Cats, Dogs... Pigs? Truly Something for Everyone at the Humane Society of Knox County

To close out my week featuring the Humane Society of Knox County in Rescue ME, I spent the afternoon chilling with some of my very favorite people and pets. HSKC is home to nearly two hundred cats at the moment, between those housed at the shelter and those kept in foster homes, as well as between fifteen and twenty dogs at any given time. They also house rabbits, parakeets, guinea pigs, and just about anything else that will fit inside the small shelter and is in need of a home. This week, that means they are also home to a pink and white pig named Poppy, who I found entirely by accident snoring contentedly in the corner of a dog kennel. Poppy was the final survivor in an animal cruelty case in Etna, Maine, where a number of horses and other farm animals were found in need of rescue. Because the lighting wasn't great, she was difficult to photograph, but here's my shot of Poppy the Pig:



In addition to Poppy the Pig, there were of course a ton of cats of all shapes and sizes to choose from. HSKC has a great community feel, with cats roaming freely around the lobby and in and out of the cat community room. Here are a few shots of the wonderful facility the folks at the Society have put together:





And some of the very contented residents...





Since this is the Dogged Writer, I would be remiss if I didn't mention some of the fine canines at HSKC. I got to meet Fred, the most awesome beagle EVER, who was scared of the cats and played with both kids and other dogs with complete abandon. Young, handsome, and utterly lovable, Fred is definitely a dog who deserves a great home. I watched an adorable Corgi go home with a sweet elderly gentleman, fell in love with a gorgeous, six-year-old male German shepherd named King, and made doe eyes at a couple of soulful hounds by the names of Devon and Abby:

A man among men: King

Irresistible: Devon

Princess Hound: Abby

And then there was this fellow, a twelve-year-old terrier with a severe flea allergy whose owners are trying to make the difficult decision whether or not they can afford to care for the little guy as he enters his twilight years:



Times are tough around the country, and I can't imagine having to make the decision to part with such a sweet old guy as little Ozzie. If his folks do indeed decide that they can't keep him any longer, however, I'm sure it won't be long before people will be lining up to give him a new forever home.

So, that was my day at HSKC. Stay tuned tomorrow as I do a final round-up and talk about three innovative, educational programs the Humane Society of Knox County is spearheading, and how you can help them continue their good work. Hope you're having a great weekend, and thanks for stopping by!