The rental box truck pulled up to AWS after dark and two weary volunteer drivers waved their greeting, while AWS staff ran out to meet them. "You're safe now," Dana tearfully said to the 27 puppies as the door to the truck rolled open. "You'll love your new homes in Maine." Dana and Martha, both volunteers from Louisiana, drove the 36 hours to bring puppies from overcrowded animal control facilities to shelters that have some extra space.

"Shelters in other parts of the country aren't as lucky as we are here in Maine. As an animal welfare group, it's our responsibility to try to help when we can. Tonight, we have saved 27 lives by giving these 27 puppies homes in Maine," said Bobbi Allen, shelter co-manager.
Not only did AWS accept puppies from Louisiana last week, we also accepted a smaller group from another volunteer organization in Indiana.

After the puppies have settled in, they will undergo evaluation and get spayed and neutered. Please watch our Web site to see when they become available for adoption. All puppies are adopted on a first come, first served basis.

Can't bring a puppy home right now? Consider a donation to AWS to allow us to continue to do great things for animals.

• Story Time is held weekly on Tuesday mornings from 10:30 to 11am. Our Humane Educator, Barbara, will read an animal-related book and lead a craft project. Story Time is offered for children ages 3 to 6 with adult supervision.There is no fee for Story Time, but donations are welcome.
  
• Bands of Mercy is an after-school program for students ages 9 to 12. The club meets each Monday throughout the school year from 3 - 4:30pm and involves spending time with the animals, learning about different animal issues and having a great time! The fee for the school year is $60.
• Birthday parties at AWS are AWSome! When you host your child's birthday at AWS, you not only give your child a fun party, you will also give them a lesson in compassion and respect. Each birthday party gets a tour of the adoption center and gets to interact with several animals.

Call our Humane Educator, Barb, at 207-985-3244 x109 for more information today!

Please join us!

Saturday, December 13, 11am - 3pm: AWS Annual Christmas Open House. Enjoy photos with Santa, refreshments and visiting with our current residents. All shelter alumni receive a special gift! If you would like to leave something for the animals under our tree, we are especially in need of canned cat & dog food, paper towels and cat litter.

Saturday, December 20, 1:30pm - Our Humane Educator will bring an adoptable animal to the Children's Museum of Maine. Meet some great animals, create a craft and learn all about the Animal Welfare Society. Located at 142 Free Street, Portland, Maine.

Saturday, December 20, 11am - The AWS Mobile Adoption Team is working on a special Christmas event to celebrate everyone's favorite time of year. See you at PetSmart in Biddeford!