The Animal Welfare Society is very proud to announce a partnership with the Maine Correctional Center (MCC) on an exciting and heart-warming program: Paws in Stripes. This program partners prisoners at MCC with puppies transferred to AWS through our pAWS Across America Program.

Once the puppies arrive in Maine, they are monitored for health before "doing their time" at MCC. The puppies are then delivered to MCC and into the anxious hands of their handlers in both the men's and women's sections of the prison.

Handlers have been selected by MCC officials based on exceptional behavior and willingness to learn. The puppies spend six weeks with weekly obedience classes by AWS staff as they adjust to lots of new experiences. The dogs are housed directly with their handler, making work on housebreaking a priority!
The puppies enjoy playtime together in the yard and quiet time in the common room.

They are deeply loved and cared for by their handlers, and their safety is always ensured by the guards. The first class of graduates from the program were returned to the shelter and adopted in mid-January and the second group is going through the program now. If you are interested in adopting one of these pups watch our web site for updates!

If you are interested in making a donation to the Paws in Stripes program, contact Kerrie at 207-985-3244 x123 or by email at kerrie@animalwelfaresociety.org.

The Shelter Clinic announces World Spay Day Promotion

Since the Shelter Spay/Neuter Clinic opened in May, 2011, more than 1,000 cats from low income homes have been spayed or neutered at the low cost of $39.95.

"The work that Dr. Askin, his staff and AWS volunteers are doing at the Clinic will result in healthier adult cats and fewer unwanted cats and kittens in our area," said AWS Spay Neuter Coordinator, Sharon Secovich.

The Clinic will participate in World Spay Day by offering $25.00 spays and neuters for qualifying cat owners throughout the month of February.

World Spay Day is an annual promotion presented by The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International in partnership with animal welfare organizations, veterinary professionals, businesses, and individuals worldwide to shine a spotlight on spay/neuter as a proven means of saving animals' lives.

If you or someone you know might qualify for an appointment at the Clinic, please call 207-985-3244 to schedule a surgery. The Clinic is located at AWS and is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and every other Saturday, by appointment only.

AWS Vacation Workshops

Registrations are being accepted for students aged 7-11 for the February School Vacation week workshops being held from 9am to 1pm on February 20, 21, 22 & 23.

These hands-on workshops will focus on animal care and handling, as well as animal welfare-related issues.
The students will have the opportunity to interact with a variety of pets, play games and do crafts. Snacks are provided, but bring a lunch. There is a $25.00 fee per day. Space is limited so don't delay.

Download a registration form, or for more information, contact Lona at 207-985-3244 x 109 or lona@animalwelfaresociety.org.

OUR OLD VAN IS FOR SALE! 2001 Ford, E-150 Cargo Van

Just under 103,000 miles, recently serviced at Arundel Ford. V-6, AT, AM/FM, AC, PS, PB, Steel cab divider w/ door. A great basic van with many miles left. $2750.00, no trades, cash only. Call 207-985-3244 and ask for Steve.

We want to see you!

The Animal Welfare Society is Open for
Adoptions & Visits

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday

11:00am - 7:00pm

Saturday & Sunday

11:00am - 4:30pm

Closed on Wednesday for staff training.

Save the Date!

February 4 (Sat)

The Animal Welfare Society Mobile Adoption Team

will visit Pet Quarters on Payne Road in Scarborough with adoptable dogs from 11 - 1.

February 10 - 11 (Fri & Sat) PetSmart Charities® National Adoption Event

at Biddeford Crossing. The Mobile Adoption Team will visit with adoptable dogs from 11 - 1 on Saturday. Adoption counselors will be available in the store on Thursdays: 5-7pm, Fridays: 9am-Noon, Saturdays: Noon-5pm, and Sundays: Noon-5pm

February 18 & 19 (Sat & Sun) Visit the AWS table at the Maine Home, Remodeling and Garden Show.

Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 10-4 at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland. Adoptable pets will be visitng throughout the weekend.

February 18 (Sat)

AWS Humane Educator and a pet at the Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine

on Free Street in Portland for a program on animal care and handling from 10:30 -11:30am.

February 25 (Sat)

The Animal Welfare Society Mobile Adoption Team

and adoptable dogs at Pet Life in the Mill Creek Plaza, South Portland from 11-1.

It's "Adopt Day" at Happy Tails Training Center,

119 Bishop St. Portland. The AWS will have a table from 9am-12pm with information about the shelter and AWS adoptable dogs will stop by for a biscuit.

May 12 (Sat)

Annual Kitten Shower

at the Shelter on Holland Road, West Kennebunk. The Kitten Shower from 11-2 helps the shelter to prepare for the more than 1,000 expected kittens who will need food, shelter, medicine and love this year. It is a festive event with a huge raffle, bake sale, crafts for the kids, and the ever popular Photo Contest, bring in your best cat or kitten photo by May 7th to enter (photos will not be returned.) Take the "Project Kitten Challenge!" Collect the largest amount (in total weight) of needed kitten supplies and win a pizza party and behind the scenes tour of the shelter!

May 19 (Sat)

The Yard Sale of Yard Sales! Longtime AWS volunteer, Sue Flynn, spends all year collecting items for this sale to benefit the shelter. 8am - 2pm, 6 Hearthstone Drive, no early birds please! If you would like to contribute to the sale, contact Sue at 207-985-1437, please, no furniture, clothes, appliances or electronics.

June 3 (Sun)

Annual AWS Art Auction

at the Nonantum Resort, Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport. Support the shelter and expand your collection. More than 50 local artists are contributing.

July 9th - August 16th

(Mon - Thurs weekly)

AWS Summer Camps

for children ages 7-10 begin on Monday July 9th and July 16th. Camps beginning on the following four Mondays July 23 - August 13th cater to children ages 10 to 14.
This hands-on program allows the opportunity to feed, groom, socialize and exercise resident animals. The children learn skills relating to animal care, responsibility and compassion.
Find more information contact Lona at 207-985-3244, ext. 109.

September 9 (Sun)

Strut Your Mutt Walk at Mother's Beach, Kennebunk. Walkers Wanted! This scenic walk on the three Kennebunk Beaches raises money for the AWS Sadie Fund, a medical fund for animals in need. Registration begins at 10:00am and the walk starts at 11:00am.