AWF spells success in South Windham, Maine
October sunshine, blue skies and green pastures set the stage for the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals’ second Animal Well Fair on Sunday the 11th. Hundreds of visitors filled the Society’s big barn and mingled with one another as well as with the many animal-focused professionals staffing tables in the center aisle. The barn was also filled with sociable horses of every size and shade. The horses, formerly abused and neglected, had been seized by Maine law enforcement officials and placed at the Society for rehabilitation. In some cases, the horses become available for adoption into a community placement; in others the horses remain at the River Road farm for the balance of their natural lives. From the very young to the young at heart, people were able to see, smell and stroke the curious, friendly horses. Society president Marilyn Goodreau greeted guests, hugged old friends, and welcomed everyone with her warmth and kindness. Her pride in the condition of the horses in the barn was evident as she explained the work done daily by Society staff. Mornings are devoted to cleaning the animals, the antique farmhouse and attached animal shelter areas, the barns and grounds. Animals who need routine medical, dental or other attention are treated and then returned to their ordinary schedules. In the afternoon, the facility is open to the public while staff members continue the never-ending tasks of farm maintenance. Well Fair attendees asked many questions, and were particularly interested in the histories of the rescued animals.
The world’s largest monster fire truck, an antique fire engine named Big Red dominated the long driveway and drew in many passersby on their way to the barn. Courtesy of its owner, Shaw Brothers Construction Co. of Gorham, Maine, the famous truck and driver were there to make the point that one important part of animal care is fire safety. Volunteers handed out fire chief hats and offered information about Big Red and its mission to assist in charity work here in Maine.
Rehabilitated horses peacefully grazed in the pastures and paddocks surrounding the clean, orderly barns. Volunteers who had grown pumpkins and gourds for sale at the event displayed their produce on hay bales to tempt those looking for the perfect jack-o-lantern pumpkin or speckled swan gourd. All proceeds were donated to benefit the Society’s mission of restoring rescued animals to their best possible condition. Hundreds of small pumpkins were also donated to the pumpkin painting enterprise that was taking place in the double stall set aside for children’s activities. The youngest animal lovers could have their faces painted, make seasonal crafts, and enjoy an afternoon of family-friendly activities.
The Society’s equine veterinarian, Dr. Rachel Flaherty of Maine Equine Associates, with Erin Austin, lead veterinary technician at MEA, greeted horse owners and horse lovers by offering information about best practices for equine care. Many people visiting the barn were old friends and clients of MEA and many conversations centered on beloved animals both present and past. Dr. Flaherty is greatly respected and admired by her human clients at the Society and elsewhere, although some horses have been known to head for the hills when they recognize the sound of her vehicle approaching. Children aren’t the only ones who may try to avoid those regular vaccinations!
Windham Elementary School teacher Mrs. Kelly Rich was on hand with some of her students and their families to help promote the mission of humane education and creative examples of its integration into the school curriculum. During the last legislative session, Mrs. Rich and her second grade class were invited to the state capitol to receive a legislative sentiment thanking them for their outstanding work to raise money for the Society. In less than a month, the group raised nearly $1,000.00 to help support the rescued animals living at the farm. They also met with Governor Baldacci, who commended their efforts and encouraged them to help all those in need. Also helping at Mrs. Rich’s table was Bob the Screenprinter’s family. Bob’s custom made tie-dyed T-shirts in colors straight from the 60s and sporting the Society’s logos were selling faster than hay bales in January.
Dr. Barry Porter and the staff of Lake Region Animal Hospital presented information and ideas about the care and feeding of smaller companion animals. Their table was filled with gorgeous raffle baskets of dog and cats items worth hundreds of dollars. Raffle sales were brisk, but the drawing won’t take place until December 14th. You still have time to get your raffle tickets at Lake Region Animal Hospital, 554 Roosevelt Trail, Windham; FMI please visit www.lakeregionanimalhospital.com Raffle sale proceeds will be donated to benefit the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals.
Other professionals and animal advocates participating at the event included Estelle Lavoie, Esq. of the firm Preti Flaherty Beliveau and Pachios, Maine Friends of Animals, the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, Maddy Grey of Nicker News / 14 Carrot Horse Care, the Humane Society of the United States, Dr. Jeff Carr, Sue Adams and staff of the North Windham Veterinary Clinic, Ann Melville of OnBalance Farrier Service, and representatives from Maine’s Animal Welfare Program. Award winning wildlife and equine photographer Duncan Miller offered visitors the opportunity to see and purchase his remarkable work. His stall was crowded throughout the event. To see some of Duncan’s gorgeous photographs, visit www.duncanmillerphoto.com Rounding out the displays was that of Bryan Kaufman, a craftsman whose fun creations give new meaning to the term feline furniture. Bryan has donated one of his custom made pieces to the Society for its raffle to be drawn on December 5th during its Holiday Open House. To see the Purple Pagoda Tree and purchase your raffle tickets for the contest, please click on the Pagoda Tree story on this website. You may also purchase tickets via telephone by calling 207-892-3040 between 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. M – F.
Outside the big barn, Southside Premium Pizza of South Windham offered tasty sandwiches, pizza, and pastries for sale. Under the spacious food tent with plenty of room to sit, eat, and relax, guests were also treated to a demonstration of canine intelligence and skill by Sergeant Bill Andrew of the Windham Public Safety Department and his canine partner. Sergeant Andrew and his dogs are perennial favorites at events that showcase the close bond between people and their animals.
Proceeds of all merchandise and raffle sales by MSSPA staff and volunteers goes directly to the care and feeding of the more than one hundred animals who make their homes at the facilities of the Society.
To see more photos taken at the 2009 Animal Well Fair, visit the gallery of photos by clicking this link . The Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals is open to the public each day between the hours of 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (barns close at 3:00 p.m. for night feeding) with no admission charge.
The MSSPA is a tax-exempt, 501(c) (3) and receives no federal, state or local funding. The Society is entirely funded by membership dues, donations, bequests, grants, and fund-raising activities. The Society does not charge for its services and seeks no reimbursement from any public source. The MSSPA provides nearly two million dollars in services each year to the taxpayers of Maine, and salvation to abused animals.