By Susan Spisak

            
                     
Responsible Pet Care (RPC) of Oxford Hills is a no-kill, non-profit shelter and adoption center for dogs and cats. Their mission is to improve the quality of life and promote responsible ways of treating animals. They were founded in 1997 by individuals who realized they needed to help companion animals in the Oxford Hills region of Western Maine, and initially they took them into their homes, garages, and basements.  
    
Kaitlin Fairbrother, RPC’s Office Administrator, said most of their dogs are relinquished by owners or law enforcement. They usually only have a few strays but unfortunately, 2024 was a big year for those intakes. RPC rehomes 110 to 140 dogs every year, and their focus is on the in-state dogs first.
    
“When we do have the space, we work with an organization in Texas that helps transport dogs who are put on a euthanasia list because there is such a high volume of strays and surrenders down south.” She added that in 2024 RPC was able to take forty dogs from Texas and four cats from Tennessee.
    
They utilize fosters for dogs, mom cats, and kittens. “We think it's very important, especially for a dog who doesn't handle the stress very well that a shelter brings,” said Kaitlin. They’ll relax quicker and can decompress in a home setting with a gentle person doting on them. 
    
They welcome more fosters as well as volunteers, said Kaitlin. “We are in need of self-driven individuals who are passionate about animals. It is a great way to interact and socialize with cuddly cute dogs and cats, but we also need our volunteers to realize, we have many scared animals who fear new humans, but it is up to us to show them how to trust again.” 
    
They have a well-rounded staff. Lindsay Jondreau is their Canine Director and Molly Poland is their Vet Tech. There’s a large kennel crew and the entire staff is committed to making the best adoption matches. Kaitlin cited one example of a wonderful success story. In April of 2024, a dog was struck by a car in Woodstock and bystanders called Animal Control, who rushed him to the Animal Emergency Clinic of Mid-Maine. The vets and technicians saved his life. 
    
He was then taken to RPC. They couldn’t locate his owner, so he became theirs and they named him Chevy. His leg required amputation, and he adjusted beautifully to being a tripod. Staffers learned his likes and dislikes, and they also knew he’d thrive as an only dog. Finally, they received an application for him that they thought would be a perfect fit, and it was! “It was love at first sight. Chevy went to his forever home and became Teddy, which is very fitting since he looks like a big teddy bear.” His adopter adores him. 
    
Visit their website for wish list info as well as volunteer, foster, and adoption guidelines at responsiblepetcare.org/. Support them by shopping at their Pawsibilities Thrift Shoppe at 124 Waterford Road in Norway—the inventory is always changing, and they do accept donations. 

SHAMUS 

3 to 4 year old  American Staffordshire Terrier

Dear sweet, loveable, Shamus, came to us as stray in June of 2023. When Shamus first arrived, he had little leash manners but with hard work and dedication, he improved nicely and now loves to go for walks with his favorite staff. Shamus is not fond of other animals, but he is fine with older children. Shamus is crate- and house-trained. If you have large dog handling skills and wouldn't mind attending extra training classes with our hunk Shamus, he is waiting to meet you! responsiblepetcare.org

LUNA

18 month old - Rhodesian Ridgeback/Staffie mix

RPC’s resident princess, is house-trained and her qualities are many: friendly, affectionate, loyal, gentle, playful, smart, protective, funny, athletic, curious, and a couch potato! Luna is a loving girl who’ll stick by your side through thick and thin. She’s waiting for a forever home, but in the meantime, she spends her time practicing princess etiquette and commands such as "leave it", "wait", "gentle", and more! The rest of her time is spent zooming around the yard, learning how to interact and play with other dogs. responsiblepetcare.org

CEDAR

5 to 6 year old Black Lab/Boxer mix

He’s great with other dogs, friendly, calm, and a snuggle bug. He loves getting to spend time on the laps of our staff when they sit with him in his kennel. He walks very well on a leash and is house trained. He has not been destructive with blankets or bedding but he is a super chewer and needs toys designed for super chewers. Cedar takes treats gently and knows basic commands. We are unsure of his history with children, but there is potential for him to go to a home with older children. responsiblepetcare.org