Inspired by a Southern Stray
By Susan Spisak
In 2016, a special dog in Mississippi faithfully sat by her deceased owner’s grave every day. She got pregnant in that graveyard and tried valiantly to keep her pups alive as they were all starving. Fortunately, an animal worker discovered and rescued them. Several pups remained in the south for adoption, while the rest came to Maine with the mom. Chantell Hahn adopted that approximately three-year-old mom, naming her Harbor.
That brave girl was so sweet and stoic, Chantell said that you would never have known she had been shot in one hip, while the other was shattered. She was also positive for heartworm. Harbor got the vet care she needed and flourished with Chantelle’s nurturing. (Today at thirteen, Chantelle said, “She’s as happy as can be.”)
Chantelle knew that unfortunately many other pets need help. So, inspired by Harbor, she began fostering dogs for nonprofits. By 2023, this energetic young woman—she’s married with two young children whom she home schools—knew she was ready to make a big move to honor her girl Harbor.
She obtained required permits and licensing to become a 501(C) 3. That rescue, Safe Harbor Sanctuary, is tucked in a tiny town in Waldo County. Their mission is to provide a safe place for neglected, abandoned, or unwanted animals. They strive to be advocates for animals in need and provide education and resources to address the overpopulation of dogs and cats.
Chantelle said she relies on a core group of thirty regular fosters, though hundreds have helped over the years. Some may have fostered one dog and “failed” by adopting, while others may have cared for only a few animals. (Although they’re foster based, in early 2025 Chantelle’s husband and a helper converted their garage into a space with five new dog kennels and a cat room that she oversees.) Every foster has been appreciated and essential given the sanctuary’s impressive intake.
So far this year, they’ve rescued 198 dogs (and 230 cats). Last year, 277 dogs arrived and were placed in new homes. The sanctuary takes in dogs from within the state as needed, as well as from Georgia, Mississippi, and Texas.
This nonprofit is designed to aid companion animals who need them. But Chantelle doesn’t shy away from the harder-to-place. One such dog is beautiful Pearl who is patiently awaiting a home. She was found starving on the streets in Texas. She had what’s known as a “happy tail.” Constant wagging it broke her tail open, resulting in an amputation. This two-year-old now sports an adorable little stub tail.
Pearl adores her people, craves attention and patting. She is housebroken and would love to snuggle, whether on the couch or in your bed. Pearl wants to be the queen of the castle, so no other pets please. Intrigued? Email Chantelle, see below.
If you’d like to foster or volunteer with them, email safeharborsanctuary2016@gmail.com. All available dogs and their Amazon Wish List are on their Facebook page. Check out more of their available dogs on DDN’s Adoptable pages.
PEARL
2 years old Pittie Mix
A beautiful lady patiently waiting for her forever home. She was found starving on the streets in Texas. She had “happy tail” from constantly wagging it and broke her tail open resulting in an amputation. She now sports an adorable little stub tail. She LOVES her people. She craves attention and bum scratches. She is housebroken and would love to snuggle on the couch or in bed with you. She is not a huge fan of other animals and would like to be the queen of her own castle.
OZ
1 year old, Herding Mix
A smart, loyal dog looking for the right home. He is an intelligent, sensitive working-type dog who thrives in calm, structured environments. Busy or chaotic situations can overwhelm him, and when that happens, he may jump or grab to control things. This is instinctive herding behavior, not aggression, but it does mean Oz needs a home that understands working dogs and can provide clear guidance and consistency. When the environment is calm, Oz shows what a wonderful dog he truly is. He enjoys attention, likes being close to his person, and settles nicely once he feels secure. Oz is the kind of dog who will form a strong bond with his person and become a very loyal companion.
SEBASTIAN
Shepherd Mix
He spent 9 years in a camper, 1 year in a woodshed and almost 1 year in the kennel. He is now loving life in his foster home! He loves snuggling on the couch, going for car rides, taking shorter walks in the woods, and getting into the water. He’s been doing fine around the dogs in his foster’s apartment complex. He’s disinterested and there’s no aggression. He’d probably do best as only dog or may do well with a calm fur sibling. He is very spry for an older guy! He doesn’t love being crated and would prefer to have someone home most of the time with him! He does eat sensitive food and is on anxiety medication. This poor guy has not had an easy life but is so deserving of a happily ever after!!