Wiggles and whiskers

12/25/2024

Hi, I’m Reba!

I’m a 2-year-old Red Doberman. It’s been a little lonely at the shelter without a family of my own, but I haven’t let that dim my happiness. I’m still the same sweet, bouncy girl who loves to play and make the best of every day.

I adore being outside, going on walks, and learning new things. I’m great on a leash and will do just about anything for a treat! I know I’d thrive with an active family who loves adventures as much as I do. Maybe we could even try agility training together? I think I’d be pretty good at it!

That said, I’m still looking for a special kind of home. I need a calm, adult-only household where I can build my confidence. Cats aren’t my friends, and while I might be okay with one other dog, I’ll need time and a few meet-and-greets to feel safe. I know I have my quirks, but I promise I have so much love and joy to share with the right family.

I’ve been waiting a long time for someone to take a chance on me. I’m hopeful that my forever family is out there. Could that be you? ❤️

Let's get Reba home! thearkpets.org/adopt

12/15/2024

We're running low on dog and cat food, and the animals at the shelter could really use your help! 🐶🐱 You can drop off donations at the shelter or check out our Chewy Wishlist to send supplies directly.

📍 Shelter drop-off location: 60 Barber Lane, Cherryfield
💻 Wishlist link: https://www.chewy.com/g/ark-animal-shelter_b72684436

Thank you for helping us keep their bowls full this holiday season! ❤️✨

12/15/2024

12/15/2024

Hi there, I’m Luke! 🐾 I’m a brave and goofy guy with a whole lot of love to share. Life is one big adventure, and I’m always up for exploring the world with my new best friend—you, maybe?

I’m super curious and love to play, whether it’s chasing after toys, running through the great outdoors, or just being my funny, affectionate self. I haven’t had many opportunities to hang out with other dogs, but with a little patience and a proper introduction, I’m pretty sure I’d make a great buddy.

If you’re looking for an energetic sidekick who’s always up for fun (and some cuddles afterward), I might just be your perfect match. Let’s meet soon—I can’t wait to show you what an awesome companion I can be!"

💙 Ready to meet me? Click here to learn more and start the adoption process: thearkpets.org/adopt

11/29/2024

November is Senior Pet Month!

11/29/2024

🐾 Black Friday: Celebrating Black Cats! 🖤

This Black Friday, we’re celebrating the sleek, stunning, and lovable black cats waiting for their forever homes at The Ark Pope Memorial Animal Shelter. These amazing felines are ready to bring love, companionship, and charm to your life!

Come and see why adopting a black cat is the best deal of all. Can’t adopt? Share this post to help them find their purrfect homes!

Visit thearkpets.org/adopt/adopt-a-cat/ to learn more about these adoptable cuties. 🐾✨

11/15/2024

🐾 Help Feed Our Furry Friends! 🐾

Our shelter cats could use some extra food! We’re in need of dry cat food, Friskies pâté (any flavor), and other cat food donations to keep them happy and healthy. ❤️

Every little bit helps!

Thank you for supporting our shelter kitties! 🐱

11/13/2024

Did you know? 🐾💡

Senior pets have the wisdom and life experience that make them calm, adaptable, and ready to settle into a new home with ease. 🏡💕 This National Senior Pet Month, consider opening your heart to a senior pet and see why they’re the perfect addition to any family!

11/13/2024

🌟 Hi everyone, it’s me, Starsky! 🌟

I’m a 12-14 year-old male Shepherd mix, and I’m on the lookout for a place to call home. I absolutely love people and am potty trained, not destructive, and I walk well on a leash. I still have some pep in my step and enjoy getting out and about!

I’ve been at the shelter for a while now, and I’d really prefer a cozy foster home while I wait for my forever family. I do have to mention that I’m not a fan of other dogs—past experiences have made me a bit scared of them, so I need to be the only pup in the house. Plus, I have a strong prey drive, so no cats or small animals, please!

If you or someone you know could open your heart and home to me, even just temporarily, I’d be so grateful! Let’s make some great memories together! 💖

Interested in helping me out? Visit thearkpets.org/adopt to fill out an application!

11/13/2024

👋 Hi there, I’m Milo! I’m 12 years young and, if I say so myself, quite the catch. I’m a chill guy who loves a good nap and some quality snuggle time, especially with the colder weather rolling in. 🛋️❄️

I enjoy a bit of exploration now and then—gotta keep my curious side happy! But really, my dream is to find a cozy forever home where I can be someone’s cuddle buddy. If you’re looking for a loyal friend to share quiet evenings and warm moments, I’m your guy! 💙

Interested in taking me home? Fill out an application at thearkpets.org/adopt. Let’s see if we’re a purr-fect match! 🐾

11/13/2024

🐾 Hey there, I’m Koda! I’m a 9-year-old hound with a big heart and a love for adventure. I’m all about the good stuff—playtime, snuggles, and some solid couch potato time. 🛋️🐕

I get along great with people and some dog friends, but I’d prefer a home without cats or small animals, please. I’m a bit strong on the leash, but only because I am so ready to be your trusty sidekick on all your adventures! 🌄🚶‍♂️

Oh, and just a heads-up—I’m not a hunting dog; I’m a pet only and looking for a forever family to share life with. 🐶💛

Check out thearkpets.org/adopt to fill out an adoption application. Let’s start our next adventure together!

11/07/2024

🐾 November is National Senior Pet Month! 🐾

This month, we’re shining a spotlight on some of our amazing senior pets who are looking for homes. We’ll be introducing you to some incredible adoptable seniors, like Koda, Milo, Starsky, and Mistew! 💙

Senior pets have so much love to give and are just waiting for the perfect person to take them home. Stay tuned for more details on each of these amazing pets. Let's get them all home for the holidays!

11/02/2024

🎉 November is National Senior Pet Month! 🐾 This month, we’re shining a spotlight on our lovable senior pets who are looking for forever homes. Join us as we share the amazing benefits of adopting a senior.

What’s your favorite thing about senior pets?💖

10/25/2024

🐾 Meet Buddy (black/tan) & Toby (white)! 🐾

🌟 Male Chihuahuas, 1-2 years old
🐶 Must be adopted together
🏠 Have lived with cats, likely good with other dogs
😟 Terrified of people—no kids, please!
💛 Mostly pad trained

These tiny, sweet, scared boys are looking for a patient and understanding home where they can feel safe and loved. With time and kindness, they’ll learn to trust people. If you’re ready to give them a chance, Buddy and Toby may be your new best friends! 🐕❤️

Ready to apply? Visit thearkpets.org/adopt to fill out an application!

09/26/2024

DISTRACTED DOG WALKERS

The distracted dog walker is commonly seen chatting on their cell phone, wearing headphones or socializing with other people while oblivious to what their dog is doing, how their dog is feeling or what is going on in the environment.

This may not sound like a problem to some, but it is something that many people have a problem with, even more so if you have a reactive dog.

I compare walking a dog to driving a car. It’s not so much about our driving skills, but having to constantly be aware of the driving skills of others – trying to predict what they will do, which rules of the road they will ignore and how distracted they are. This is especially true in the country I live in, where driving can be a stressful experience.

I understand that we often need to multi task – there simply doesn’t seem to be enough time in our day to accomplish everything we need to, but walking our dogs should not be one of these times.

Some people might say – “but my dog is really friendly, well socialized, gets on well with everyone, is well trained, knows this environment well etc. and I hear that.

But another dog might not be – maybe they need space, are reactive, are not sociable, are recovering from an illness, might be terrified of another dog racing straight towards them chasing a ball thrown from a ball launcher etc.

If distracted dog walkers have no regard for other dogs or other people, they should at least have regard for their own dogs. Walking your dog should be a time of bonding, of relationship, of seeing the environment through the eyes of your dog, of reinforcing and teaching wanted behaviours, of keeping them safe and protected from the unknown.

Our dogs need us to be focused, to pay attention, to be aware and attentive.

Our dogs depend on us to advocate for them.