by The Ark Manager | Aug 2, 2025 | Cats, Successful Cat Adoptions
Neva is a quietly intelligent cat with a thoughtful presence and a heart full of love. She’s not one to demand attention, but her calm demeanor and gentle eyes speak volumes. Playful in a subtle, graceful way, she enjoys interactive toys and soft games that show off her sharp mind and agile movements. Neva bonds deeply with those she trusts, offering affectionate head bumps and soft purrs as her way of saying she cares. Her sweet, loving nature combined with her quiet smarts make her a truly special companion, ready to bring warmth and joy to a peaceful home
by The Ark Manager | Aug 2, 2025 | Cats, Successful Cat Adoptions
Gizmo is a gentle soul with a heart full of sweetness. A little shy at first, he tends to hang back and quietly observe until he feels safe—but once he does, his playful side shines through. Whether he’s chasing a feather toy or curling up in a cozy corner, Gizmo’s soft presence brings a calm warmth to any room. He may take a bit of time to come out of his shell, but his affection is genuine and deeply rewarding. With a bit of patience and love, Gizmo will become a loyal, cuddly companion who melts hearts with his quiet charm
by The Ark Manager | Aug 2, 2025 | Cats, Successful Cat Adoptions
Meet Lucky – A Gentle Soul with a Heart Full of Love
This is Lucky! At 10 years old, she’s a serene and loving cat who has spent her entire life with her beloved human mom. Sadly, her mom had to move into assisted living and couldn’t bring Lucky with her, so together they made the heartfelt decision for Lucky to find a new home where she can continue to be cherished.
True to her name, Lucky is a rare gem. She’s one of the sweetest cats we’ve ever met—calm, affectionate, and happiest when she’s curled up in your lap, enjoying gentle pets and soft words. Her luxurious, velvety fur is so irresistibly soft that just one pat might turn you into her biggest fan.
Lucky thrives in a peaceful, quiet environment where she can snuggle up with her favorite human and simply enjoy life. She’s looking for a calm forever home where companionship and cozy spots are in abundance.
While she’s in great spirits, Lucky does have a thyroid condition that requires daily medication—likely for the rest of her life. Fortunately, she takes it like a champ (we think she knows it’s good for her!).
Are you Lucky enough to give this sweet soul the loving home she deserves? Come meet her—you just might find your perfect lap companion.
by The Ark Manager | Aug 2, 2025 | Cats, Cats Available for Adoption
Tiger and Janice are a bonded brother-and-sister pair with a sweet, quiet connection that makes them truly special. These two have grown up together and share a close bond—they’re almost always found side by side, whether they’re relaxing on a cozy bed, perched by a window, or enjoying a peaceful moment together.
They’re still getting used to the idea of physical affection from people, so they’re looking for a patient home that will let them move at their own pace. While they may be a little shy about touch right now, their personalities shine through in other ways. They absolutely love catnip, happily rolling and playing together, and one of their favorite activities is bird watching. Give them a good window view and they’ll be entertained for hours.
Tiger and Janice find comfort in each other and will do best in a home where they can stay together. They also seem like they would really enjoy an indoor/outdoor lifestyle, with a safe place to explore outside and a warm, soft spot inside to curl up afterward.
With a little patience and understanding, Tiger and Janice will make a wonderful pair of companions—bringing quiet joy, playful moments, and the special magic that only a bonded duo can offer. 🐾
Janice and Tiger, although considered to be barn cats, have an IMMENSE amount of potential to be regular indoor/outdoor cats in a home, as long as the adopter would
by The Ark Manager | Aug 1, 2025 | Happenings at The Ark
We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Lyman B. Pope, Jr., an extraordinary person whose support helped shape our shelter and many others across New England.
Lyman’s generosity made our name possible, but what made his partnership truly special was not the gift. It was the belief behind it. He saw potential in shelters that worked hard and thought big. He shared ideas as well as funds, from thoughtful building designs to the importance of staff wellbeing. He was kind, candid, and had a sense of humor that could catch you off guard in the best way. If Lyman believed in you, you knew it. And it meant something. It truly meant something to this little shelter in rural Washington County.
Being one of Lyman’s Pope Memorial shelters was never about luck. It was about shared values, compassion, and doing the work to care for animals and the people who care for them. We are honored to carry his name, and even more honored to have known the man behind it.
His family has shared the following loving testament to Lyman’s life.
Bartlett, NH – Lyman B. Pope, Jr passed away of old age just 3 months shy of his 97th birthday at home on July 22, 2025 with his German Shepherd, Sadie, by his side. Lyman was born on October 25, 1928, in Haverhill, MA, the son of Gladys G. and Lyman B. Pope, Sr. Lyman grew up in Bradford, MA and attended Bradford schools, Tilton Academy, Tilton NH, and Wentworth Institute, Boston, MA. He served with the Army’s Military Police during the Korean War and was discharged with honor in 1952. After the Army, he sold Buick automobiles in Haverhill, MA and Palm Springs, CA. and later sold wood heel manufacturing machinery to shoe manufacturers throughout New England and beyond.
In 1959 he married Patricia Perkins Strauss of Ogunquit, ME and they raised their family in Andover, MA. When the shoe industry declined, he then sold machine tools to automotive, aircraft, and defense manufacturers including GM, Ford, Chrysler, Pratt & Whitney, and Saco Defense traveling throughout the Northeast and Midwest.
During the 1970’s, Lyman began purchasing and developing manufactured home communities in NH and later in ME. He also sold affordable manufactured homes and was a dealer for Burlington, Oxford, and Skyline homes.
A lifelong animal lover, during his travels he visited many animal shelters. He was saddened to learn that animal shelters typically had a need for more resources and greater capacity to care for the homeless animals in their communities. As he was able, he began to donate to animal shelters in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, helping approximately 38 shelters in all. The Pope Memorial shelters named in his honor are in Orleans, VT, Thomaston, ME, Cherryfield, ME, Concord, NH, and Dover, NH. He will also be remembered for his contribution to the newly renamed Pope Memorial Library, North Conway, NH. During his lifetime, he also helped numerous individuals who touched his life.
Lyman’s connection to the Mount Washington Valley began while visiting for winter sports with his parents throughout his childhood. They would come by snow train from Haverhill. He remembered the arrival of Hannes Schneider and his family. He skied well into his 70’s and knew and skied with many of the early ski pioneers in the Valley! Over the years, he helped many family members with their ski technique. In 1968 he and Pat purchased a home in North Conway, and they became residents of Bartlett in 1993. He and Pat enjoyed exploring the coast of Maine and spent summers in Ogunquit. In 2018, he was predeceased by his beloved wife of 59 years.
Lyman is survived by his son, Peter L. Pope and his wife, Rhonda Hallett Pope, of Dover, NH and children Amanda, Sheldon, & Caroline, their spouses, and 8 grandchildren. And by his son, Christopher J. Pope and his wife, Pamela L. Pope, of Freeport, ME and children Henry and Helen. He is also survived by his brother David A. Pope of Hampton, NH. Lyman will be missed by his family and remembered by many for all that he has done to touch the lives of so many human and furry beings.
At Lyman’s request, there will be a private memorial service at a later date. Lyman would encourage donations to an animal shelter or rescue of your choice.
