Dedicated to Animals & the Community
By Susan Spisak
Pope Memorial Humane Society (PMHS) was founded in 1989. The founders bought seven acres on Buttermilk Lane in Thomaston for their first shelter, but after outgrowing it, they raised funds, and with community support, built a 10,000 sq. ft. facility there. PMHS promotes responsible pet ownership, the human-animal bond, and the humane treatment of all animals. Over the years, thousands of animals have received care, rehabilitation, and been lovingly adopted.
They’ve been very busy recently, said their Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Kasey Bielecki. “Over the past six months, PMHS has taken in 128 dogs. Of those, 34 were local puppies who came to us through our Moms and Toms Last Litter program. The remaining 94 dogs entered our care for a variety of reasons, including owner relinquishment and transfers through our partnership with state animal welfare.”
She elaborated on the Moms and Toms Last Litter program. It’s for pet owners who have an unexpected litter. They must agree to surrender the full litter to the shelter, and PMHS provides all vet care and preventatives for the pups before they then adopt them out. They’ll also spay and neuter the parents at no cost and return them to the family. “It’s a practical way to prevent future litters while making sure these puppies are cared for and placed well.”
Last year there was a vital addition to their facility, The Pope Veterinary Clinic. Named for Mr. Lyman Pope, a longtime benefactor, the on-site clinic allows them to provide consistent, high-quality, thorough medical care for their animals. The facility is improving animal welfare and expediting their adoption into new homes. PMHS is grateful to not only Mr. Pope but the community as well as they supported them greatly in this endeavor.
Campaigns to assist vet costs include The Sherman Medical Fund, which kicked off a matching gift drive by Martine Richard LaBrie and Dr. Henry LaBrie. Donations will be matched up to $75,000, potentially raising $150,000 for medical care. “Their support of the Sherman Medical Fund, including this matching gift, ensures the animals coming through our doors receive the care they need. We’re so appreciative of their partnership and can’t thank them enough,” said Kasey. She indicated it’s essential as they’re seeing animals with many elevated medical needs.
Another year-round campaign involves animals and art, and they’re both important to PMHS. Their Art Wall in the shelter is indicative of this, “Since opening our current building in 2016, the wall has provided a dedicated space for local artists to display and sell their work while also supporting the animals in our care.” A portion of each sale is donated back to PMHS. “It serves as an ongoing fundraiser, but just as importantly, it keeps that connection between art, community, and animal welfare front and center,” explained Kasey.
Mark your calendar for their 6th Annual Bark + Brew in the Barn at Harmony Hill Farm in Warren on Thursday, September 17th from 5 pm to 9 pm. The 21+ event will have live music from the Right Track Band, local wine, beer, cider, a fun mocktail, local food trucks, a silent auction, and of course puppies!
For adoption, foster, and volunteer applications, donation links, and to see their adoptable dogs available, popehumane.org/.
LIVY
1 year old, Mixed Breed
Livy absolutely adores other dogs. Sometimes she takes a minute to warm up to new people, but once she does, she becomes a massive cuddle bug who is all about the play-most-of-day, relax-all-night lifestyle. A PMHS staff and volunteer favorite, they love walking her and are excited for her to find a family! If you have a love for larger (65lbs) dogs and have a friendly and playful pup at home, Livy might be a fantastic addition to your family.
SHAYLA
3 years old, Shepherd/Heeler
She keeps everyone on their toes in the best way. She’s a smart dog who picks up on things quickly and enjoys having something to do. Shayla adores other dogs and loves a good play session, especially with a canine buddy. She’s also continuing to build her confidence, and staff and volunteers have enjoyed watching her come into her own. If you’re looking for an active, engaged dog and have a friendly pup at home, Shayla could be a great fit.