by The Ark Manager | May 15, 2025 | Cats, Successful Cat Adoptions
Meet Astrid – A Gentle Soul Ready for a Fresh Start
Astrid may seem a little reserved at first, but once you take the time to introduce yourself, you’ll discover a quietly affectionate sweetheart who just wants a peaceful place to call home.
She was originally adopted from us as a kitten along with her brother, but as he got caught up with the “wrong crowd,” Astrid found herself left out and unhappy. Now, she’s back and hopeful for a second chance at the calm, loving environment she truly deserves.
Astrid would thrive as an only cat or in a home with a gentle companion who respects her space. When she’s comfortable, she’ll reward your kindness with soft purrs and snuggly moments that make it all worthwhile.
If you’re looking for a mellow, loving feline friend who blossoms with a little patience, Astrid might just be your perfect match.
by The Ark Manager | May 14, 2025 | Cats, Successful Cat Adoptions
Meet Lily – A Sweet Senior Lady with a Heart Full of Love
Lily is an affectionate 11-year-old kitty who’s ready to find a loving home to spend her golden years. She’s a sunbathing pro and will happily curl up in a warm spot while soaking up some rays. Head scratches are her favorite pastime, and she’ll reward you with gentle purrs and quiet companionship.
She has a soft spot for Temptations treats and enjoys the simple pleasures in life. Lily is friendly with other cats, though she’s more interested in bonding with her human than making feline friends. Her ideal day includes a cozy window perch, some treats, and lots of one-on-one time.
Lily came to us through no fault of her own—her previous family had to move and couldn’t bring her along. She’s had some tough experiences with dogs, so she’d likely be happiest in a calm, dog-free home.
If you’re looking for a sweet, low-key companion who’ll adore you endlessly, Lily might just be your perfect match. Come meet her and see if she’s the one to steal your heart!
by The Ark Manager | May 10, 2025 | Cats, Successful Cat Adoptions
Meet Buster – The Dashing Gentleman in a Tuxedo!
At 14 years young, Buster is a distinguished feline with a heart full of love and a lap-shaped mission in life. This tuxedo-clad charmer is on the lookout for a cozy home where he can shine as the center of attention—and trust us, he knows how to steal the spotlight!
Buster is a true conversationalist. Whether you’re chatting about your day or simply enjoying some quiet time, he’s always ready to chime in with a soft meow or a gentle purr. He’s incredibly affectionate and would much rather spend his time soaking up head scratches and belly rubs than chasing toys—he’s a lover, not a player.
Due to urinary tract issues, Buster does require a special diet, but don’t worry—we’ve got plenty to send home with him to help him settle in smoothly. He’s healthy, happy, and full of personality, with many more years of companionship to give.
If you’re looking for a loyal, snuggly, and well-dressed best friend, Buster is your guy. Come meet this sweet gentleman today and see why everyone falls in love with him!
by The Ark Manager | May 2, 2025 | Dogs, Dogs Pending Adoptions
Meet Lincoln
Lincoln is a spirited 2-year-old chihuahua mix with a big personality and a bit more to love—he weighs in at 25 pounds, making him larger than your typical chi. Energetic and playful, Lincoln loves long walks and thrives in an active home where he can get plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
He’s looking for a dog-savvy, adult-only household with no other dogs. So far he has done well with cats.
True to his breed, Lincoln can be vocal—he’s not shy about expressing himself, especially when he’s excited or uncertain. Lincoln is also working on his manners-he tends to jump up on people when he is excited, so continued training will help channel that energy in a more polite way. He’s also working through some separation anxiety, so a patient adopter willing to provide structure and continued training will be key to his success.
Lincoln would do best with someone familiar with chihuahuas and their larger-than-life personalities—someone who can offer consistency, affection, and the space he needs to decompress, settle in and thrive.
If you’re ready for a loyal, energetic companion who’s full of heart, Lincoln might just be your perfect match.
by The Ark Manager | Apr 26, 2025 | Cats, Successful Cat Adoptions
Meet Clover – A Gentle Soul Looking for Her Safe Haven
Age: 12 years
Clover is a shy, sweet senior lady with a heart full of quiet love. At 12 years old, she’s an introvert through and through—she much prefers a calm, quiet home where she can take her time to settle in and just be herself. Loud noises and chaos aren’t her thing, but if you’re patient and gentle, Clover will reward you with soft purrs and warm snuggles.
Once she trusts you, she absolutely loves to be pet and will happily spend the day by your side, enjoying the stillness together. She’s not big on wet food (a bit picky, if we’re being honest), but give her some crunchy kibbles and she’s content.
Clover is looking for a peaceful forever home where she can relax, feel safe, and know she’s loved. If you’re the kind of person who values quiet company and soft companionship, Clover could be your perfect little shadow.
by The Ark Manager | Apr 24, 2025 | Cats, Successful Cat Adoptions
Meet Prince – A Gentle Soul with a Regal Look 👑🐾
Prince is a 3-year-old beauty with striking blue eyes and luxurious long blond fur. He comes from a big family of eight cats and is most at ease when surrounded by his feline siblings. While he may be shy around people at first, he’s a quiet and independent companion who enjoys observing the world from a cozy, safe spot.
Prince values his personal space but has a soft spot for squeeze-up treats — they just might be the secret to winning his trust. He’s best suited for a calm home, ideally with other cats, where he can settle in at his own pace and be appreciated for the gentle, reserved soul he is.
If you’re patient and have a quiet heart, Prince could be the perfect match for you. 🐱💙
by The Ark Manager | Apr 23, 2025 | Dogs, Successful Dog Adoptions
Anastasia—Ana for short—is a stunning 2-year-old Shepherd mix with a gentle soul and a playful spirit. She came to us as a stray, so it’s no surprise she’s still a bit unsure about shelter life. But despite all the recent changes, Ana has proven to be incredibly resilient, tidy, and perfectly housetrained.
She absolutely loves going for walks and is always ready for a game of frisbee—she’s got the energy and enthusiasm of a true athlete! Like many Shepherds, she can get a little mouthy when she’s excited, so she’s looking for a home that can help her channel that energy in positive ways. Because of her size and playful nature, Ana would do best in a home without young children.
Ana is hoping for a calm, patient environment where she can fully decompress and feel secure. She’d thrive as the only pet in the household, where she can have all the love and attention she deserves.
If you’re looking for a smart, active companion who’s ready to learn, bond, and blossom—Ana just might be your girl.
by The Ark Manager | Apr 19, 2025 | Dogs, Successful Dog Adoptions
Eddie is a happy-go-lucky 3-year-old bully mix who lives for life’s simple pleasures—long walks, sniffing, and lounging in his own cozy spot. Athletic and strong, he enjoys stretching his legs outdoors but is just as content relaxing solo with a frozen Kong or a sturdy chew toy.
Eddie is a tidy gentleman who keeps his space clean and is very respectful of his home here at the shelter. He greets everyone with a big, joyful smile and is always up for meeting new people, going on an adventure—or curling up on the couch for some chill time.
He’s made wonderful progress with his leash skills and absolutely loves his daily walks. Eddie thrives in a calm, low-key environment where he can enjoy his own space. Because of his size and playful energy, he’d do best in a home without young children.
Eddie has done well with both dogs and cats, and he could live with other animals—especially if he has a quiet area to retreat to when he needs a break.
If you’re looking for a loyal, goofy, and loving companion who enjoys the great outdoors and quiet moments alike, Eddie might just be your perfect match!
by The Ark Manager | Apr 18, 2025 | Cats, Successful Cat Adoptions
Meet Penelope and Annie, the chillest duo! Penelope has heterochromia – One blue eye and one green. They stand out beautifully against her bright white fur! Annie is her opposite, a classic silky soft inky black cat.They’re both shy little sweeties but together their personalities can take over your heart. they keep a low profile during the day but in the wee hours, Penelope loves to take a spin on the cat wheel. They both have a very loving relationship with food and are only a delectable away from being your best friend. They love to cuddle each other while the rest of the kittens cause mayhem. They must go together as they are a bonded pair; They definitely take comfort in each other. Plus, two cats are always better than one!
They’re both 7 months old as of 4-18-25
by The Ark Manager | Apr 17, 2025 | Cats, Successful Cat Adoptions
Meet Oregano & Basil – A Purrfectly Seasoned Pair! ??
Oregano (male) and Basil (female) are a bonded duo from our “Herb Bunch” – two sweet, gentle souls who’ve grown up together and are ready to take on the world (or at least your living room) side by side.
These two are quiet but curious, always happy to play with a feather toy or sneak a sniff of your unattended drink (you’ve been warned!). While they’re still a little shy from their early days as strays, they’ve made huge strides and are just waiting for that special person to help them fully blossom.
Oregano is a laid-back gentleman who watches the world with calm curiosity, while Basil brings a soft, playful energy and a heart full of affection once she feels safe. They’re respectful of other cats and don’t mind stepping aside when the room gets busy, but they truly shine when given one-on-one time to explore and connect.
After spending most of their young lives in our care, Oregano and Basil are finally ready for their forever home – together. If you’re looking for a peaceful, loving pair who will grow with you, come meet these two and let them season your life with love. ?
(Basil is the one with the little buck teeth!!)
by The Ark Manager | Apr 17, 2025 | Cats, Successful Cat Adoptions
This is our sweet basil! She’s part of our delicious herb collection! Originally, basil was the shyest of the bunch but she’s come out of her shell beautifully. Basil and her siblings came in as strays as tiny little kittens that were afraid of their own shadows. Thanks to the help of our lovely volunteers they have been experiencing so many positive interactions with people and now come running for attention! As you can maybe tell by the photos, she was too focused on asking for pets to get a really proper photo. Or maybe she’s embarrassed by her teeth? I don’t think she has anything to worry about; I think her little buck teeth are the cutest! Come meet her in person today and fall in love with your next fur baby! By the way, she LOVES squeeze up treats!
She is 8 months old as of 4-17-25
by The Ark Manager | Apr 17, 2025 | Ark EDU, Blog
The second full week in April is National Dog Bite Prevention Week, and it’s a great time to talk about something people often misunderstand.
Dog bites can happen for a lot of reasons, but most of them come down to one thing: lack of knowledge. As much as we love dogs, many people still miss or misread the signs that a dog is upset, uncomfortable, or scared.
Sometimes, pet owners put too much trust in the idea that their dog would never bite. But even the gentlest dog has limits. Assuming otherwise isn’t just risky, it’s also unfair to the dog. Biting doesn’t usually come out of nowhere. For dogs, it’s often a last resort after other signals have been ignored.
We can all agree that no one wants to see a dog bite happen, especially when children are the most common victims. So what can we do to help prevent bites?
Thankfully, a few simple steps go a long way:
- Always supervise interactions between children and pets. Kids and dogs can’t be expected to manage these situations on their own.
- Respect that dogs are dogs. They aren’t people. They have their own needs, instincts, and ways of communicating.
We love to say dogs are part of the family, and that’s absolutely true. But they are still a different species. Living with dogs means learning to see things a little from their point of view.
There’s a lot more to explore when it comes to bite prevention, but starting with these basics can help prevent many incidents, especially at home with your own pets.
Want to learn more? These resources are a great place to start:
AVMA Dog Bite Prevention Toolkit, including a video series for kids:
ASPCA Dog Bite Prevention, including body language tips and ways to reduce risk:
ASPCA Safety Tips for Dog Bite Prevention Week, including a graphic:
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
by The Ark Manager | Mar 11, 2025 | Events
We’re gearing up for a fantastic summer at The Ark Pope Memorial Animal Shelter, and we’d love for you to join us! Whether you’re a longtime supporter or new to our community, these events are the perfect opportunity to celebrate, connect, and support our mission of helping animals in need.
Get ready for an unforgettable night of steel drum music, dancing, and community fun—all for a great cause! FLASH! in the Pans will be performing to benefit The Ark, helping us continue to provide care for homeless animals. Bring your dancing shoes and let’s make some noise for a good cause!
📅 Date: Monday, June 9, 2025
⏰ Time: 7:30 – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: Blue Hill Town Park
Stay tuned for more details, and we can’t wait to see you there! 💙🐾
It’s hard to believe it’s been one year since we opened the doors to our new shelter! As part of Cherryfield Days, we’re inviting you to an Open House to celebrate this milestone. Stop by for guided tours, fun activities, snacks, and more while learning about the impact we’ve made together.
📅 Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
📍 Location: The Ark Pope Memorial Animal Shelter
by The Ark Manager | Mar 8, 2025 | Dogs, Successful Dog Adoptions
Bonnie and Scarlett have never known what it’s like to be loved as family. Rescued from a heartbreaking backyard breeding situation, these two brave girls have only ever had each other. They’ve never had a real home, a soft bed, or a human who saw them as more than just property. But through it all, they’ve stayed bonded — finding comfort and strength in one another when the world felt too scary to face alone.
Bonnie is the braver of the two, often stepping forward first to explore new things, while Scarlett hangs back, watching and waiting with cautious eyes. Scarlett relies on Bonnie for reassurance — her presence calms her, gives her courage, and reminds her that she’s not alone. Because of their deep connection, they must be adopted together.
They are incredibly shy and will need a family that can offer patience, time, and gentle hands. They’ve never walked on a leash, never known the joy of toys or treats freely given, so everything will be new — and possibly overwhelming — at first. But with love and commitment, they will begin to bloom. A fenced-in yard is required, as they’ll need a safe space to explore while building trust at their own pace.
Bonnie and Scarlett are not your average adoption story. They are a promise — that love can heal, that every soul deserves safety, and that with the right person, even the most broken hearts can find peace.
Are you the one who will finally show them what home feels like?
by The Ark Manager | Mar 5, 2025 | Cats, Successful Cat Adoptions
Meet Pepper – Your Next Sassy Soulmate!
Pepper is a one-of-a-kind kitty with a big personality packed into a petite frame. At just 2 years old, she’s already a master communicator—especially at mealtime, when she serenades you with the most endearing “nom nom nom” sounds. Don’t be surprised if she throws in a little hiss at her food first—Pepper’s emotions run deep and sometimes get a little tangled.
This former stray is still figuring out the world and her place in it. She can be hot and cold, sometimes grumbling or hissing while being petted—though we suspect she secretly enjoys the attention. She just likes things on her terms, and she’s not shy about letting you know.
Pepper may not be a lap cat, but she will keep you entertained with her quirky behavior, bold attitude, and endless charm. She’s funny, expressive, and full of character—and once she lets you in, she’s unforgettable.
Come meet Pepper and see if this feisty, fabulous feline is your perfect match!
by The Ark Manager | Feb 22, 2025 | Cats, Successful Cat Adoptions
Big Boy and Little Girl are the power couple of the month! Big Boy has the presence of a panther and Little Girl is the perfect compliment; a soft little sweetie. Big Boy likes to hunt outside for his little lady while she takes long beauty naps and enjoys a nice pat indoors. They were originally adopted from the Ark several years ago by their former owner but she recently passed away. Luckily a friendly neighbor stepped in and cared for them until finally making the decision to send them back to us to begin their next journey. Will you help them take their final steps into a forever home?
Big Boy
Little Girl
by The Ark Manager | Feb 20, 2025 | Dogs, Successful Dog Adoptions
Hi! My name is Caramel and I’m around 3 years old. I came here not too long ago from what I hear is called a puppy mill. I’m used to other dogs, but not so much people. I’m very very shy around strangers and I haven’t been quite confident enough to go out on a walk with the people that feed me. I do love the snacks they bring me though! Maybe if they keep this up I’ll start being a little braver! Maybe I’ll even go to a new home that will help give me confidence! I could really use a calm home environment to relax in. Will you please give me on
by The Ark Manager | Feb 20, 2025 | Dogs, Successful Dog Adoptions
Hi, I’m Copper! I’m around 3 years old. I just arrived here not too long ago from a backyard breeding situation. There were a whole lot of other dogs there so I’m used to being one of many. I think I might prefer to have a friend, but I’m also okay by myself. I’m very friendly and would love to sit in your lap for cuddles! I might be a bit shy at first, but that’s because I’ve never had a real home before. Despite my rough beginning, I’m getting to be a confident boy and I’ve even walked on a leash! I would love to go home with you and explore the real world even more!
by The Ark Manager | Feb 20, 2025 | Cats, Successful Cat Adoptions
This is Dahlia! She was an outside kitty before she came to us. In her escapades she became pregnant and had kittens, but she has since been fixed and is up to date on all her shots. She’s very loving to humans but we’re not sure how she feels about other cats. She’s very laid back here in her apartment and spends her days waiting for her crunchy food and soft snuggles. Come meet this sweet baby angel today!
