Maine Partnership Gives Hundreds of Cats a Second Chance

A partnership between two Maine animal welfare organizations is helping hundreds of cats receive medical treatment and find new homes.

The Animal Welfare Society in Kennebunk regularly sends veterinary staff more than two hours north to Spirit’s Place, a cat sanctuary in St. Albans. According to WGME 13, the team makes the trip twice each month to provide care in an area where veterinary services can be difficult to access.

During the visits, Animal Welfare Society employees perform spay and neuter surgeries and treat cats suffering from a variety of medical conditions. Some cats are also transported back to Kennebunk, where they are made available for adoption.

Dr. Kate Gollon, the organization’s lead veterinarian, told WGME 13 that clinic employees look forward to making the trip and providing care at Spirit’s Place.

The work is especially important in rural parts of Maine, where there are fewer veterinary clinics and some residents may have difficulty finding affordable treatment for their animals.

Licensed veterinary technician Livie Richard explained to WGME 13 that the traveling team can provide the same kinds of lower-cost services offered in southern Maine to people who may otherwise be unable to access them.

The Animal Welfare Society estimates that the partnership has already helped more than 200 cats this year.

Spirit’s Place does more than care for cats living at its St. Albans sanctuary. The organization also assists community cat colonies throughout central Maine by helping animals receive food, shelter and medical attention.

Suzanne Madore, marketing communications manager for the Animal Welfare Society, told WGME 13 that supporting Spirit’s Place allows both organizations to reach cats and communities well beyond southern Maine.

For Richard, the partnership has also resulted in a personal connection.

She eventually adopted a cat that had been brought to Kennebunk from Spirit’s Place after the animal spent several months receiving treatment for a serious wound.

Richard said helping animals that might otherwise go without veterinary care makes the work both meaningful and rewarding.

Through the partnership, the two organizations hope to give cats from every part of Maine an opportunity to receive proper medical treatment, enter safe homes and enjoy healthier lives.