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 | 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 | Mar 14, 2025 | Happenings at The Ark
Each holiday season, Loyal Biscuit Co. runs its “Fill Their Bowls” fundraiser, giving their community an opportunity to help shelter pets in need. Not only do they collect donations, but they also work with their vendors to stretch every dollar, ensuring local rescues receive high-quality food to nourish the animals in their care.
This year, the Brewer Loyal Biscuit Co. store selected The Ark Pope Memorial Animal Shelter as their recipient, and thanks to their generosity, we received an incredible donation of:
🐱 24 bags of Earthborn cat food – That’s 300 lbs of nutritious cat food!
🐶 40 bags of Ultimates dog food – A whopping 1,120 lbs of meals for our dogs!
✨ Total donation: 1,420lbs of pet food! ✨
This life-saving donation will help us provide healthy meals to the animals in our care, and we couldn’t be more grateful to Loyal Biscuit Co. and their amazing customers for making it possible.
Ashleigh, Dani, and our honorary supervisor Tucker pose with the amazing donation from Loyal Biscuit Co.! Thanks to their generosity, The Ark’s shelter pets will have full bellies!
Tucker takes his quality control duties very seriously! 🐶✅ He made sure every bag of food was accounted for before it was loaded up for The Ark’s shelter pets.
❤️ Support Businesses That Support Maine Shelters!
Loyal Biscuit Co. goes above and beyond to give back to Maine shelters. We encourage you to support them! Stop by one of their locations or visit their website:
➡ Loyal Biscuit Co. Website
🐾Need a Nail Trim? Support The Ark at Loyal Biscuit Co. in Brewer!
Did you know that our Director, Dani, hosts a nail clipping clinic at Loyal Biscuit Co. in Brewer every third Saturday of the month from 10 AM to noon? 🐾
For just $10 per pet, you can get your pet’s nails trimmed, and 100% of proceeds go directly to The Ark!
📍 Next clinic: Tomorrow, March 15!
📅 Event details: Facebook Event Link
It’s an easy way to keep your pet’s paws happy while helping shelter animals!
Thank You Again, Loyal Biscuit Co.!
A huge thank you again to Loyal Biscuit Co., their generous customers, and everyone who made this donation possible!
📸 Check out the incredible donation in the photos below!
Now THAT’S a car packed with love! 🚗 A total of 1,420lbs of pet food will help feed shelter cats and dogs
Hard work calls for a little fresh air break! Tucker might be catching a sunbeam—or just basking in the joy of a job well done. ☀️🐾
Teamwork in action! Volunteers and staff load up the donation, making sure every bag of food gets to the shelter safely
