By Susan Spisak
Foster-based Fairy Tails Rescue has been around for four years. They’re out of western Maine in Turner, with an emphasis on the River Valley area. Their mission is to promote the adoption of animals they’ve taken under their wing. This 501(c) 3 also provides community education in regard to puppy mills, overpopulation, and spaying/neutering in efforts to reduce the number of homeless pets.
Co-founders Allie Thomas and her mom, Patti Thomas, have been involved in rescue since 2011 when they began volunteering for rescue transports. Allie explained they then fostered for other groups and realized the importance of animal welfare work not only for the pets but to support communities, so they decided to initiate Fairy Tails Rescue in 2019.
They’re strictly a Maine rescue. “We do not import dogs at all. We focus on helping local community members with surrendering their dogs. There is a huge problem with shelters and rescues being full. This often leaves people in a hard situation, as to what to do with their pets.” She added that in the River Valley area there aren’t any shelters, so folks depend on surrounding shelters and rescues like them for help. Not only does Fairy Tails take in dogs, but cats, birds, rabbits, and ferrets.
The board-driven, all volunteer Fairy Tales is small but mighty. In addition to the co-founders, (who work full time jobs as well), they have a fundraising coordinator. There are four active fosters and a handful of others who step up as needed, and together they’ve taken in, fostered, and rehomed 216 pets, averaging 54 per year.
She’s happy they’ve been there for the community. “We have had quite a few [relinquishments] where the owners have just been completely helpless for different reasons...One not being able to afford the vet care her dog needed and surrendered to us. Another being kicked out of their home and having no place for their pets because the only place they could find didn't allow animals. The relief on their faces makes staying local to help local people so worth it.”
They’ve also helped a shelter with a few dogs who had not done well in cages, but once placed into caring Fairy Tales foster homes, it made a positive difference for the pets. Not to mention those with medical issues, “We've taken heartworm dogs that would have otherwise been euthanized if it weren’t for our amazing veterinarians exhausting all efforts. The list goes on. Sitting here thinking about all these situations just completely warms my heart.”
Her current foster, a Catahoula Leopard, is another who had a medical problem. Mable, who Allie adores, sustained a leg injury requiring an amputation. Initially depressed, she’s gained trust, is comfortable, and is a different dog these days.
Fairy Tales can always use donations, either cash or tangibles from their Amazon Wish List. Please see the website below for both links. Fosters are also needed, but if they do not live near Turner or Rumford, they do ask that they be willing to travel to their vet partners for appointments. For more info, go to
fairytails-rescue.weebly.com/.
