Bangor Humane Society Annual Report 2016

Setting a Vision The Inside Scoop: Rescued by a Letter from Behind the Rescue, Pet Amy Faircloth Scenes at BHS Owner Stories Page 3 Page 8 Page 12 The Human Lives of Animal Sheltering

Whenever I find myself in discussions about the Bangor Humane Society and our mission, the conversation usually focuses on each of the thousands of furry or feathered animals that are helped by our life saving work. But the reality is, behind every animal there is a story. And each story is made up of dozens, sometimes hundreds, of human faces that are included in every animal’s journey. BHS is a bridge that connects a diverse team of volunteers, staff, veterinarians, foster parents, donors and adopters with our four-legged and two-feathered alumni; a bridge that connects their journey of where they came from to where they are going; a journey that brings them home.

It is easy to forget- while we snuggle kittens and puppies, nurture the broken spirits of pets neglected, abused or abandoned arriving at our door, repair and rehabilitate the injured ones in need of care or share the happy tails of the many matches made- that behind it all there is a team of humans making it all happen. It takes humans; their compassion, dedication and generosity, to help save the lives of the thousands that call us “home” at some point along their journey.

Every year we are in awe of the incredible support we receive from the community: our board members who help lead our vision; the volunteers who help us carry out our mission every single day; the veterinarians who help us care medically for each animal, our donors who give generously so we can meet every need; the individuals who donate in-kind so every guest has blankets, toys To every human who has supported our mission this and food in its kennel; the businesses who sponsor our past year and to all those who continue to be there with annual Paws on Parade; the local media that help share us in the trenches every step of the way, we thank you. our message; the adopters who expand their homes and Thank you for sharing your compassion, your homes, hearts to give a second chance to one of our residents; the your hearts, your time, and your resources to help the offsite partners who help us find homes for thousands of homeless animals passing through our doors some of our shelter guests; and the various journey home. organizations that collaborate with us to expand our educational outreach. Sincerely, You all inspire, humble and motivate Suzan Prendergast-Bell 2 our work every single day. Executive Director Bangor Humane Society • Annual Report 2016 Help Save Furry Lives: www.bangorhumane.org Setting a Vision

As I complete my seventh year on BHS mission, that plans for the future the animals. An attractive and the Board of Directors and begin my of BHS, and that strives for optimal functional building equals a calm and second year as president, I wish to health and safety for all animals. enjoyable atmosphere, which lends share how proud I am of BHS, this itself to higher adoption numbers. Board and all those who have made What happens at a BHS Board of us what we are today. Directors Meeting? As a Board, we understand BHS’ Along with addressing the business of mission and take our fiduciary Thousands of pets walk, hop, and fly running a shelter, we discuss how to responsibility to the community through our shelter doors each year. make a difference for our community. seriously. We are respectful and As a Board, we are committed to As the face of animal welfare changes appreciative of the monetary their health, their placement into new we consider ways to meet current and donations and the volunteer hours homes, spay/neuter, and more. future needs. devoted to BHS.

Some might wonder who volunteers How You Can Help to be on the BHS Board of Directors We always welcome volunteers, and what happens at those meetings. whether as Board members, committee members, foster families, adopters, Who Are We? donors, or direct animal care providers. We are community members who commit significant time and attention Please visit the shelter, talk to Board to BHS. We meet monthly. We love members, join us on at our annual animals and the people who care for Paws on Parade, and consider them. We are bankers, engineers, donating money or time, acting as a stay-at-home moms, lawyers, foster parent, or providing a forever students, fundraisers, veterinarians, home for one of our animals. real estate brokers and accountants. As an example of a recent meeting, Some of us are creative, and others we discussed the physical facility and We look forward to seeing you. prefer to crunch numbers. We love our desire to ensure that we provide dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, the best space for animal health and Sincerely, reptiles, and even rats. We are a safety and customer service. The Amy Faircloth passionate group that believes in the humane society space must showcase Board President

BHS Board of Directors FY 2015-2016

President, Amy Faircloth Earl Black Matt Nye Vice-President, Lani Naihe David A. Cloutier, DVM Jeff Russell Treasurer, Buddy Angst John Kenney Greg Sirois Secretary, Laurie Qualey Deb Neuman Bob Williams Past-President, Emily McIntosh Special thanks to Louise Cross, Paws on Parade Chair 3 Bangor Humane Society • Annual Report 2016 Help Save Furry Lives: www.bangorhumane.org Bangor Humane Society Mission The Bangor Humane Society champions the humane treatment and adoption of companion animals, provides quality care for homeless pets, and promotes animal welfare through education and advocacy. Shelter Statistics Administered 1,097 Accepted 1182 reunited with their owners rabies vaccines surrendered cats 52 cats were returned or Performed 2,004 Transferred 101 cats in from reunited with their owners spay/neuter surgeries other shelters 452 dogs adopted into Distributed 396 vouchers Took in 13 stray small new homes totaling $24,890 animals 1724 cats adopted into Took in 291 stray dogs Accepted 85 surrendered new homes small animals Accepted 359 94 small animals surrendered dogs Transferred 6 small animals adopted into new homes in from other shelters Transferred 76 dogs in from 13 animals transferred to other shelters Total intake 2892 other shelters Took in 779 stray cats 213 dogs were returned or Total Lives Saved 2548

Guiding Principles Treat all animals and people with respect, dignity and integrity.

Work diligently to end companion animal overpopulation by increasing awareness of spay and neuter programs.

Promote adoption of physically and mentally healthy companion animals.

Educate and train caretakers to develop fulfilling, lifelong relationships with their companion animals.

Serve as responsible stewards of our resources.

Hold ourselves to the highest standards of safety, care and cleanliness.

Raise public awareness with regard to the humane treatment of all animals.

Use euthanasia only as a last humane op- tion when in the best interest of an animal. 4 Bangor Humane Society • Annual Report 2016 Help Save Furry Lives: www.bangorhumane.org Community Connections By: Stacey R. Coventry visit with a shelter cat, sometimes their kennels days after the fact that encourage As Mary* gently strokes a cat on her shelter visitors lap, it begins to purr and rub against “BHS coming is such a big hit, to learn about her frail hands. Volunteers and staff at I continuously have people from the program, Ross Manor, where she is a resident, multiple wings of the building asking while highlighting those cats that watch her disposition drastically if the animals can visit them as well. are the friendliest lap cats with a change. The more she pets Sebastian, All the residents look forward to propensity to give back. the more she relaxes. Her it and are always asking if callous demeanor and and when the animals In addition to Cats on Laps, we the tension in her body will be back next! It is offer a variety of on-site and off- quickly fade away. one thing that many site youth outreach and educational She smiles, giggles, of our memory loss opportunities. They provide education and begins to talk patients remember about our spay/neuter initiatives, about a cat she had a frequently,” says adoption programs, and the humane long time ago. Kathy, director/ treatment of companion animals. coordinator of activities Those opportunities include: guided Mary is one of dozens of for Ross Manor. “It lifts shelter tours, animal-focused learning individuals at Ross Manor the people’s spirits, and so activities, traveling to schools and who participate in a new partner many of the residents find their organizations within the communities program with the Bangor Humane moods changing just at the sight we serve, and offering Kids Give Society called Cats on Laps. Twice a of the animal – they can go from Back events. Youth participation in month BHS volunteers take friendly being incredibly grumpy all day to these outreach events encourages cats awaiting adoption for a field trip overwhelmingly happy in a matter and empowers youth to become to Ross Manor to socialize with the of minutes. Everyone, including humane ambassadors in their own long-term care residents who struggle employees, stop to meet the animals community, building leadership skills with challenges like dementia, as they walk down our hallways to while simultaneously developing a Alzheimer’s, etc. visit our residents. We are so philanthropic mindset. thankful for this program “I have personally witnessed the and what it has done for Cats on Lap, Kids Give healing power of the animal-human the residents here; it is Back, and our other youth bond on those suffering from emotional easily one of our most outreach programs are and physical trauma,” says Suzan successful programs just the beginning of Bell, BHS Executive Director. “Those to date.” our long-term outreach moments were inspiring and offered initiatives that allow an opportunity for BHS to give back Visiting cats benefit us to connect with our on a deeper level to the community, as well. The field community and facilitate and the families within it, who have trips to Ross Manor give positive relationships always supported our mission.” our friendliest, lap-loving between animals and humans cats respite from the shelter. They through collaborative partnerships. It is Not only does the program bring joy receive attention and socialization our hope that these efforts will lead to to the individuals who interact with that encourages positive human increased awareness some of our cats, but it also offers interactions, reducing their stress and and overall better family members an opportunity to keeping them happy while they wait treatment of once again see a glimpse of their loved to be adopted. Cats chosen for Cats animals in our one as they excitedly recount their on Laps also get a special badge on community. *Name has been changed for confidentiality 5 Bangor Humane Society • Annual Report 2016 Help Save Furry Lives: www.bangorhumane.org Income Unrestricted contributions: includes grants and kennel sponsorships $287,441 Restricted contributions: includes grants $29,000 Program income: includes adoption fees, stray contracts & merchandise sales $588,090 Paws on Parade $67,625 In-kind donations $1,178 Net income from investments $17,533 Total income $955,801 Expenditures Programs $907,853 Fundraising $74,563 Administration $84,255 Capital investments $61,849 Total $1,128,520

Expenditures Income

Programs UnrestrictedUnrestricted contributions: contributions: includes grants and kennel sponsorships Fundraising includes grants and kennel Restrictedsponsorships contributions :includes grants AdministrationPrograms ProgramRestricted Income: Includes adoption contributions fees, stray CapitalFundraising Investments contracts and merchandise sales includes grants Administration Paws on Parade Capital Investments Program Income: includes Inkindadoption donations fees, stray contracts

Netand Investments merchandise sales Paws on Parade Inkind donations Net Investments Ways of Giving The programs and services offered by the Bangor Humane Society are funded primarily through private donors and foundations. We depend upon your support and generosity to help us continue saving lives. All contributions, large and small, truly make a difference in the lives of our shelter animals.

Major Donor Society • Amy Faircloth, in memory of Dean Lewis • Dysarts • William Focke • Batteries Plus Bulbs Individuals/Organizations who gave an annual gift of $1,000 or more • Jane and Scott Folsom • Berry Dunn, McNeil & Parker • Forest Ave Congregational Church • Broadway Veterinary Clinic • Hannah Allen • John R. Graham III • Green Acres Kennel Shop • Alfred and Esther Bushway • Harold and Joyce Gordon • Memic • Bobby and Dianne Capen • Barry and Sandy Serpell • Quirk Subaru • Ordway T. Clifford • Jack and Jackie Munroe • R.F. Jordan & Sons Construction Inc. • Debbie Dalzell • Lani K. Naihe • Veazie Veterinary Clinic • Edward David • Art and Pat Shaw Foundations that awarded BHS with • Jack and Betty Donovan • David and Mary Warner a grant of $1,000 or more • Cheryl and Larry Drake • Katherine Whitney • The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation • Roberta E. Winchell, Esq. • The Elmina B. Sewall Foundation Businesses that gave an annual gift • The Laura J. Niles Foundation of $1,000 or more through a Paws on • The Maine Community Foundation Parade and/or Kennel Sponsorship Belevedere Fund • Cross Insurance • Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust • Camden National Bank • The Petco Foundation 6 • Coach House Restaurant • Simmons Foundation Bangor Humane Society • Annual Report 2016 Help Save Furry Lives: www.bangorhumane.org From the Other Side of the Table A Q&A by Deb Neuman with Dr. Lauren Landry,DVM

with some amazing veterinarians. I believe that currently work with the same doctors every animal I worked with at BHS. Dr. Benson had found their forever home. and Dr. Albert have been incredible mentors from day one. Where did you go to school and did you want to come back to Bangor What kinds of jobs did you to practice? perform? I went to Ross University School of Anything from helping someone find Veterinary Medicine and I’ve always their new family member to prepping wanted to come back here. I grew up in for surgery. NH, graduated UMaine in 2011 and fell in love. I wanted to give back where I Did you always want to be a started. When I left BHS I knew I was veterinarian? going to come back. I had more to do I couldn’t imagine doing anything here, more animals to provide care to. else. I was born to do this. It is very surreal being on the other side of the surgery table at BHS. When people come to BHS as How did your experience at volunteers or staff they expect to work BHS prepare you to become a Where are you practicing now and hard, get dirty, and work directly with veterinarian? what do you enjoy most about it? some of the thousands of homeless Teamwork, communication and I am at Broadway Veterinary Clinic, pets we see each year. What they don’t patience are essential to life. working with the same doctors I did necessarily expect is to return here as while at BHS. I thoroughly enjoy a professional veterinarian. While a What are some of your fondest seeing patients who I had seen years pre-vet student at UMaine, Dr. Landry memories of that experience? ago at BHS. It is an amazing feeling worked at BHS from 2009-2012. In I was preparing for a surgery day to see an animal years later; it’s very late 2015 she completed her veterinary when I received the call that I had humbling and I get emotional. training and was hired by Broadway been accepted to veterinary school. Veterinary Clinic in early 2016. She There were so many tears, smiles and What is the one piece of advice you also spends time each week helping hugs that day. I was surrounded by would like to share with anyone BHS spay, neuter, and vaccinate our such a supportive group; it still gives reading this who would like to pets. She has come full circle. me chills. The first day I came back become a veterinarian someday? to work for BHS I cried in Suzan’s It’s not all puppies and kittens; but When and why did you start office. they sure do make the day brighter. working for BHS? I was a student at UMaine, in the pre In 2012 we had our first ASPCA Do you have any final words you veterinary program and I received Mega Match- A- Thon. The last day would like to share? an email from my advisor that BHS of the event was also my last day at “The greatness of a nation was hiring. In 2009 I was hired as BHS. It was an amazing way to end can be judged by the an adoption counselor then became such an unforgettable experience. way its animals an animal care technician. In 2011 I The entire shelter was empty. It was a are treated.” was fortunate enough to be hired as very emotional day. Walking through – Mahatma the veterinary technician and worked the kennels was almost eerie, couldn’t Gandhi 7 Bangor Humane Society • Annual Report 2016 Help Save Furry Lives: www.bangorhumane.org The Inside Scoop: A Behind the Scenes Look at Working at an Animal Shelter

By: Kristin Harmon 9:30am: today our Operations Man- Customer Service Supervisor ager, Chris, and I head out to assist an Animal Welfare Agent with a large-scale As a Bangor Humane Society em- surrender. We will transport over 30 cats ployee, we get three regular questions: back to Bangor, shelters from across the “do you have any puppies/kittens,” state will meet us, and the cats will be “how do you not adopt them all,” and dispersed to 4 different shelters in order “how do you work there? I couldn’t to find new forever homes. do it.” The speculation about what 10am: we actually do every day never ceas- cleaning is in full swing when es to entertain us. We don’t just play our Licensed Veterinary Technician, Al- with puppies and kittens all day (okay len, pages two of our Animal Care Techs sometimes we do, but don’t tell our to his office. He wants to talk about a bosses), we don’t adopt them all be- and begins their shift. 365 days a year, cat whose medical issues we’ve been cause not every animal is a good match we are here, even on holidays. And snow working with for a few weeks. Despite for our lifestyles, and most important- days? Forget about it, even if we are finding hospice care with a staff member ly, we work here because it’s our heart closed for the day there is no such thing for him, it is devastating news to learn and soul – BHS isn’t ‘just another job’ as a day off for the hungry pets at BHS. A that his organs are shutting down and he – we’re a family, it’s our passion, and tech starts their shift by feeding all of the doesn’t have much time left. With heavy honestly, it’s a lot happier place than dogs, setting up clean kennels for them, hearts, and after a lot of catnip and some one may think. What goes on behind and administering medications. tasty wet food, we say goodbye to the goofy big guy we have grown to love the scenes is sometimes sad, yes. But 8am: four more staff members (and like he’s our own over the past few we aren’t just the sad-dog-commercial usually a handful of amazing volun- weeks. We contact our friend Gene who people think we are; our jobs can be teers) show up to begin morning dog owns Ashes to Ashes pet crematory and rewarding, dirty, exciting, chaotic, ex- walk; every dog in the building goes ask if he can stop by the shelter to help hausting, and everything in between. outside for a potty break. Let me explain… us lay our feline friend to rest. 9am: the smell of the “poop trash” sit- 10:05am: back with Chris and I about 7am: an Animal Care Tech clocks in ting in the hot sun signifies that dog walk an hour away in our Cats On Tour van, is winding down. Eight direct care staff and four members of our management team have found their way to the shel- ter by now. We start to hose out dirty dog kennels, feed and clean the cats, and make the shelter sparkling clean… the shelter’s scent, a perfect balance of bleach and Febreeze, is made here. Personally, I think we should patent it, what about you? With 60 cats in our care today, we are beyond thankful to have two extra volunteers here to help 8 with cleaning. Bangor Humane Society • Annual Report 2016 Help Save Furry Lives: www.bangorhumane.org The Inside Scoop: A Behind the Scenes Look at Working at an Animal Shelter

BHS, meet up with the other shelters, and disperse the cats. Each of us takes several cats, and we thank the other hu- mane societies who met us in Bangor – we are all excited to give these felines a new lease on life. Once back inside, we realize news has spread that we have the dog that was dragged by a truck. I answer what I can only estimate to be 40 phone calls, emails, and Facebook messages about him. We name him Phoenix, and our Foster Care Coordi- nator Katelyn finds him placement. we arrive at our destination. Almost all 12pm: the Brewer Emergency Veterinary of the cats are spayed/neutered and vac- Adoption Counselors open clinic and Dr. Landry of Broadway cinated, and their owners know every our front doors and Animal Care Vet Clinic. cat’s name and birthday. They explain Techs meet with Chris to plan for the day. Several people fill our lobby ask- 12:15pm: one of four Animal Care they just can’t afford to care for this Techs is scheduled for noon check; many anymore, and we assure them we ing about the dog that was dragged by the truck, we let them know what our their job is to medicate animals, will do everything in our power to en- check in with all of them, and en- sure they find loving forever homes. plan is for him and they are gracious and thankful he is being well cared sure any animal-related health issues 10:45am: Animal Control Offi- for. Stacey, our Director of Public Re- are handled. The cats we have been cer Dan Joy arrives with an ador- lations, is busy doing news interviews treating in Cat Observation are doing able chocolate pit bull mix who is about Phoenix and sharing his story. well, and a mom who just gave birth all bandaged up with a cone on. We Our Executive Director Suzan is at a to newborn kittens is nursing away in ask what’s going on, and he explains press conference with Brewer PD, re- our Maternity Ward, all snuggled into this is the dog that was featured on assuring the public that Phoenix is re- a big warm bed and waiting for her the news that had been dragged by a ceiving top-notch care with help from foster mom to pick her up. truck. We snuggle the 6-month-old 12:30pm-3pm: two Animal Care pit bull and set him up in a staff mem- Techs work tirelessly to check in cats ber’s office. He is voluntarily surren- in our receiving area. They receive a dered to BHS and we begin to make head to tail exam, vaccinations and a plan for his healing process. treatments, and are tested for Feline 11am: it’s lunchtime at BHS, but junior Leukemia. They’re then put on the volunteers Caitlin and Emily show up to next available surgery schedule to be cuddle with some of the puppies who are seen by a vet, and re- too young to go up for adoption. They ceive a rabies vacci- take them outside in one of our covered nation and spay/ pens and end up covered in kisses. neuter surgery 11:30am: Chris and I arrive back at if necessary. 9 Bangor Humane Society • Annual Report 2016 Help Save Furry Lives: www.bangorhumane.org 1pm: an older gentleman sits down 3:30pm: afternoon dog walk is called… “Can I have at the surrender desk with his senior all dog walkers to the kennels please, all dog walkers to dog. He cries as he tells us his wife the kennels, starting with Darla up front,” plays over the just passed away and he is no longer intercom. in good health; he has to surrender 3:30-5pm: all dogs are walked around a trail, three the dog to us. Often times people Techs, one Adoption Counselor, and one volunteer give think that our animals come from bad homes and sym- our canines some much needed exercise and one-on-one pathize with how hard it must be for us to witness that, time. when sometimes the hardest part of our job is hearing the 5pm: stories of owners who wish they didn’t have to give up only one Tech and two Adoption Counselors re- their beloved pet. He is one of nine owners who struggle main at BHS to close out the day. The Tech checks in on with the decision to surrender their animal to us today. every animal in the building, ensures that they have food and water, administers medications, and goes through 1:15pm: tomorrow a veterinarian will be at BHS to per- a list of closing Tech duties. One Adoption Counselor form spay/neuter, rabies vaccinations, and wellness ex- wraps up a dog visit and completes an adoption while the ams. We work with different veterinarians from other returns phone calls. the greater Bangor area. Two Animal Care 6pm: Techs are buzzing around the building, Adoption Counselors turn off moving cats to cat recovery next to lights and radios, close windows and the operating room, so that the vet lock the front doors. They help the can see them tomorrow. last customers in the lobby, and complete a list of closing Adop- 1:30pm: a dog is being ad- tion Counselor duties. opted! Her name is Stella, and 6:15pm: she’s a spunky young choco- two Adoption Coun- late lab who needs an active selors and one Tech clock out owner. We were worried it for the day, breathe a sigh of might take us some time to find relief, and walk to their cars someone who would be a match while talking about the highs and for her energy, but celebrate in lows of the day. “Stella got adopt- the realization that it only took two ed!” “Can you believe the amount days for her perfect match to walk of media that was here to talk about through our doors. Three other dogs Phoenix?” “See you tomorrow.” and eight cats find their forever homes to- Often times the public only sees our ani- day, and one stray dog is reclaimed by her owner. mals; they don’t see the hard work that goes on 3pm: one of the Techs begins to feed all of the dogs behind the scenes. I tried to keep this article to fewer than in the building, while two others meet to set up a list of 800 words and ended up with over 1,700; the amount of the dogs who need behavior evaluations and check ins to- work that goes on at BHS could span an 800-page book if morrow. The fourth Tech is tending to a litter of underage I let it, no wonder it’s so hard to compose a proper train- kittens that just came through the door. ing manual. And this is on a non-surgery day; imagine if we needed to spay/neuter 5 dogs and 15 cats on top 3:15pm: a young man named James enters our lobby with of this? I am so thankful and proud to be part of such boxes and bags full of much needed supplies for our shelter a compassionate group of people. To the foster parents, pets. He tells us that he recently celebrated a staff, volunteers, offsite partners, donors, adopters, veter- birthday, and instead of asking for gifts he inary partners, animal control officers, police officers and asked for supplies to donate to BHS. We everyone else who loves and supports the animals in our thank him so much; our supply clos- community – thank you. Now to go home and get a good et is almost empty and his donation night’s sleep! Tomorrow is the kitten shower and we are could not be coming at a better time. 10 going to have a line to the parking lot. Bangor Humane Society • Annual Report 2016 Help Save Furry Lives: www.bangorhumane.org 2015 Highlights

In October 2015, we collaborated with Greater Andro- scoggin Humane Society during the Annual ASPCA Mega Match-A-Thon. In September 2015, Kappa Delta Phi adopted BHS as their charity of choice. In addition to volunteering both on-site and at off-site events, they hosted fundraising events that raised over $1,300 for BHS.

In June 2015, we began a partnership with Road Trip Home Rescue from Georgia. In October 2015, we held our 22nd Annual Paws on Pa- rade event on the Bangor Waterfront. Outreach Stats

188 off-site adoptions 119 new volunteers 9 off-site adoption partners 30 foster families 800 two-legged and four-legged Paws on 220 animals saved through foster care Parade participants 3,750 total volunteer hours 209 active volunteers logged 11 Bangor Humane Society • Annual Report 2016 Help Save Furry Lives: www.bangorhumane.org Rescued by a Rescue By: Stacey R. Coventry ter, at first Chappie was shy, but soon staff discovered just how sweet and For those of us who have chosen loving she could be, especially if you pet adoption as a path to add a furry respected her boundaries. In a kennel, member to our family, we are all mo- Chappie was withdrawn and apathetic tivated by different reasons. Some of to human affection, which made it dif- us want to open our hearts and homes ficult to encourage anyone to adopt her. to an animal in need of a second Staff and volunteers spent some extra chance; some are looking for a friend time with her, helping to build her con- to join us on adventures; others are fidence and bring her out of her shell. hoping to find a friend who can heal our broken heart, fill an empty nest, Chappie quickly became a staff -fa or encourage us to get off the couch vorite and was featured on WABI’s and go for a walk. Often we realize Pet of the Week. That is where the “She has been the sweetest, funniest, that our rescued companion has been Umel family first fell in love with her. silliest, most entertaining, well-be- brought into our lives as a heart heal- haved, lovey and purrfect compan- er, fitness buddy, shotgun-riding nav- Debbie Umel resonated with Chap- ion for Noah and our entire family,” igator, or loyal therapist. Whatever pie’s story and personality as it re- says Debbie. “Just a few tiny sneez- role we discover they fill, many of us minded her of her teenage son, Noah, es, but nothing like most cats would humans who have adopted a rescue who was diagnosed with Aspergers cause, and she’s so worth it!! It’s tru- in turn find that we ourselves are the and Dyspraxia at the age of 9. She ly amazing the calming effect she has ones that have been rescued. wanted to give him a special gift for on Noah. Every day we wake up and his fifteenth birthday. Noah was fear- remark just how much she completes The Purr Effect ful of dogs, but Debbie and her hus- our family. Really, we are totally hers Chappie, a 7 year old Siamese mix band have always been allergic to and she knows it!” was surrendered to BHS because her cats, so finding Noah a pet compan- previous owner was struggling with ion to help with his anxiety and social A Friend for a Friend health issues that prevented him from development was a challenge. But being able to care for her. In the shel- there was something about Chappie. With three kids, a dog and a cat, The Cranes thought their family was com- Debbie decided to take a chance, so she plete. But, over time, they were learn- visited BHS, asked to meet with Chap- ing that their young, energetic pitbull pie, and decided to adopt her for Noah. Leah was a little more active than their current household could keep up Over three months later and Debbie with. While they were committed to and her husband have suffered little finding outlets for Leah’s energy she more than a few sneezes since Chap- was constantly seeking out the play- pie, now named Poutine, has entered ful affections of the kids, adults and their lives. And the effect that her even the feline resident in the fami- companionship has had on Noah is a ly. They were concerned that if they priceless gift they could never repay. didn’t find a positive and regular out- 12 Bangor Humane Society • Annual Report 2016 Help Save Furry Lives: www.bangorhumane.org Rescued by a Rescue let for her energy, it would become all of us. Leah and Roxie are insep- too intense for the kids and their cat. arable! You would think they were So, they began the search for a ca- raised together from day one. Thank nine companion that could keep up you so much for helping us find our with Leah’s energy, while also being missing family member.” a good fit with the rest of the family. Roxie and Leah spend their days Their search led them to BHS where playing and tiring each other out in Roxie, a two year old sweet and active their backyard, have doubled the pitbull mix had recently been trans- sloppy kisses received by everyone, ferred from another shelter because it and nurture the youngest humans in was having difficulties matching her the family…together. with the right family. The Best Medicine The entire Crane family, including Mike and his long-time girlfriend, Leah, visited onsite a couple of times Pam, had been searching for a ca- with Roxie. To staff it seemed like nine companion for some time, but In a very short time, Mike noticed love at first sight with all members of just hadn’t found the right match. himself laughing at Nantucket’s play- the Crane family, particularly Leah. They were looking for a smaller dog ful antics that were easing him out of To the Crane family it seemed like an that they could manage easily in their his depressed moods. He would hear answer to their prayers. apartment. While Pam was actively himself chuckle, and that began to employed, Mike was retired and suf- motivate him to take her out for reg- Roxie settled in immediately with fered from periods of depression. He ular walks. Mike began losing weight the Crane family. Just days after the was looking for a dog he could take and started to feel better overall. adoption, we received an update that care of to help distract him from his Leah and Roxie were the perfect pair. periodic episodes with depression as Mike had also been battling high blood “We are so in love with Roxie,” says well as a friend to keep him compa- pressure for a long time. After a few Brianna Crane. “She is so perfect for ny. Mike and Pam’s search ended on short months of having Nantucket, he January 30, 2016 went for a checkup with his doctor, when they met a who was shocked at how significantly one year old Grif- his health had improved. Mike’s blood fon mix, Nan- pressured registered the lowest it had tucket at BHS. in years. When the doctor inquired Mike remembers what he had been doing differently, the moment he Mike responded, “I adopted a dog.” met Nantucket and described her Thrilled with the pos- as a friendly little itive changes in ball of fire. They Mike’s health, his all fell in love doctor willingly immediately. wrote a formal 13 Bangor Humane Society • Annual Report 2016 Help Save Furry Lives: www.bangorhumane.org letter prescrib- the shelter so affectionately and com- to become a licensed service dog. ing Nantucket fortably yet, never mind with a strang- for his health er he just met. One day Renee, Ace and a human to ensure the companion of hers were in the middle two would be Renee quickly knew that he could of one of their hikes. Everything was allowed to stay fill the role of her companion quite going as planned until they began to together in all current and future liv- nicely, but wasn’t sure about the oth- climb a steep incline on the edge of ing arrangements. er special job she had in mind for cliff. Suddenly it happened-- the mo- him. She decided to follow her in- ment Renee had feared and had been An Ace in the Hole stinct and give it a try through our trying to prepare Ace for. Her leg When Renee visited the Bangor Hu- foster-to-adopt program. She took completely gave out. And this time, mane Society a few years ago, she Ace home and started training him it was for real. For the first time, Ace was searching for a companion dog for his new special job. Renee was was there in the precise moment he that could fill the role a very special looking to train a dog to become a was needed. He braced, caught Re- job. Starting the search was difficult personal service dog. She had suf- nee, and saved her from falling and for Renee as she was still healing from fered a leg injury that caused her leg hitting her head against the side of the the loss of her special friend, Hype, a to completely give out randomly and steep, rocky cliff. lab/cattle dog that she had for over 14 years. At the time she visited us, none Three years later Ace has passed his of the available dogs fit the very spe- required training to be officially - li cific characteristics she had in mind censed as Renee’s service dog. She for her next companion, including his brings him every year to the water- breed. Renee was in search of an Aus- front for Paws on Parade so they tralian Cattle Dog. As conversations can celebrate how they rescued each with staff began to unfold, one of the other. Ace dons his service vest and adoption counselors thought that she exudes a stoic professionalism as he may be the perfect match for a dog focuses all of his attention on being named Ace that was not yet placed on fully alert should Renee need him to the adoption floor. He was terrified in step in and support her physically. the shelter environment, bared all of But, when she removes the vest, he his teeth in his kennel and wouldn’t becomes a happy, tail wagging so- let staff evaluate him without trying to cial butterfly, a part of him that didn’t bite. Staff tried giving the scared dog with no warning. As an avid hiker, blossom until he had a very special time to settle in but after almost two her ultimate goal was to find a com- job to fill and a human to rescue. months of residency, had begun look- panion that could intuitively detect ing into transferring options for him. when her leg was going to give out Our pets make us laugh, reduce the When Renee heard about this scared and then proactively step in without physical effects of stress , can pull us dog, she immediately asked to see hesitation to serve as a temporary out of our sadness like a game of tug him. She sat in the visitation room and leg brace. She began working with of war with their favorite pull toy, and waited. When Ace was brought into Ace on basic training commands and sometimes they literally save our life. the room, while a bit shy, he walked taking him into different public plac- Every single day at the Bangor Hu- right up to Renee and placed his es to practice various scenarios. Ace mane Society we foster connections head in her lap. The met and succeeded at every task and between humans and animals. We are staff person was challenge he was given. Renee felt matchmakers who create families. shocked as he strongly she found her perfect match And, for a lucky few, we bring ani- hadn’t bonded so she officially completed Ace’s mal and human together so they can with anyone in adoption and continued his training rescue each other. 14 Bangor Humane Society • Annual Report 2016 Help Save Furry Lives: www.bangorhumane.org 2015 Highlights

During the year, we hosted several volunteer appreciation events including a Thanksgiving potluck and Ice Cream Social.

In April 2016, Coco, a 10-year-old Labrador mix was diagnosed, treated and deemed cancer-free. We success- fully adopted her into a new home that could maintain her ongoing care.

In January 2016, through creative marketing and a part- nership with the Maine Edge, Dwayne, a long-term resi- dent Feline Leukemia cat got adopted.

In July 2015, we hosted a Rabies and Microchip Clinic with Broadway In March 2016, we hosted our first Rabbit 101 public Veterinary Clinic. education event. 15 Bangor Humane Society • Annual Report 2016 Help Save Furry Lives: www.bangorhumane.org Non-Profit Org. US Postage Paid Permit 46 Bangor ME

693 Mount Hope Avenue

Bangor, ME 04401

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By: Kristin Harmon Kristin By:

The Future of Finding Forever Homes is Here is Homes Forever Finding of Future The Calling All Humans All Calling