by The Ark Manager | Apr 17, 2026 | Cats, Cats Available for Adoption
Goliath is a 5-year-old charmer with a big name and an even bigger love for the simple joys in life. This handsome boy is always ready for a tasty treat, a fun play session, or—his absolute favorite—a good brushing. Give him a brush and he’ll melt into pure happiness, soaking up every stroke like it’s the best part of his day.
Goliath has a playful side that keeps things lively, but he also knows how to relax and enjoy quality time with his people. He’s affectionate, easygoing, and would make a wonderful companion for someone looking for a cat who’s equal parts fun and loving.
If you’re searching for a sweet, well-rounded buddy who will happily trade purrs for treats and never say no to a grooming session, Goliath is your guy.
by The Ark Manager | Apr 17, 2026 | Cats, Cats Available for Adoption
Rocky is a handsome 3-year-old boy with a heart full of love and a playful spirit to match. He thrives on attention and absolutely adores being loved on—whether it’s gentle pets, playtime, or just spending quality time by your side, Rocky is happiest when he’s with his person.
This sweet and affectionate guy would do best as the only cat in the home, where he can soak up all the love and attention he deserves. In return, he’ll give you endless companionship, playful moments, and a whole lot of affection.
If you’re looking for a loyal, loving companion who will truly bond with you, Rocky is ready to be your one and only.
by The Ark Manager | Apr 17, 2026 | Cats, Cats Available for Adoption
Popcorn is a 5-year-old bundle of personality who brings nonstop fun and affection wherever he goes. This charming boy has a playful streak a mile wide—whether he’s chasing toys, rolling around with his favorite catnip, or turning just about anything into a game, he knows how to keep life entertaining.
What really makes Popcorn stand out, though, is his dog-like devotion. He loves being around his people, happily seeks out big hugs, and may even follow you from room to room just to stay close. He’s the kind of companion who greets you with excitement and makes every day feel a little brighter.
If you’re looking for a playful, affectionate cat with a larger-than-life personality and a heart full of love, Popcorn is ready to be your loyal sidekick
by The Ark Manager | Apr 17, 2026 | Cats, Successful Cat Adoptions
Luna is a delightfully chunky tortoiseshell with a heart as soft as her round little belly. She’s the kind of cat who seeks out the coziest corners of a home—quiet, calm spaces where she can relax and simply be near her people. Luna absolutely adores cuddles and will happily curl up beside you for hours, purring contentedly. Her favorite indulgence? A gentle tummy rub, which she accepts with total trust and bliss. If you’re looking for a loving, low-key companion who brings warmth and comfort into every room, Luna is ready to settle into your heart and your home
by The Ark Manager | Apr 5, 2026 | Dogs Available for Adoption
Meet Lexi!
Lexi may be a little shy when you first meet her, but with a bit of patience and understanding, her true personality begins to blossom 🐾
She’s a gentle, sensitive girl who may need slow introductions with new people. Once she learns she can trust you, she opens up in the most beautiful way. And when she does—her goofy side takes over! She’s playful, silly, and absolutely loves chasing tennis balls 🎾💛 She can turn any moment into a fun game and will happily show off her playful spirit once she’s comfortable.
Lexi is an incredibly sweet and affectionate dog who forms deep bonds with her people. She’s the kind of companion who will steal your heart and fill your days with love. She’s just looking for someone willing to go at her pace… and in return, she’ll give you a lifetime of loyalty, laughter, and unconditional love 💕
by The Ark Manager | Mar 25, 2026 | Cats, Successful Cat Adoptions
Meet Chloe—a loving, affectionate kitty who’s always ready for attention! This sweet girl absolutely adores being pet and will happily lean into your hand, soaking up every bit of affection you have to give. Whether it’s gentle head scratches or full-body pets, Chloe can’t get enough.
She’s also a big fan of catnip, which brings out her silly side. And if there’s one way to win her heart instantly, it’s treats—Chloe is very treat motivated and will eagerly show up the moment she hears the bag crinkle!
Chloe would thrive in a home where she can enjoy lots of pets, a bit of playtime, and, of course, plenty of tasty rewards. If you’re looking for a sweet, interactive companion who will bond closely with you (and never say no to a snack), Chloe is your girl!
by The Ark Manager | Mar 25, 2026 | Cats, Successful Cat Adoptions
Meet Isadora—a gentle soul with a heart full of love and a purr that never seems to end. This sweet girl lives for affection and will happily curl up beside you (or right on top of you) for hours of cozy cuddles. If you’re looking for a devoted companion, Isadora is ready to be your shadow and your snuggle buddy.
She has a playful side too—catnip is her absolute favorite, and she lights up with joy whenever it’s around. But her true weakness? Tummy scratches. Isadora is completely obsessed and will roll over without hesitation, inviting you to give her all the belly rubs she can get. Add in her love for being brushed, and you’ve got a kitty who thrives on attention and returns it tenfold with affection.
Isadora would do best in a home where she can soak up lots of love, enjoy her brushing sessions, and spend plenty of time cuddled up with her favorite humans. If you’re ready for a sweet, affectionate companion who will adore you endlessly, Isadora is waiting to meet you.
by The Ark Manager | Mar 20, 2026 | Dogs, Successful Dog Adoptions
Meet Sparrow! This sweetheart is looking for a forever home where she can be the star of the show. She’s a sniffer at heart, loves exploring the great outdoors, and can’t get enough of treats and pets!
While she’s best as the only furball in the house (no cats or tiny pups, please!), she may be good with some dogs her size and dog-savvy children. If you’re looking for a loyal companion for adventures and snug nights, she’s your girl! 🐾💖 #AdoptThisSweetie
by The Ark Manager | Feb 21, 2026 | Cats, Successful Cat Adoptions
!kittens available for adoption!
We have a mixture of female and male, all fixed and vaccinated, that are ready to go to their furrever homes!
If you’re interested in giving a baby a furrever home to grow in, please put in an adoption application today!
by The Ark Manager | Jan 31, 2026 | Cats, Successful Cat Adoptions
Phyllis is sweetness in its purest form, wrapped in soft fur and a quiet presence. She moves through the world gently, as if she never wants to disturb a moment, carrying a calm that instantly puts everyone around her at ease.
Her loving nature shows in small, tender ways—a careful nuzzle, a warm curl beside you, a steady purr that feels like reassurance. Phyllis doesn’t rush affection; she offers it with patience and sincerity, making every moment with her feel meaningful. There’s a softness to her heart that’s unmistakable, a kindness that seems to flow naturally from who she is.
She’s the kind of cat who listens without words and comforts without effort. Being near Phyllis feels like being understood, like everything is just a little bit safer and quieter. Sweet, gentle, and endlessly loving, Phyllis is a reminder that the softest hearts often leave the deepest impressions. 🐾💗
Phyllis is a new guest here at the shelter. Because Phyllis has just gotten with us recently, she has not yet gotten fixed. Until Phyllis is fixed she can go home under our “foster to adopt” program. Once she is fixed then her adoption will be able to be finalized😊
by The Ark Manager | Jan 31, 2026 | Cats, Successful Cat Adoptions
Slim and Anna are the kind of cats who make a house feel instantly warmer just by existing in it. They’re both gloriously chunky, soft around the edges in a way that invites admiration and the occasional gentle pat (or ten). Their size only adds to their charm—these are cats who take up space proudly, like they know they deserve it.
What really makes Slim and Anna special, though, is their bond. Their companionship feels quiet and natural, built on shared naps, mutual grooming, and the unspoken agreement that everything is better together.
Slim brings a laid-back, easygoing energy, while Anna balances him with a gentle confidence and watchful calm. Together, they’re endlessly lovable—affectionate without being demanding, comforting without trying. They are proof that love can be soft, round, and a little bit silly, especially when it comes in pairs.
In their world, life moves at the pace of a contented purr, and Slim and Anna wouldn’t have it any other way. 🐾💛
by The Ark Manager | Jan 31, 2026 | Cats, Successful Cat Adoptions
Moon is the kind of cat who seems to understand far more than she lets on. There’s an intelligence in the way she watches the world—bright-eyed, curious, always a step ahead. She learns routines quickly, reads moods with ease, and has a knack for showing up exactly when she’s wanted most.
She’s deeply loving, too, in a gentle, intentional way. Moon doesn’t demand affection; she invites it. A soft head bump, a slow blink, a quiet purr that blooms when kind pats find the right spot. She soaks up tenderness like it’s something precious, returning it tenfold with warmth and trust.
Playtime brings out her joyful side. Moon can go from calm observer to energetic hunter in an instant, chasing toys with focus and grace. And then there’s her true delight: large piles of catnip. Not a sprinkle—*a pile*. When catnip is involved, Moon becomes blissfully unrestrained, rolling, kicking, and living her absolute best life.
Smart, playful, and full of love, Moon is a reminder that the brightest things don’t always shine loudly—sometimes they purr, blink slowly, and smell faintly of catnip. 🌙🐾
Moon is a fairly new guest here at the shelter. Because Moon hasn’t been here very long, she hasn’t been able to get fixed yet. Until Moon is fixed she would have to go home under our “foster to adopt” program. Once she’s fixed, then we can finalize her paperwork☺️
by The Ark Manager | Dec 31, 2025 | Cats, Successful Cat Adoptions
Squeaky is a chunky tabby cat with a big personality and a playful streak that shows up at the best times. Declawed on her front paws, she still bats at toys with determination and loves a good game that lets her show off her charm. She’s happiest being the center of attention and prefers human company, making it clear that she does not enjoy sharing her space with other cats. With her round build, expressive meow that earned her name, and bursts of playful energy, Squeaky is a lovable character who knows exactly what she wants.
by The Ark Manager | Dec 31, 2025 | Cats, Successful Cat Adoptions
These playful kittens are a joy to be around, bursting with curiosity and gentle affection. They chase toys with endless enthusiasm, then happily curl up beside people, purring contentedly after a fun romp. Because they’re comfortable around humans and other animals, they greet new experiences with confidence, eager to be included in whatever is happening. Their sweetness shows in the small moments—soft head bumps, tiny paws reaching out to play, and warm cuddles that make them impossible to resist!
by The Ark Manager | Dec 20, 2025 | Cats, Successful Cat Adoptions
Gabe is an incredibly sweet and gentle soul whose calm, quiet nature makes him a joy to be around. He shows his love in soft, understated ways—through affectionate cuddles, peaceful companionship, and a soothing presence that makes any space feel like home. One of Gabe’s greatest joys in life is catnip, which he absolutely adores and happily savors whenever he gets the chance. While he is deeply loving with people, Gabe would be happiest as the only cat in the home, where he can soak up all the attention and return it with endless devotion
by The Ark Manager | Dec 20, 2025 | Cats, Successful Cat Adoptions
Daisy Mae is the kind of sweet, lovable companion who instantly brightens any room she enters. With a playful sparkle in her eyes and a joyful bounce in her step, she turns even ordinary moments into something warm and memorable. Whether she’s nudging you for attention, chasing after a favorite toy, or curling up beside you with quiet affection, Daisy Mae exudes a gentle charm that makes everyone around her feel special. Her playful spirit and tender heart make her impossible not to adore
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 | Nov 26, 2025 | Cats, Successful Cat Adoptions
Midnight is a gentle, devoted mama who poured her heart into raising her litter of kittens, caring for them with unwavering patience and love. Now that her babies are grown, her own sweet personality shines even brighter—she’s playful, easygoing, and always happy to curl up beside someone who gives her attention. Midnight has a special fondness for music, often relaxing or purring along when she’s sung to, as if melodies speak directly to her heart. With her soft spirit and affectionate nature, she’s ready to find a forever home that will cherish her just as deeply as she’s cared for others
by The Ark Manager | Nov 26, 2025 | Cats, Successful Cat Adoptions
Snowball is a remarkably sweet and loving cat whose gentle nature shines the moment you meet her. Playful and full of curiosity, she adores chasing toys, exploring cozy corners, and making friends with every cat she meets. Despite her bright spirit, Snowball is the last to be adopted out of her and her babies, patiently waiting for someone to notice her soft purrs and affectionate heart. She has so much love to give, and all she needs is a warm, caring family to call her own!
