Like-Minded Folks with Big Hearts
By Susan Spisak
Their tag line, “A small group of like-minded folks with big hearts” sums up Brunswick based Passion for Pets Rescue, aka PPR. They’re an all-volunteer, foster-based nonprofit that chugs along quite steadily. Last year this passionate group rescued and rehomed almost 500 dogs of all breeds and ages, including 11 from Afghanistan.
Their members, aka volunteers, are 145 strong, and they stretch from Bangor to Kennebunkport. That number includes five board members and upwards of 70 fosters with available homes fluctuating due to school, sports schedules, vacations, and the like.
I talked to Mariah Maheux, Foster Coordinator for the nonprofit. Not a novice to rescue work, she came on board with PPR in the fall of 2024. She explained they take in local owner relinquishments and said they have about five inquiries a month. They pull from high-kill southern shelters twice a month with the average intake of six to 15 per professional transport. They don’t stop in the south. Once a month, they accept upwards of 10 canines, mainly from Ohio and New York, through a partnership with the Puppy Mill Rescue Team and its network of volunteers and veterinarians.
They need fosters! Hesitant due to work obligations? Mariah explained that most of their volunteers are employed. She is Director of Sales & Marketing at their family-owned Maine Rope Mats but had no problem with it. However, she recently “failed” as she became smitten and adopted her foster, an 11-year-old guy.
PPR covers all vetting, including shots, spay, neuter, heartworm, flea, tick, and any meds for infections and parasites. Supplies fosters are asked to provide include a crate, dog food and bowl, a slip and regular leash (no flexis), and harness and collar. Basic training, housebreaking, and building trust and love with the dog under your wing is imperative for their welfare and growth. (For the application, https://shorturl.at/fpduf)
Upcoming events include Meet & Greets on July 19th at the Furniture Superstore, 245 Western Ave, in South Portland from 11 am to 2 pm. On August 24th they’ll be at Pet Rock in the Park, Deering Oaks Park in Portland from 11 am to 3 pm. Also, there’s a super fundraiser, PFP Raffle for Rescues, and it’s running through September 12th (drawing is the 13th). Prizes include cash and gifts. (See facebook.com/PassionForPetsRescue for info and tickets. For all events, pprorg.com/events.)
In addition to fosters, PPR needs volunteers for a variety of duties including fundraising, transporting, photography, reference checks, and working events. Mariah said they’d appreciate martingale collars, cash donations, dog food, and items from their Chewy Wish List, shorturl.at/Oja3q.
Mariah shared that they have 8-month-old “super sweet” puppies that need forever homes. Handsome Cosmo and Barkley, along with beautiful Claire Bear, have been overlooked! They came from a high kill shelter in Mississippi where they landed because they were no longer wanted. Please go to their website below for full details on these gems! For more info including all adoptables and applications, visit pprorg.com/.
BUTLER
1 year old, Mastiff mix
She is big (60lbs.), playful, and energetic and has a real zest for life. Butler is also very polite—she knows sit, down, and takes treats very gently. Plays well with other dogs, loves to cuddle, and get hugs. She does sleep through the night and is housetrained. She will need to be fed separately from other dogs. That said, she is good with other dogs and is fine with children.
ROSALINA
15 months, Siberian Husky mix
She’s had a tough start in life--she was a stray from Puerto Rico and had a litter of puppies when she was only 8- or 9-months-old. Now it is Rosalina’s time to find her forever home. This gal has an outgoing, energetic, and loving personality. She gets along with other dogs, children, and her foster’s elderly cat (A slow introduction to cats is necessary.) She loves stuffies, hard toys, and bully sticks. Rosalina rests on the couch, dog bed, and sleeps in foster’s bed. She’s been kept on a leash or long lead in the yard as she’s squirrel obsessed! She rides well in the car and walks fine on a leash. She’ll need help with housebreaking further. She’s a very special loving dog and will be a welcome addition to any family.