HOULTON, Maine — When Lorraine Monfils opened the Ark Animal Sanctuary in 2009 to provide loving homes for animals in southern Aroostook County, she didn’t place any restrictions on where the animals came from.
So when she received a letter from a no-kill shelter in Arkansas saying it might be forced to euthanize animals after its pet population grew to more than triple its capacity, Monfils knew she had to help.
“It was not a hard decision,” she said recently. “They needed help.”
That is why Monfils and others at the nonprofit, all-volunteer facility, were headed to New Hampshire on Saturday to pick up 10 dogs that need homes.
Ark Animal Sanctuary is a no-kill facility for homeless animals. Monfils said it had only one dog in residence when she got a letter from the Jackson County Humane Society in Newport, Ark.
A number of factors, including flooding that caused millions of dollars in damage last year, left a shelter with a capacity for 20 dogs sheltering 78. It recently sent out a letter to facilities across the nation asking for help.
“They are a no-kill facility like we are, but they were desperate,” said Monfils. “They did not want to euthanize any of their animals, but they were afraid they would have to if they could not find other people to help.”
Monfils said that she immediately agreed to take 10 dogs. She has found foster homes for them while she finds permanent placement.
“The oldest is 5 years old and the others are younger than that,” she said, adding that Alpha Dog Transport, an agency that takes rescue dogs to their new homes, will bring the dogs as far as Hudson, N.H. The sanctuary is spending its own time and money to bring the dogs to Maine.
“My board of directors agreed right away,” she said. “It took a month and a half to finalize everything. There are two big dogs and the others are 30- to 35-pound dogs. We are very grateful because Tractor Supply Co. [in Houlton] donated a huge amount of dog food. That has helped a lot.”
Monfils said that she is not sure whether any other shelters volunteered to take the dogs, but she hopes so.
“I could tell how relieved they were that we stepped up,” she said. “I really hope that other facilities did as well.”
God love the precious dogs that need good homes. Bravo to you Lorraine Monfils and God love you too!
Do we really have a shortage of stray pets in Maine?
Yea I have lived in portland for 4 years and have not seen a stray dog. If you think maine has a stray pet problem then you would be blown away by other states.
that would be the goal of most municipalities and animal shelters, being put out of business (animal shelters) because everyone took care of their own pets, spay/neuter, love and not abandon.
It was the right thing to do.
There are so many kill shelters in the country and in the south, esp Louisiana they use gas chambers.
It seems that crackers like having dogs around, but have little respect for them. One thing for certain; they’re not much for spaying and neutering them.
Lets see ….. Gas $ 4 a gallon…
Arkansas 1500 miles away…..
The County to N. Hampshire and back by private vehicle….
All to pick up a load of stray dogs??
Nice to see someone with such deep pockets to help.
Obviously you have no clue about transport of the dogs. They came via professional transport, often a recreational vehicle outfitted for crates, but sometimes a semi with a beautiful trailer.
I’m not familiar with their particular transport, but with some others. And there are also volunteer drivers, which I have done. So please, read up and learn about this before you spout off.
Anyone interested, here’s a link to PETS, LLC. which will have some explanations.
http://www.petsllc.net/index.php
Dear Sue,
With such a poorly written response by you towards me, someone you dont even know,
it is obvious you are a hostile individual and easily rattled.
I guess I’ll start at the beginning to address some of the glaring falsehoods you seem to be operating under.
Actually Sue, I have a good working , firsthand knowledge “about transport of the dogs”.
I am familiar with the variety of vehicles used to transport these stray dogs.
For the record , my daughter just acquired a dog via this method , from Oklahoma.
The truck was packed with some very thirsty , hungry, scared dogs.
After a day of the “shakes” he calmed down.
Her dog , Brody, has turned out to be a marvelous animal.
Lucky for all.
I myself choose to work a little closer to home.
Since there are so many local dogs in need of a warm house, clean nest and a good meal.
I have been adopting dogs and the occasional cat from the Downeast area , for over 30 years.
My preference is German Shepherds.
But I’ve adopted Mastiffs, Boston Terrors and even an old Chihauwah, “Wimpy”.
They usually ride home with me in the front seat of my truck enjoying the ride as we share a couple of SlimJims. Or the occasional beef jerky.
I see no need to go out of state for a stray dog.
Personal preference.
Sue, I dont need to “read up” as you put it.
I know more than my fair share about adopting animals.
And transporting them as well.
Thanks for the link , but I”ll be a monkeys uncle if you think I am going to infect
my computer with some spam/scam site.
Aint happenin’, darlin’.
Actually Sue , if you take the time to reread my original post you will see that
I gave a nod of recognition to the folks ” with deep pockets” that help give these
animals get a fresh start.
Kind souls indeed.
Sue , I’m sure deep down you have a kind heart, so do you really want to make a difference??
Adopt a child from here in the state.
Lord knows we have our fair share of kids that need at least as much
as some folks give to their dogs.
Its a tough job adopting a child, but the rewards sure go beyond a wagging tail
and a cold nose waiting for you in the dooryard.
Just ask my daughter.
Good luck to all.
Your original comment was misleading then? That’s the way I read it!
Your vociferous and verbose reply to Susan would have been unnecessary if your first comment hadn’t sounded so ‘uninformed’.
Tragic!
Dear Buz,
My original comment ” was misleading”, ” sounded so uninformed”??
Really?? Do tell !
You mean gas isnt $4 a gallon ?? (I’ll send you a foto of the prices on the display , if you
care to be ” informed”). Bay City Apex(Mobil)- Eastport, Maine.
Arkansas isnt 15o0 miles away from Maine?? +++ OK , how far is it ??
They arent traveling by private vehicle from Houlton to N. Hampshire?? OK, MY bad , I apologize.
You mean these kind folks arent picking up a load of unwanted/stray dogs ?? Ok , my bad,
I apologize.
I guess you and I read different articles.
Is the sky still falling in your part of the state?
Best wishes to all.
Dear Buz,
My original comment ” was misleading”, ” sounded so uninformed”??
Really?? Do tell !
You mean gas isnt $4 a gallon ?? (I’ll send you a foto of the prices on the display , if you
care to be ” informed”). Bay City Apex(Mobil)- Eastport, Maine.
Arkansas isnt 15o0 miles away from Maine?? +++ OK , how far is it ??
They arent traveling by private vehicle from Houlton to N. Hampshire?? OK, MY bad , I apologize.
You mean these kind folks arent picking up a load of unwanted/stray dogs ?? Ok , my bad,
I apologize.
I guess you and I read different articles.
Is the sky still falling in your part of the state?
Best wishes to all.
Dear SNP, those facts may be correct, but there are people that donate to the first part of the transport, and if good people with good intentioned donations in hand want to meet that transport halfway, then what skin off you does it matter?
Your first comment showed such disdain that it deserved the response it got (interesting how your ‘first hand knowledge’ wasn’t backed up with relevant verbosity, and WHO gives a frick cares about your preference for a breed of dog??)
Sincere best wishes that you don’t have a hangover tomorrow.
We’re proud of all the good work The Ark does and I hope these dogs quickly find good “furever” homes.
Hope these dogs are checked for regional parasites and diseases before being adopted out. It’s a great thing to do, but someone can end up adopting a pet with a medical issue you wouldn’t expect to run across here in Maine.
Lorraine follows the letter of the health laws to 10th degree, all of these dogs were spayed/neutered and vetted completely before they were even allowed to travel. She wouldn’t be putting the Ark or the animals there into a scenario where they would get exposed to anything they shouldn’t be
I don’t understand some of the comments here…How does this affect anyone that is not directly involved ? No money came out of anyone’s pocket that did not donate for this specific reason, the dogs will be kept by caring people who will again use money that does not come from anyone that did not donate, and I’m sure this shelter also takes just as good of care of Maine animals as well. The dogs infect others ? I am sure both states have vets and vaccination rules. Who in the world are they hurting by bringing these dogs here ? For goodness sake, always a reason to complain for some people.
Thank you so much for caring all involved, great job !
Last fall, there was a story about a cat shelter in Caribou. I have been donating since. How do I contact these people? I hope someone can leave an address or website.
you should be able to find them on Petfinder.com. Just put cats in for you animal of choice and the zip for Caribou. That should do it.
Disqus duplicate
Disqus triplicate
Found the website…and now I think I want Rolphie the first pup on the site…sigh, when will I learn :-) They have a donate button.
http://www.arksanctuary.com/Home_Page.php
Haha, the pup Ronnie looks like he is smiling.
Dottie the cat has fabulous whiskers !
Thanx so much for the link, Stacey! I’m a sucker for the mutts (under appreciated all- around good dogs), but now that we live on the 11th floor in Boston, I can’t just let them out when they scratch on the door! :)
So we will just have to put up with our 2 rescue cats.
Plus, to me, the pictures can be painful to look at, so that’s why I only send a check now (plus part time volunteer at Angell Memorial. I want every one!). SIGH :)
You are so right Stacey. The ones who NEVER do anything except think about their own selfish needs are the first ones to complain about us helping others less fortunate. Shame on them !!!!! There are interstate health certificates required to bring these pets to them. Perhaps some research should be done by the unfamiliar time wasters here…SHAME ON YOU PEOPLE…Are you NOT human?
You asked. First there are COUNTLESS animals already in Maine needing homes That alone should be good enough. I am no peta nut but I am a Mainer and we should be taking care of the ones here who need homes before we start importing them.
maybe you should research before you comment, Lorraine has helped with many dogs in the local area, people walking in the door and just dropping them off, backyard puppy mills in the area that she has helped clean up, vetted the dogs, cats, and found new loving homes for them. And other shelters in the state have helped southern shelters where spay/neuter programs dont exist, to many find themselves at deaths door until someone steps up to the plate. so instead of being critical, try applauding the efforts.
As I posted to Maine_Gun_guy, many Maine animals have been helped by Lorraine and her organization, many local ones specifically, and some from across the border and out of state, so instead of his griping about rescuing 10 dogs from Arkansas, maybe he should volunteer some time at his local shelter.
Hahaha, did you come into a comment thread about a story involving saving dogs just to say that and call the dogs stupid ?
All the value of the millions of dogs on the planet does not add up to the value of a single atom from a human being. It burns me to no end to see people get worked up over animals which have no souls, while unborn human babies are killed by the millions and discarded as trash.
Well you adopt babies and I will adopt the dogs…I had my babies and enjoy dogs.
Edit, so I don’t get deleted by the mods
People need to know the reality of the disregard for human life, no matter what the forum. This is the perfect place to give a dose. If people would love their babies as they should, the idea of abortion would be non-existent. Responsibility for the children one produces would be a great way to start. Not having sex outside of marriage would be great, too. But of course, those results come from a society which would follow Catholic teaching. But Catholic teaching is just sneered at by most people these days, and humanity doesn’t stand a chance without it.
Why must people support only one cause?
You obviously have your very strong opinion and beliefs and that is fine. I wont say anything more on the subject because an abortion discussion is far from what I want to talk about here. I just want to say one thing…if you believe dogs have no souls you have obviously never truly given a dog a chance. In keeping with your beliefs, God loves all creatures great and small…I personally am suspect of anyone that doesn’t like animals, just makes me feel better. Never have I come across an animal lover that wasn’t the kindest of souls.
The dutch roman catholic church had a way of preventing un-(planned) babies.
http://news.yahoo.com/dutch-catholic-church-accused-forcing-castrations-162000386.html
Wow! Thanks for the article, alf. I had not previously read anything about that.
Would that be the “Catholic teaching” by priests that molest boys? Or the “Catholic teaching” by priests that took babies away from their mothers in Spain and sold them to other families? “
Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do.
What is it with “religious” people who are so hateful toward animals? Aren’t they supposed to be God’s creations too?
I knew before I even started reading these comments that the anti choice nuts would pop out from under their rock.I wasn’t disappointed.They really have nothing important to do.
Thank you for helping me to see the light! I realize now that I must be a most base, demented individual for believing that the slaughter of innocent, defenseless babies is a grave, reprehensible evil. (Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do).
That is quite possibly the most knuckleheaded and mean comment ever posted on the BDN site. A human being is a specie because it has characteristics that make it like no other specie. A dog is a separate specie because it has an entirely different set of characteristics, many of which are superior to those of human beings. Dogs do not declare wars, dogs do not develope hateful religious idolatry, etc, etc. Dogs have no souls you say, but you can not possibly prove that. Nor can you prove that you have one, filled with anger though it may be.
“the more I know people,the more I like my dog”
Not sure where the quote is from but it is accurate.
Comments like yours show that it’s no wonder that the salvation of our souls is not top priority. Priorities in this world should be 1) the salvation of souls 2) taking care of the physical needs of humans 3) worrying about animals after 1) and 2) are completed. Since the first two are not even remotely complete, animals do not even register on my priority list. Surely, they are part of God’s creation, and they should be loved and not abused, but humans are so infinitely more valuable than animals. Humans should be loved way more than they are, in all stages of life, and you can’t love someone more than by showing them the way to salvation, and by taking care of their physical needs. That just isn’t being done in this world, so animals should have to wait for their turn.
Being a ginger I don’t have a soul to worry about anyway, but I will tell you this, there is nothing more grand or more pure than the unconditional love a dog gives. Dogs live naturally the way your Invisible Sky Wizard wants people to live. I think that you know this and are a bit jealous. Pure love comes naturally to a dog and you are upset that you have to work at it. I’ve owned many dogs in my life, and I can say that while there are people in my life that take the top slots of the best relationships I have ever had, my dogs aren’t far behind them. I have learned to trust my dogs opinions of people’s characters more than my own. If my dog is skiddish or down right growly toward someone, then they require closer inspection. Do you know what the best part about a dog is? There is a dog out there somewhere that would give unconditional love to a closed minded, (insert long list of negative descriptions of a less than human character here) like you.
I have heard nothing but good things about the work that Lorraine does. She is to be commended for the amount of time alone that she contributes to this cause- but her efforts go way beyond just time!. I’m sure she’ll have these animals in good homes before you know it. Not just ANY home; but a GOOD home. That’s just how she works.
On a side note, these dogs better be hungry if they are going to eat the stuff from Tractor Supply. I bought some when they first opened for business in Presque Isle, and my dogs wouldn’t touch it and they eat everything! Never look a gift horse in the mouth and TSC should be thanked too, but there is probably a reason they can afford to donate their food.
Have all the babies you want hun, but until the State and Feds stop handing out welfare bennies I will support the Pro Choice group. It would be a wonderful thing If welfare was a donation type of foundation and I could choose which agency to give my money to, The other day I was driving past the local food pantry and I had to stop and let the people in the middle of the road cross the street and what do I see, 10 people standing around chatting and 4 of them where smoking.
Good for you.I see Komen’s donations are WAY down still.Serves them right for hiring an unqualified nut and paying her hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Hay B.D.N. you place pictures of all the thugs and dope dealers the state has to offer, you could have slipped in a couple of pictures of these guys you know it would not have hurt!
The dogs are in for a treat moving to Maine from Arkansas.
Anyone would want to get out of that hellhole.
An eminent endeavor. May she succeed beyond her wildest dreams.
HOORAY Lorraine and others for all you do to help the animals!The world is a better place with people like you in it!
I know that this will “offends”some, but they will just have too get over it!
DOG
A faithful “DOG” will play with you and laugh with you or cry …………..
He’ll gladly starve to stay with you – nor even reason why ………
And when you’re feeling out of sorts, somehow, he’ll understand ……..
He’ll watch you with his shining eyes – and try to lick your hand …….
His blind, implicit faith in you – is matched by his great love ……..
The kind that all of us should have – In the “Master” up above ………….
When everything is said and done – I guess this isn’t odd ………………
For when you spell “DOG” backwards you will get the name of ………….
GOD
Amen
What a wonderful thing to do….There is a special place in heaven for this woman…. and all involved…ADOPT DON”T SHOP !!!!!!
Euthanize candidates, not canines.
good people doing good things
They are a no-kill facility like we are, but they were desperate,” said Monfils. “They did not want to euthanize any of their animals, but they were afraid they would have to if they could not find other people to help.”
This is not a true definition of a “no Kill” shelter. Euthanizing innocent pups for lack of space? Euthanizing is “others” don’t step up to the plate?
Has Arkansas implemented a spay/neuter program yet to help with overpopulation?? Or are they continuing to count on the generosity of the public, alternate hosting states and volunteers to manage this long lived problem?
“They are a no-kill facility like we are, but they were desperate,” said Monfils. “They did not want to euthanize any of their animals, but they were afraid they would have to if they could not find other people to help.”
This is not a true definition of a “no kill” shelter. Euthanizing pups for lack of space? Euthanizing pups if “others” don’t step up to the plate?
Has Arkansas implemented a spay/neuter policy yet? Or are they hoping to manage the overpopulation issue thru the generosity of hosting States, volunteers, and generous donors? There are a number of excellent State programs in the U.S. that they could use as a model.
AWESOME to all those who made the effort and donations!
I am not empethetic when it comes to people, I am for animals and children!
Looks like I will shop a little more at tractor suply.
If anyone is looking for a pet, please go to your local animal shelters!