by The Ark Manager | Dec 17, 2025 | Blog, Happenings at The Ark, Happy Tails
Cats and dogs arrive at The Ark under many different circumstances, in all different conditions, with their own unique stories. Sometimes we know their stories; they were surrendered out of love in their best interests; they were neglected and malnourished; they were abused and faced true horror. Sometimes we don’t know what they’ve been through, and we can only guess if they were lost, abandoned, or worse.
Regardless of their past, we do our absolute best to help each animal heal, provide them comfort and safety, and get them home safely through reunion or adoption. Each successful story brings us joy, and yet, some stories just stick with you a little longer. Jax, Dolly, and Figaro are stories we won’t be forgetting.
Last year, a large-scale animal seizure was conducted by the Maine State Animal Welfare Program. To carry it out, they requested assistance from shelters state-wide. Although we’re small, we always help with these cases to the best of our ability, because they are truly the worst of the worst. Even knowing that, we were not prepared for the horror we faced. 27 dogs starving, medically neglected, and living in filth. Unfortunately, it was too late for at least 6 other dogs.
That was the day we met Jax & Dolly. These two were especially heartbreaking for us – this nightmare was supposed to be their safe haven after being rescued in the south. We could not imagine someone “rescuing” a dog just to put them through even more trauma. Understandably, Jax & Dolly faced a long journey to build trust, health, and a sense of safety. Not enough can be said for the power of loving foster homes. With patience, kindness, and compassion, both dogs eventually healed and were ready for adoption.
In the most heartwarming of outcomes, neither foster home was ready to say goodbye. Despite the hurdles they faced in helping these pups overcome their traumas and fears, the bond was forged and both pups were adopted by their respective fosters. Even better, Jax & Dolly’s families are good friends, meaning these two dogs, who had been through so much together, will get to remain friends forever. And that’s the kind of outcome we wish for each and every one of the pets that walks through our doors.
Figaro was an entirely different type of story. This senior cat had a loving home, but tragedy struck. He was seriously injured by the family dogs. When he was rushed to the vet, there were so many considerations. Not only his age and the extent of his injuries, but also his future. Clearly, he would not be able to live with the pets that injured him. His treatment and recovery would be lengthy and involved. With all of the factors at play, humane euthanasia had to be considered. However, Figaro showed that despite his injury and age, he still had spunk. That fighting spirit led him to The Ark.
He arrived with most of his body shaved, stitches, drains in his wounds, and a feisty but friendly attitude. Figaro’s needs were round-the-clock, so he quickly found himself in a foster home dedicated to his recovery. Throughout his ordeal, he never lost his appetite for life, food, or exploring. It was no surprise to us that when he was ready for adoption, he quickly caught the eye of one of our long-term volunteers. She scooped him up and the rest is history. Now, he lives a better life than most of the people we know! Seaside, with a doting mom, cat siblings, and a pug.
by The Ark Manager | Dec 17, 2025 | Ark EDU, Blog
What Responsible Pet Care Really Costs
We love animals. That’s why we’re here. We want people to have, love, and care for their pets. We know the joy and companionship that they bring to our lives, and that’s something you can’t put a price on.
But what you CAN put a price on is responsible pet ownership.
Getting a pet is exciting, fun, fulfilling – but it’s also a serious responsibility. Having a pet means more than picking out a collar and a bag of food. It means toys and bedding, training, pet-sitting/boarding, grooming, parasite prevention, and veterinary bills – both routine and unexpected!
We know there are real barriers to accessing vet care: rising costs, vets that are not taking new clients, long distances to the nearest office. We’re working on solutions every day, and in the meantime we have programs like our Pet Food Pantry, Stitch in Time, and Hardy’s Friends.
You can read about those programs here, but the bottom line is: we are helping as many people as we can while we work on bigger, better solutions. But at the end of the day we are a small nonprofit. We rely primarily on public donations. We have finite resources. We can’t help everyone, as much as we want to.
We want people to experience the joy of a pet.
We truly do. But we also want people to go into pet ownership with eyes wide open. A local vet provided us with some live estimates for a puppy or kitten’s first year of care. For a healthy puppy, the first year of veterinary care (including exams, core vaccines, fecal testing, and spay/neuter) averages between $530 and $660. For a healthy kitten, that range is roughly $375 to $465. (Did you know? Females cost more to spay!)
That assumes everything goes 100% smoothly. It doesn’t include flea/tick preventatives, bloodwork, microchipping, or common medical issues like ear infections, allergies, or injuries.
Vaccines protect pets from serious, contagious, and sometimes fatal diseases. They are one of the best investments you can make for your pet’s health, and for your peace of mind.
📍That brings us to the reason for our educational post today.
We are seeing parvovirus – both locally and across the state. This is a deadly disease that fortunately, we were somewhat insulated from in Maine. That is over. Dogs are getting sick and dying. It is incredibly contagious. The symptoms are brutal. Treatment is expensive, round the clock, and requires impeccable quarantine conditions.
Parvovirus attacks the intestinal tract and bone marrow of dogs. Puppies and unvaccinated adult dogs are most at risk. It typically sets in 3-7 days after exposure. Symptoms can look like: lethargy, lack of appetite, fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea (bloody), collapse, elevated heart rate, difficulty breathing.
Treatment of parvo is intensive (often hospitalization, IV fluids, antibiotics, multiple days of care) and thus very expensive. The cost of decontaminating the environment and isolating a pet adds time, stress and resources.
The virus is shed in feces during active infection and up to several WEEKS after recovery. It can linger on surfaces, in soil, etc. It can survive outdoors for months (even years in ideal conditions). Because of this, strict quarantine and disinfection are vital to contain outbreaks.
Preventing parvo via vaccination is far less costly than treating the disease.
Skipping vaccinations or delaying care is not “savings” – it is putting your pet (and other pets) at risk of serious illness, higher costs, distress and heartbreak.
If cost is a barrier, there are programs that can help, and you can find low-cost vaccination and spay/neuter clinics, like Maine Animal Health Alliance in Augusta. We realize these solutions have limited availability and don’t work for everyone, but they can and do help many.
We believe in giving pets the care they need and helping pet owners succeed in caring for their animals. That includes education. If you are considering bringing a pet into your home, bring them home with confidence built on knowledge. We’re here for you and we’re happy to help you on that journey.
Looking for affordable pet care resources?
Check out the link below to find local and state-wide options for low-cost vaccination clinics and spay/neuter services.
by The Ark Manager | Oct 7, 2025 | Ark EDU
While we’re sad to let go of an all-too-short summer, the beauty of autumn in Maine cannot be denied. From vibrant foliage, to crisp apples, to cozy woodstoves, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Fall is the perfect time to enjoy the simplicity that Maine is known for, and without the pressing worry of overheating, it’s also a great time to explore the outdoors with your pets! We’ve compiled a few safety tips to help you make your fall a safe & fun experience for all.
Hiking through the woods with your dog is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the scenery and mild weather. However, Maine fall also brings along hunting season, which presents its own set of safety considerations for outdoor recreation.
It may not be stylish, but blaze orange is the top safety recommendation of Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Regarding deer hunting season, their website states:
“One article must be a solid-colored hunter orange hat; the other must cover a major portion of the torso, such as a jacket, vest, coat or poncho and must be a minimum of 50% hunter orange in color.”
While only required by law for hunters, it is recommended for everyone who is enjoying the woods during hunting season to follow these guidelines. And let’s not forget the dogs! If you’re hiking with your pets, make sure they too are sporting their blaze orange. Bandanas – or even better, vests! – are great ways to make sure your pup is visible and easily identifiable while out hiking.
With the return of fall, we always see a surge of tick activity. An array of tick-borne diseases can affect humans, dogs, and cats alike. And some of these buggers are TINY! It’s not enough to rely on seeing them and removing them. It’s important to protect yourself and your pets from both exposure and infection. This means making efforts to prevent ticks from getting on you, checking yourself and pets regularly for ticks, and removing ticks before disease transmission can occur.
In addition to medical flea and tick prevention purchased from your veterinarian, you can also reduce your risk by:
- Avoiding tick-dense areas (they love leaf litter, dense brush, and tall grass)
- Staying in the center of the path, away from edges
- Using a tick repellent before each outdoor activity
- IMPORTANT! Read your labels. There are products that are safe for dogs, but not cats.
- Doing a tick check after your outings – some folks like a lint roller!
For more information about tick safety, prevention, and diseases The University of Maine’s Cooperative Extension: Tick Lab is a great resource. Check it out here: https://extension.umaine.edu/ticks/management/pet-protection/
Another thing to consider in October is your pet’s vaccination schedule. Dog licenses expire December 31st, and it can take longer than you might expect to get an appointment at your vet’s office. To renew your dog license, they must have a current rabies vaccination. Check your records and make sure you won’t be caught with a last-minute surprise when you try to renew your license!
It’s also a good time to make sure they’re up to date on the rest of their vaccinations and have had a recent wellness exam, too. And don’t forget your cats! While not licensed, Maine law requires rabies vaccinations for cats, too.
Seeing your vet for annual wellness checks and to update vaccinations not only keeps your vet care proactive, it also ensures you have a current relationship with your busy veterinarian in the event of an emergency. October is a great month to make sure your pet is set up for another safe, healthy year ahead in 2026!
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.
by The Ark Manager | Jul 2, 2025 | Ark EDU
Summer in Maine is about as magical as it gets; perfect temperatures, beautiful breezes, and ponds, lakes, and the ocean to relax near. It truly is the way life should be.
It’s also a short season, and we all want to make the most of it. The 4th of July offers a great opportunity to gather with family and friends, enjoy summer foods and drinks, and watch fireworks light up the sky.
But many of these favorite traditions come with risks for our pets. We’ve put together a quick list of common holiday hazards to help you plan ahead and keep your pets safe and comfortable, too.
Fireworks
Fireworks can be fun for people, but for dogs and cats, the loud noises and flashing lights can be overwhelming and scary. In many parts of Maine, private fireworks are legal, so it’s possible your neighborhood will see unexpected displays throughout the day or evening. Even pets who have never reacted to fireworks before can become fearful without warning. It’s safest to assume that fireworks may be stressful and prepare accordingly:
- Keep pets indoors with windows closed
- Close curtains and play soothing music or the TV
- Consider calming treats or, in severe cases, talk to your vet about medication
- Make sure your pets are secured before the fireworks begin
Open Gates and Doors
If you’re having guests over, the excitement and frequent movement can create lots of chances for pets to slip out. A door may not latch properly, or someone may not realize they’re the last one in. If your pets are nervous around people or easily spooked, the risk increases. It helps to have a plan:
- Keep pets in a secure room or crate while guests are arriving
- Add visual reminders for guests to shut doors and gates behind them
- Double-check latches before the festivities begin
Food and Drinks
With gatherings come snacks, grilling, drinks, and often overflowing trash. Pets might help themselves to counters, plates, or garbage, even if they don’t usually. Guests (especially kids) may also feed pets without realizing what’s safe.
Some foods, like cheese or meat scraps, may be fine, or just lead to an upset stomach. Others (like grapes, raisins, chocolate, alcohol, and bread dough) can cause serious harm. To stay ahead of issues:
- Keep food and trash out of reach
- Ask guests not to feed pets
- Remind kids to keep snacks to themselves
- Know which foods are dangerous and watch for signs of distress
Peace and Quiet
Whether it’s from fireworks, loud guests, or overstimulation, pets often need a break. Set up a calm, quiet space in advance so your pet has somewhere safe to retreat to.
- Use a cozy bed, soft lighting, and familiar toys
- Add a fan or calming music to help muffle loud noises
- Give them a treat-dispensing toy to stay busy
Update ID Tags and Microchips
The 4th of July is one of the busiest days of the year for lost pet reports. Collars and ID tags should be secure and easy to read, and microchip info should be up to date just in case your pet slips out.
No one plans to lose a pet, but taking a few minutes to check your contact info now could make all the difference later.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. Taking just a few minutes to think through your plans (and how they affect your pets!) can help prevent accidents, stress, and emergency vet visits.
From all of us at The Ark, we wish you a safe and happy 4th of July!
📌 Reminder: The Ark will be CLOSED to the public on Friday, July 4th.
by The Ark Manager | May 19, 2025 | Ark EDU
May 20 is National Rescue Dog Day!
A day dedicated to raising awareness about shelter dogs and promoting adoption. So let’s talk honestly about what it really means to bring a rescue dog into your life. We’re not going to sell you a fantasy about how easy it is to adopt a shelter dog. But is it worth it?
Ab. So. Lutely.
Let’s be honest, bringing any new living being into your home comes with change. Routines shift. Accidents happen. Shoes (especially the ones you need right now) mysteriously disappear. You’ll discover cleaning products you’ve never heard of… and possibly consider buying stock in them. You’ll also meet a whole new network of people. Groomers, vets, trainers, pet store employees, neighbors who now know you as “the one with the rescue.”
It’s messy. It’s chaotic. And it’s also magical.
One of my rescues didn’t know what toys were.
He’d only ever played with his food bowl because it was the only thing he had. The first time he picked up a toy on his own, it felt like a quiet little miracle. That same dog had to learn how to get on the couch. He had never been inside a home before.
And then there was the beagle I had as a kid. Her grand entrance to the family involved a leap onto the dining room table, sprinting the length of it, and launching herself off the end directly into the china cabinet that held my grandparents’ wedding china. It’s never boring…
Rescue can be hard.
These dogs might have a history. Sometimes it’s visible, sometimes not. Some carry the effects of neglect, poor nutrition, or trauma. Others have never been inside or never been taught how to live in a home. They might struggle with your expectations, your lifestyle, or your schedule.
And then there are dogs who are completely perfect. Housetrained, well-mannered, affectionate. And still overlooked because they’re the “wrong” shape, size, color, or age. It’s heartbreaking. But being the one who sees that dog and chooses them anyway feels like you won the lottery, and like everyone else missed out.
Expect your routine to change.
Sleeping in? Not when somebody seems to be able to tell when it’s breakfast time like they’re a Swiss watch. Weekend getaways? Better have a plan for your pup. And the cherry on top… you will become intimately familiar with your dog’s poop.
There’s always something new to learn. Training methods, pet nutrition, canine body language, enrichment strategies. And with all the opinions out there, finding your “tribe” becomes important. Because this isn’t just a dog. This is your dog.
We don’t talk enough about how much harder it is to be a dog today.
Not just a rescue dog. Any dog.
We ask a lot of them. To live in a human world, follow our rules, spend long hours alone, and adapt to a life with fewer freedoms than ever before. Fewer families have someone at home during the day. Necessary safety standards mean less off-leash time. The days of neighborhood dogs roaming freely and having backyard adventures are long gone, and for good reason.
These changes are good and necessary, but it does our dogs a disservice to pretend they do not also come at a cost. More time indoors. Less exercise. More boredom. Sometimes anxiety.
It’s not that dogs can’t thrive in modern homes. They absolutely can and do! But we need to be honest about how much their world has shrunk, and make conscious plans to meet their needs within those new limitations. That means enrichment. Walks. Engagement. Understanding.
Rescue dogs especially may feel this even more acutely as they adjust to new routines. But truthfully, all dogs benefit when we stop expecting perfection and start focusing on meeting them where they are.
Every adoption saves two lives.
The dog who goes home, and the next dog who gets to come into the shelter because space opened up. No, it’s not always easy. It can be emotionally demanding, and compassion fatigue is real. But watching a dog who’s never had a soft place to land finally able to rest safely is everything.
Safety. Warmth. Love. Humans they can rely on. That’s what we’re here for.
Thinking about adopting?
Be honest about your lifestyle, time, and resources. Consider being open to being matched instead of picking based on looks alone. Shelter staff know their dogs, and they know which traits work best in different homes.
That shy Australian Shepherd mix might be adorable, but if you throw big parties every weekend, you might both be miserable. If you’re open-minded and honest, the right dog is out there, and we’ll help you find them.
Rescuing isn’t always simple. But if you’ve done it, you know it’s one of the most meaningful things you’ll ever do. We see you. For the chewed shoes, the vet bills, the tears, the breakthroughs, and the unwavering love you’ve given, thank you.
If you’re still considering it, we hope you go in with eyes and hearts open. The right match might not look like what you pictured. Maybe it’s a shy senior, a cat instead of a dog, or maybe it’s not the right time at all. And that’s okay. You can still be part of this. Share, follow, volunteer, subscribe. You don’t have to adopt to make a difference.
Because when you open your home to an animal in need, something in you changes. You become part of a story that’s bigger than one dog or one shelter. And on National Rescue Dog Day, that’s what we celebrate.
📣 Have You Adopted from The Ark?
We want to hear your story. Every Happy Tail we share helps someone else see what’s possible and helps more rescue dogs find homes.
Tell us your Happy Tail!
Ashleigh is the Development and Communications Manager at The Ark Pope Memorial Animal Shelter. She spends her days writing, fundraising, and telling the stories of the animals who pass through the shelter’s doors. Her evenings are spent surrounded by a pack of rescue dogs and cats who constantly remind her why this work matters, and a remarkably patient husband who has learned that “fostering” often means forever.
