On Wednesday, October 11th, the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland (ARLGP) responded to the emergency evacuation of 200 dogs and cats from our Puerto Rico rescue partner, All Sato Rescue.
A foster-based group, All Sato Rescue (ASR) has hundreds of abandoned and surrendered animals in their care at any given time. Devastated by hurricanes Irma and Maria, Wednesday’s private charter jet of 200 animals provided temporary relief to ASR and their foster network.
A true collaboration, the ARLGP along with Maine shelter partners Coastal Humane Society and Animal Welfare Society deployed late-Wednesday afternoon to Worcester Regional Airport to accept nearly 70 pets to return to Maine for new beginnings.
The scene on the ground at arrival was emotional and empowering. More than 7 shelters from Maine and Massachusetts worked tirelessly to unload the plane, locate their pets, load dozens of vehicles, and make the trip back to their respective communities to begin the process of finding these pets new, happy homes.
Arriving back at the ARLGP in Westbrook at 1:30am Thursday, we were greeted by nearly a dozen staff and volunteers to unload our new ASR friends, provide them with walks, food, and a safe and comfortable space for some much-needed R&R.
Thursday our veterinary team provided physical exams, determining each pet’s medical needs before adoption. After their vet visits, most went off with ARLGP foster families for in-home TLC and care. All pets are in great medical condition, and some will be available for adoption as early as Sunday, October 15th when we open at 10am, and will continue to become available throughout the next two weeks. Looking to adopt one of our All Sato Rescue dogs or other pets looking for new homes? Visit our website at arlgp.org daily to view new adoptable pets, and come in to the ARLGP to meet them to see who is a good match for you and your family.
As a life-saving organization, the ARLGP is proud to be a partner of All Sato Rescue and to have responded to this hurricane relief effort to save the lives of pets in critical need. However, we will be assisting in post-hurricane relocation for weeks, if not months, to come.
We want to extend a very heartfelt thank you to our community who has supported these life-saving missions. We are grateful for your continued support.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Adopt a new family member. Every animal that paws out of the ARLGP with a new family makes space for new pets to come to the ARLGP, from local partners or national partners. If you have been considering the addition of a new pet to your home, it is a great time to visit the ARLGP.
Make the match. We are currently in the last phase of our fall match campaign with IDEXX. Every donation made at arlgp.org/match is matched dollar-for-dollar through October 31st. Make the match today and help us continue to save lives.
Text to give. Text PETS to 20222 now to make a one-time $10 donation to the ARLGP. After texting, follow your carrier’s confirmation prompt to ensure this donation is added to your next cell phone bill.