As of Oct. 21st, we will have had Katie for 1 full year. She was known as Godiva by AWS when we adopted her & we are just as happy to have her, as she is to be living with us.

She was an indoor cat who had been kicked out of her home when she became pregnant, then she ended up at AWS with a bunch of kittens. Me & Katie connected instantly with each other and she settled into our home with very few problems. She is the happiest cat I have ever seen; every time she gets a new toy, scratching post, bed, etc., she goes out of her way to let me know how much she likes it. We spoil her, but she deserves to be pampered. And because of her previous situation, she has no desire to go outside now - but that’s fine by me since she should live a longer, healthier life indoors.

She is the 4th black cat I have owned now, I always seem to end up with one even after looking at dozens of other cats first. I have read that shelters have a much harder time finding homes for black cats than cats of any other color… a very sad situation, however, it works in my favor since I have many more to choose from! Forget the superstitions and beliefs that they are linked with evil, they are great cats that deserve a loving home.

Paula

"Chloe"

Chloe was adopted in March 2011 at the age of 3 mos. Her name was originally Daphne. When we adopted her, she was one of four kittens accompanied by their mother. Chloe was, and still is extremely cuddly and sweet. She loves attention! When we first brought her home, it didn't take her too long to become used to her new surroundings. She loves her catnaps, but also loves to play (she has many kitty toys). Chloe brings so much joy to any visitors, but mostly to us. She makes us smile and laugh all of the time. She is always there to greet us at the door, and lets us know when she is ready for us to wake up in the morning. She is very vocal! Chloe has been a perfect and wonderful addition. We love her and her beautiful personality, and we are thankful for her everyday!

"Bosco"

Hi, this is a photo of "Hayloft", renamed "Bosco" (because he is as round and dark as the old fashioned Bosco jar). I adopted him in February and he lives the good life now. In fact, he thinks he owns the place! He still purrs like crazy and is the official guest greeter.

- Leslie

"Virgil"

Just sending you yet another success story! We adopted our kitten Hershey (now named Virgil) a few months ago. He is now a very happy member of our family and we can't imagine life without him. We have two older cats as well and they enjoy playing with Virgil and have been giving him lessons on how to be an adult cat. These lessons evidently include info regarding the proper way to relax in a sunbeam, as you can see by the attached photo. We recommend the shelter for anyone looking for a wonderful new addition to their household!

-Christian and Jenna

"Casper"

Yang, now known as Casper, was adopted on March 12, 2010 at the Kennel Shop in Saco. From the moment I saw him I knew he just had to be mine. I would visit him everyday and I had to convince my parents into letting me get him. He's just so lovable and he's the best thing that has ever happened to me. He loves to get belly rubs and he just loves people! He just gets loaded with love. He gives us kisses like there's no tomorrow. He purrs so much, he's just a happy kitty. This is his forever and ever home. I couldn't ask for a better cat.

- Brittney, Casper, Jon, Alyssa and Sally!

"Miss Daisy"

I just wanted to send an update about the Basset Hound I adopted at the end of February. Miss Daisy has come so far since we adopted her! She is still shy around strangers, but daily walks to Goose Rocks Beach for socialization and some basic training sessions have helped to strengthen her confidence. She also exhibited submissive urination tendencies, and that has completely disappeared as well. She is the most cuddly dog I have ever owned. My husband, who was hesitant at first, cannot imagine our household without her! She makes us laugh and smile throughout the day. At night she loves to sleep between the two of us, laying on the pillows so we can enjoy the sound of her snoring. (She is so thoughtful!) She loves to play with our 3 cats and they really seem to enjoy teasing her as well. Her wagging tail acts as a kitty toy for our youngest shelter adoptee, Rowan (formerly Ed). She is very respectful of our "Old Man" Thunder who is a 13 year old rescue from the Kennebunk Veterinary Hospital. She is a perfect match and a perfect girl.

We invited my best friend Anne over to help with the socialization. Anne and her husband had a dog that also had submission urination when they first adopted him. The first 3 or 4 times Annie would visit, Daisy was shy and would not approach her. So much has changed! Attached is a picture of Miss Daisy, snuggling with my friend Annie.
We love her so much that we are considering another Basset adoption in the future. Right now we are giving Daisy our full love and attention, but when the time is right, she would probably enjoy the company of another Basset, as would we.

Thank you so very much

Christina and Miss Daisy

"Caesar"

When we first came to the Animal Welfare Society, it was to take a look at Missy and Guy, two all black, beautiful greyhounds. But once we got there, and walked with them, there was just something missing for us. Discouraged, we walked Thomas and Lilly too but there was something missing with them too. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but we were looking for a dog with personality, zip, manners, and some obedience training. I, personally, was looking for a dog to go running with. My boyfriend was looking for a dog with a good disposition and lovable. It was our last “walk” that we found what we were looking for. Initially, we had walked by this little guy’s cage several times, dismissing him as “not what we were looking for” but after the others didn’t pan out, we decided to give him a try. So glad we did!

Originally, the name on his kennel said Fitsy. Fitsy was a little white boxer, almost 3 years old. His personality came right through; he was cuddly, alert, obedient, and pretty darn sweet. After our initial walk, we went to the training room and played fetch with him for a little while. He was so eager to play and do everything we wanted, that he just melted our hearts. We knew from the moment we first touched him that he was the one.

Since coming home, Caesar, as is his name now, has blended in nicely. We go for walks two and sometimes three times a day. He is already in a nice routine: he gets up at 8-goes outside to do his business; comes in and back to bed for another hour’s snooze; gets up, has breakfast and a walk; engages in some training activities; play time, power nap; walk; eat, play, bed. Ha ha, he already knows what time each piece of his day happens. It’s amazing. He’s amazing. We bought a book Cesar’s Way by Cesar Millan and it’s helped us help him be a dog. He doesn’t have to be a leader, he doesn’t have to worry about anything—just be a dog. He loves to ride in the car and we take him whenever possible. I made him a quilted coat because he doesn’t have very thick hair and winter can be really cold, especially when we go for our long walks.

I am attaching some photos of our sweetie and want to thank you very much for letting us adopt him. He has definitely found his forever home!!! We love him so much!

Lauren and Dan

"Melody"

Here is an updated photo of Miss Melody who continues to thrive in her home of 14 months. What a HUGE difference in her personality. She is no longer a scared little Puggle. She is so loved and pampered as you can see. Thank you guys at the shelter for all the hard work that you do to
help these deserving animals!!!!! Nanette

"Ava"

Hello to the AMAZING team at AWS!!!!

My wife and I wanted to say a big thanks and share a great success story!!!!!!!

My wife and I picked up our Pup Ava from the AWS in July of 2009. Unknown to the AWS staff or my wife and I, the day after we brought her home Ava came down with Aspiration Pneumonia. We then started down a lengthy and expensive rehabilitation process that included a weeklong stay at an out of state hospital and many different types of medication. At this point Kirstin, the shelter co-manager, had been checking in on Ava on a regular basis and we had nick named Ava the Million Dollar Pup.

After Ava’s release from the hospital, she needed a 14-hour routine of rehabilitation that required medication and a tough treatment technique called coupage. This extensive treatment was way more than my wife and I could handle and we needed help. Kirstin and the AWS team agreed to help in Ava’s treatment. They took her back in and she got the best medical attention possible. Throughout her week of rehab at AWS we were able to go and visit with her and walk the great trails out behind the AWS. Those first couple of weeks were definitely a bit of a challenge but Kirstin and the great AWS team helped us get Ava back to full health.

It has been an amazing year and a half since we have adopted Ava and now that she just past her second birthday in December we are so very grateful to the AWS team for our beloved four-legged family member. She has met Santa at AWS, graduated from obedience class at AWS and next year she looks to complete the agility training class. Currently Ava is a full time greeter with her buddy Carson at Video Creations here in Kennebunk. You can also catch her outside of the drive through area at Dunkin Donuts inspecting vehicles for other dogs. None of this would be at all possible without the great care, commitment and support from the AWS team. So thank you all for adding so much love and joy to our lives by blessings us with such an amazing addition to our family.

Yours truly,
Lee, Michelle, and Ava!!!!!!