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The Shelter is busy, busy, busy!
The number of pets brought into and the number of pets adopted out at the Animal Welfare Society typically peaks in August and September. 2012 has been no different.
In those two months, the number of pets that the staff and foster homes cared for fluctuated between 350 - 400 daily. Thankfully, 518 AWS pets found new homes and 65 were returned to owners in September and October. Of those, 342 were cats, 203 were dogs and 38 were small animals.
The number of adoptions on the weekend days was 291, that's more than 10 per day!
On the flip side, 809 pets were surrendered or brought in as strays in that same time frame. Since it costs an estimated $150 for every pet that comes through our doors, that's about $121,350.
That's why community support from individuals, businesses and groups is so important to keep the AWS the strong resource that it is.
But, AWS is more than "just" an animal shelter...
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AWS 101
The Animal Welfare Society is a small, independent shelter located on Holland Road in West Kennebunk. We service 21 towns in York County, over 150,000 people and care for over 3,500 stray, homeless and unwanted pets every year. Most people think of cats and dogs when they think of an animal shelter but we also take in guinea pigs, birds, bunnies, and other small animals.
In addition to caring for and working hard to get these pets adopted into loving homes, the AWS has a variety of programs and services.
Low Cost Spay Neuter in West Kennebunk
In the 16 months that the Shelter Spay/Neuter Clinic has been open at the AWS, Dr. Askin VMD, Veterinary Technician Stephanie, and a finely-honed team of volunteers have spayed/neutered 2,314 cats for those who could not otherwise afford to do so. For many of these cats, this is the first (and only) time they will see a veterinarian. So please, help us spread the word about the clinic. Clients will pay between $5.00 and $45.00 depending on which grant they are eligible for. 207-985-3244
 Paws in Stripes is a collaboration with the Windham Correctional Facility. We bring puppies to the prison where they spend 6 weeks, living alongside the prisoners. They are house trained, crate trained, take obedience classes and get lots of socialization. After 6 weeks the dogs come back to AWS and are put up for adoption. It has been a successful program for the dogs, the AWS and the prison.
The Animal Welfare Society has a full time Humane Educator  who offers training for people of all ages but mostly students. Young people are the future of our society and studies have shown a steady decrease in empathy in young people. Studies have shown that working with and being exposed to pets increases our capacity for compassion. She offers training on basic animal care, the importance of spay and neuter, the link between human violence and animal abuse, dog bite prevention, the harsh reality of puppy mills and dog fighting.
We partner with Caring Unlimited, York County's Domestic Violence agency, to offer temporary foster care for the pets of domestic violence victims if they can't take them when they leave. This gives them time to formulate a plan with the knowledge that their pets are safe.  This is key because in studies, 88% of homes with substantiated child abuse also report animal abuse and 71% of victims of domestic violence report that their partners threatened, harmed or killed their pets. 48% of domestic violence victims will delay leaving a dangerous situation because they fear for the safety of their pets.
Paws Across America, born in 2002, is a program that accepts dogs and puppies from overcrowded shelters. 
These dogs, usually transported by van, are brought to Maine for adoption. Due to an overwhelming number of homeless and unwanted dogs, many shelters particularly in mid-western and southern states, are faced with euthanizing healthy and highly adoptable animals. All dogs and puppies meet Maine's strict importation requirements including a vaccination protocol and quarantine period, then we spay or neuter them before they go home. Thanks to support from our communities we have saved 2,250 dogs and puppies through this mission-based program!
Most people don't know that we offer both individual and group cremation services. This local service is competitively priced and includes a keepsake box. Our clients appreciate our sensitive and caring staff and that their pets remain close to home rather than an out of state facility.
 Our Dog Obedience program is very well respected in the area.
It is a benefit to the public, our adopters and for shelter dogs while they are with us. The Obedience Staff is certainly the most experienced with rescue dogs in the area. From the Basic class to Puppy Kindergarten, Agility, and Canine Good Citizen, they will help you work with your dog during every stage of his.
The AWS has sponsored three dog parks, Kennebunk, Biddeford and Ogunquit and is currently working with students in Sanford on a fourth park.
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EVENTS
SAVE THE DATE!
Tuesday, November 6
It's become a tradition! The Election Day Bake Sale is a great way to support the AWS and satisfy your sweet tooth. Visit the AWS table at the Polls in Wells, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport and bring something yummy home after you vote!
Saturday, November 17
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.
Pet Quarters on Payne Road in Scarborough gets a visit from the Animal Welfare Society Mobile Adoption Team with adoptable dogs from
11 - 1. Monday, November 26 The Furr-ever Friend segment on Good Day Maine, Fox23 features adoptable AWS pet(s) at 8:20am. Saturday, December 8 Christmas Open House at the Animal Welfare Society on Holland Road in West Kennebunk from 12 - 3. Have your pet's photo taken with Santa, buy some sweets at the bake sale and get some shopping done in our Gift Shop. |
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SUCCESS FOR YOUR NEW DOG
When you adopt a dog, it doesn't matter what his past is. His new life begins with you. Here are some ways to make the transition successful:
LIMIT STRESS - When you first take your dog home, things should be as calm as possible. The dog needs time to adjust to his new environment. The dog needs to get to know you and learn to trust you. Meeting a lot of new people before he bonds with you is stressful.
PROVIDE STRUCTURE - As social animals, dogs do best when they have order in their group. Order is demonstrated through clear, calm leadership as taught in AWS training classes.
DEVELOP ROUTINE - Few things help an anxious dog as much as having a routine. The more routine the better.
 BUILD YOUR RELATIONSHIP - Your dog wants to please you. Work together and show the dog what makes you happy. If he doesn't know what makes you happy, that is because he doesn't understand, not that he is being "difficult." Your dog may have experienced confusion from humans and what he needs now is a bond- a stable, reliable bond. That bond comes from you.
CONFINEMENT - Many dogs thrive on a confinement schedule, partly because it limits their decisions. When in the crate (or in "their" room), all is well. "SENSIBLE" confinement also prevents stress-related behaviors like chewing or house-training mistakes.
 PLAY, EXERCISE, AND TOYS - Joy is an important addition to a dog's life (and yours). Cultivate it where you can. Daily exercise and romps go a long way toward lessening stress, building attachment and having a happy, well-behaved dog.
TRAINING - Please take advantage of the AWS training classes for you and your dog. Training with us will be fun and you will get results.
By: Kim VanSickle, CPDT
For more information about raising a puppy check out: mysmartpuppy.com
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