The small boy was so nervous that he wouldn’t eat in front of anyone and waited until it was lights out, and no one was around. All he wanted was to be held in someone’s arms for security. “Through many hours of sitting quietly and gentle snuggles, Tod started to come out of his shell a bit more.” While he was still skittish with new people, sudden movements, and loud talking, he started hiding less and coming towards people when greeting them.
Well along came a kind, gentle soul who was happy to also sit quietly with him. He took time getting to know her. “His [potential] adopter had lost her companion dog recently and was looking to heal, just like Tod was. She understood the time and patience necessary with Tod and was more than happy to give it to him. The two bonded quickly and the scared little gentleman cautiously went home with his new person.” Mariah said he now lives a fear-free life where he has learned the beautiful companionship of an animal lover. “He knows nothing but love and gentleness as he starts his second chance in the lap of his favorite human.”
Foster-based Pittie Posse Rescue saved Mocha from a likely demise. Sarah Gagnon, their Social Media Coordinator, said she was found abused, living outside on a chain in the middle of winter in Maine in 2019. “During record low temperatures, we got a call from a Good Samaritan who witnessed Mocha being beaten...screamed at...and even saw people throwing rocks at her. Her ‘family’ was reportedly trying to give her away.” Even though they were at capacity, they knew not taking her would have meant her death. “We rushed in to save Mocha before she froze and to ensure she would never again experience the evil of humans.”
After that, Mocha waited four years until her perfect person came along. Now Mocha spends her days snuggling, going for walks, and being loved on. Her mom shares, "Though it was love at first sight, I still love Mocha more and more each day. I feel so lucky that she chose me. I don’t necessarily believe in fate, but I do like to think that Mocha waited all of this time for me and her--and now we are just content to ‘be’ always. Thank you to Pittie Posse, her fosters, and the whole village that saved her and kept her safe until I could bring her home.”
Sarah added that their longest resident currently is six-year-old Rory, who’s has been with them since December of 2021. “She was found on the euthanasia list with her sister in Georgia, and we couldn't leave them behind to die. Since then, her sister has been adopted but Rory keeps on waiting for her perfect family.” They hope a reader who is an experienced canine owner with a calm, predictable home may be interested. They are also looking for good fosters. They cover all expenses; your only responsibility is to provide them with love. If you work or are planning a trip, they have a daycare/boarding service in South Portland and subject to availability, can be a respite spot. Fostering may be tough…if you become attached, you’ll have the first opportunity to adopt.
Meghan O’Connor at P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center in Camden said Gump came to them from GA from their partner, Road Trip Home, as a puppy. “He was with us for 9 months before he finally found his forever home. He now lives on Islesboro and is an island dog with his new family.” She added he even has a dog brother, and they look very alike. Gump gets to explore the woods and lives a wonderful, fulfilling life.
“Petey arrived at Pope Memorial Humane Society in Thomaston with an injured leg. PMHS staff transported him to Harbor Road Veterinary Hospital for an official diagnosis,” said Kasey Bielecki, Marketing and Public Relations Manager for Pope Memorial Humane Society. X-rays confirmed a fractured leg, and Petey was fitted with a cast in hopes of a quick healing. Petey returned to the shelter with an order for crate rest, where he was doted upon by PMHS staff in the dog exam room.
That same day was new pet photo day at the shelter. Volunteer photographer and board member PJ Walter arrived to take pictures of the new animals. “We love to tell you stories about the animals in our care, so we had to get pictures of Petey, the puppy, in his cast. There was something special about Petey,” said Kasey. PJ took his photos and sent them to co-worker, April, at Loyal Biscuit Co.
“When my friend PJ sent me a photo of an adorable, tiny puppy just brought into the shelter with a broken leg at the beginning of June, I knew we had to foster him. Everyone knows when you find your new love, and that was the first time I picked Petey up,” admitted April. He snuggled right in and couldn’t stop giving her kisses.
Soon after, April and her husband began fostering. Their other dog, Tippy, became attached and began sleeping right next to Petey’s crate. “When it became apparent that Petey’s leg would not heal on its own, the timing worked out for the visiting orthopedic surgeon to possibly fix his leg surgically. Being a 4-month-old puppy with lots of energy and being on crate rest for a long time is a real challenge, but the shelter, veterinarian, and surgeon decided to try and repair the leg surgically,” explained April.
On June 20th, he had surgery to put a plate in his front leg, and he was on the road to recovery. Petey went to work with April when she was working at the Loyal Biscuit Co. He fell in love with everyone he met, even the biggest of dogs. The bandages were removed July 18, and rehab’s been necessary to strengthen that leg, but he’s done remarkably well. “To no one’s surprise we adopted Petey as soon as possible and are so happy he’s joined our family.” April and her husband are thankful to Pope Memorial for their amazing pup, Petey.
At Animal Welfare Society (AWS) in West Kennebunk, Stephanie Kelley, their Marketing Communications Manager, said they have many beautiful stories that their adopters shared with them. One is that of Donzi. His owner explained his name is a cross between Don Juan and Fonzi. “He is a real ladies’ man, but more like loves all humans! We chose Donzi because he was the longest stay dog at the shelter and let’s face it, the old dogs need a break too! He was so handsome. I’m getting to be an ol’ gal myself, so his lifestyle matched our lifestyle.” She praised AWS for the easy adoption process, the staff’s ability to make excellent matches, and their insightful education on his behaviors. “This shows the time and care given to the long-stay dogs,” she added. All these factors promote permanent and successful adoptions.
Shannon L. Nachajko, Director of foster-based Catahoula Rescue of New England: Houlas & Heelers Inc., said Gypsy was found dragging herself on the side of the road in Texas in January of this year. Starving, unable to use her back legs, and missing teeth, she was picked up and brought to one of the highest kill shelters in the country. She sat there in pain, with no medical attention, riddled with bullets. She never cried or even barked for help.
“Gypsy’s body and soul were defeated, and most vets would agree she should be put down. There was something about this dog; we were not doing that. With the help of amazing volunteers, we coordinated her save from thousands of miles away. We got her out of the shelter and to a local vet hero who has unfortunately dealt with these cases before.”
It was determined that the bullets had hit Gypsy’s spine and back, causing her back legs to be paralyzed. She was a trooper and had the surgery that got all but three of those bullets out, spayed her, and removed the damaged teeth. She then went into rehab, had a wheelchair donated, and physical therapy. “For a dog with so much trauma she was full of spunk and took to the changes with grace,” added Shannon.
“I am so happy to report that after being with a foster that has been very due diligent with therapy and home management for her, she went to the very best forever home at the beginning of August. This little dog had us all sitting on the edge of our seats about how she would handle a cross-county trek from Texas to New England and she handled it like a charm!”
Shannon said this resilient gal loves her new family, especially the children, like they have always been her own. Utilizing a dog wheelchair doesn’t stop her, she goes for daily strolls with the family. “This girl, who beat the odds, now has a new name of Journey to go with her new life and it is perfect!”