75 Years of Serving Their Communities & Animals in Need
By Susan Spisak
Midcoast Humane is one of the largest shelters in the state, operating animal sheltering facilities in Brunswick and Edgecomb. They once existed as two separate, neighboring shelters, Coastal Humane Society (originally Brunswick Animal Shelter that was founded in 1950) and Lincoln County Animal Shelter. They merged in 2016 and in 2018 came together as Midcoast Humane.
They accept stray and surrendered animals from residents of their thirty-nine contracted towns. They provide care and second chances to nearly 3,500 animals and assist hundreds more through their programming and services. They utilize foster homes and with both campuses, they may have one hundred pets under their wing at a time.
Jess Townsend, Midcoast’s Executive Director, said they’re thrilled to be in their 75th year. She said they have a strong desire to help people keep their pets, thus they provide resources to do just that. They offer a Pet Food Pantry, low-cost wellness and vaccine clinics, and they collaborate with pet owners who have a fixed or lower income to have their pets spayed/neutered affordably.
Jess indicated they’re a shelter who helps the Maine Animal Welfare Program as well. On October 24th, they welcomed many Shih Tzus and Shih Tzu mixes from one of their welfare initiatives. They were matted and covered in feces. Thanks to the incredible efforts of Midcoast’s team, ten of these dogs were ready for a new lease on life. (The original owner signed the dogs over to the state without dispute, avoiding court intervention.)
Jess said a few remain in their care who need more complicated medical care and a watchful eye. One of these dogs’ condition especially upset Jess, “I have been doing this for 17 years now, and he was in the worst condition I’ve ever seen.” He was so matted and caked in feces, staffers had to shave him. They took four pounds of matting and feces off him—and he only weighed twelve pounds. “It was really sad.”
Fosters are always needed. “They’re worth their weight in gold. Anytime a dog can go to a foster home it’s good for it,” said Jess. She added they need volunteers for general duties such as washing dishes, walking dogs, and doing laundry. “If that’s not done, the shelter goes down.”
A dog who deserves highlighting is their stunning Akita named Nina, a loyal, independent but social companion who loves deeply. She was taken in by an in-home rescuer from an unpleasant situation—she was tied outside without food and left to fend for herself. When that rescue closed, Midcoast received her. Nina prefers to be the only pet and will grow in confidence and feel safe. Jess said she really is just a lovely dog. (For more and pics, facebook.com/profile/100064564489195/search/?q=akita.) She added Rupert is another long termer who is a great dog; his size puts some adopters off. See more details on this guy in the adoptable section below.
Visit their Creature Comforts Thrift Shop at 153 Townsend Ave. in Boothbay Harbor. Jess said it’s a win-win to shop there—there’s low cost, nice items, and you’re supporting them. For info on fostering, training classes, pet clinics, and adoptable pets, midcoasthumane.org/.
RUPERT
4 years old, Rottweiler
Rupert, a handsome boy that came in as a stray. He seems to have been highly trained due to knowing so many commands. He’s a fun-loving guy who likes to go on walks here, sniffs everything, rolls in the grass, and chases balls in the play yard. He’ll need an adult only home with strong people that can handle him on a leash--he has no idea how strong he is! He’ll like positive reinforcement training and that’ll help your bond. He is best as only pet—he wants all the love, attention, balls, treats and petting.
BAXTER
6 years old, Mixed Breed
Baxter doesn't let anything slow him down including only having 3 legs! Baxter does well with adult humans once he knows them and may be too exuberant for younger humans. Once he lets off some energy, Baxter would love to snuggle up for belly rubs. He’d be a little too much for a cat but possibly another dog—we recommend a shelter meet and greet.
DAWSON
1 year old, Mixed Breed
Sweet boy that came in as a homeless guy and searching for a great new family. I still have a puppy brain in a big boy body so I'm very endearing but need guidance form my humans on what is expected of me. I like toys, walks where I can sniff all the wonderful smells, a good chew bone, human affection and a comfy bed to lay my head down in. I don't seem bothered by the other dogs. I seem to like cats. I will also need humans that can physically handle me as I have no idea how big I am and work with me via positive reinforcement with potty training as I have not mastered it yet.