We adopted a kitty named dusty. He's doing great as an indoor only kitty now. He's getting along with our 2 dogs guy and mocha.
I have been a volunteer at AWS for 5 years. It is an amazing place. The staff is wonderful. They have always made me feel welcome and valued. The care they take of all the animals is excellent. Every person there goes above and beyond to provide the best environment and treatment of all the animals. I am very proud to be a part of this organization.
My experience as a volunteer and adopter has been very positive. After volunteering with the AWS for more than six years, I've had the opportunity to see many facets of the organization. The staff is first and foremost concerned with the welfare of animals in both our local area as well as contributing to saving the lives of animals from other areas. This dedication comes through time after time. I've seen every effort made to care for each animal and to match the animals with a suitable home. It has been exciting to watch the shelter grow to meet the needs of animals and their adopters as well as serving the needs of the community. My husband and I are also donors. We feel that our money makes a difference. We feel strongly that this organization deserves our support. We also adopted an adorable dog from AWS who has become a well-loved family member!
They ARE AWFUL ! I have been helping AWS for years now ! I have four Dogs I got from them and they are My family . Everything was fine until the new staff ( director ) came on board ., Last Christmas By The Sea we did a tour of the Inn and raise 1035.00 for them in five hours ! Every time I went up this past Summer and Fall to hand over yet another donation from a Guest of Our I told the Director We are doing the tour again this year and hopefully with more advertising We can raise more money this year . Time comes and I e-mail Her and even try to call and no answer from both ways ????? I even advertise in "The Portland Magazine " the event !!!! I am one of the largest donor to The Antique Show they have ! And Tonight I received an e-mail from a Guests who has made a couple donation to them in our name and She wanted to make monthly donation and the person they spoke to said We don't know Andy and couldn't find their name nor donation they made in the past !!! I have all of this as proof by e-mail and other file .This Christmas I received donation in My Christmas Cards to AWS but I sent them back saying I no Longer can support a private Club because that's what they have turned into . Lots of Puppies to make money off of them but where are the Mothers of those Puppy ?Are they a puppy Mill Now ???? Also They are No Kill but they transfer some dog away and as Far I can figure from when I ask those animal shelter they are a Kill Shelter ???? I ask but got no answer from Abgail the director ? It is sad when They get so big that they tend to forget what the Mission was to Help those Homeless Animals. And What did it cost to build that plush office building for them ? Wouldn't that Money to wise to Use for The Animals . To say I am hurt would be an understatement . I felt I was doing My Share in Helping Those Animals . Yes I do support other Shelters but AWS was My pride and Joy . We need New Staff in management . Gail was Wonderful the past director .
I have called AWS, left messages, and filled out applications to volunteer. I have never to this day received a call or acknowledgement of any of my efforts. I moved to Wells in 2002 and pursued AWS off and on since. Calling and getting the responses of the staff being out on maternity or on vacation is getting old. Yet, 3 or 4 times a year they manage to contact me for a donation. I have donated money, litter, and food and NEVER even received an acknowledgement. The idea is great but the staff is NOT interested in actual help. It seems to be a private club.
The AWS is a great part of the Kennebunk region. The staff is very dedicated to making the best situation for all of the animals that come in to the shelter. Everyone is very caring, friendly and helpful.
My dog Pedro is a 8 year old Chihuahua/Pug mix. Pedro was having some very difficult and painful bouts of ongoing prostate issues that were very painful for him that last year left him in critical condition. The vets finally figured out after all these years that Pedro had a testical in his abdomen (even though when he was a pup he was neutered.) Apparently, when Pedro was young in Georgia, he had a hernia which left his testical undetected for 8 years after! Pedro LOOKED like a neutered male on the outside but INSIDE his little system was producing enough testosterone levels to be an intact male! Apparently, 8 years ago, they missed one and well...I found out the hard way and many years of trying to resolve his bouts of pain. Not many dogs have to get neutered TWICE IN LIFE! This year we all finally figured out they mystery to Pedro's "special circumstances" and 8 year old Pedro went in to Spay/Neuter Clinic with great success! The vets and staff there were very kind and thoughtful and proceeded with the procedure with great ease. The ARL took great care to make sure that my dog was comfortable after and even called me on their off times after hours to make sure he was ok and answered questions that I also had after house. Thank you ARL for giving this little guy another start at life without pain! Yes, in fact Pedro is "half the man he used to be," but he is going to feel a heck of a lot better and will finally be able to settle down into his golden years! Warm and Furry Regards, Jennifer
My little Rosco P. Coltrane came from Georgia having been a rescue. He's the best dog I could have ever asked for at this time in my life! Rosco is full of love and fun and most of all we love each other so much.
Amazing and wonderful organization. First went there in 2011 when we found our first fur baby, since then have added three more. Recommend them highly to anyone and everyone.
Love the AWS! We first went there when we decided to adopt a dog for our family and found the perfect match on their awesome website. Ever since that first visit, we fell in love. Our dog is perfect for our family and was already so well trained and obedient! We have been coming back for visits and special events and even hosted my daughter's birthday party at the AWS last year. My kids love to collect donations for the AWS for their birthdays instead of presents because they just can't seem to get enough time with the animals! My daughter is already hoping that she can volunteer at AWS when she starts her community service hours. AWS Rocks! Always looking for a way to support them!
AWS is top-notch. We coordinate efforts with them to find forever homes for abandoned pets. They always do exactly what they say they'll do.
Adopted my cat from here after someone threw her & her litter mates in a dumpster. Best cat ever! Wish I could collect them! =)
We adopted our dog from AWS. Initially, we walked straight by or future loved one as he was not what we thought we wanted. We took the dog that I saw online for a walk and we could tell that she just was not a good fit. We were about to leave when a volunteer asked if we wanted her help. She spent about 10 minutes talking about what we wanted out of a pet and brought us to 'Buddy's' kennel. At first, we thought she was crazy, but she told us to just take him for a walk and maybe throw him a tennis ball, from what she heard she thought that once we saw his personality out of the confines of a kennel he would be a good fit.
In about 15 minutes we were a family and we haven't regretted our decision even for a minute in the 7 years that have flown by.
We also took the obedience classes that AWS offers as a way to bond with our D'Argo (his forever name in his forever home). He was an adult dog then with a very dominant personality and had been a stray, but someone had definitely shown him lots of love. We loved the instructor and the structure of the class.
I've been a volunteer @ AWS for almost 4 years. It is by far the cleanest and most welcoming shelter I've had the pleasure of visiting. The animals are loved and well taken care of and the staff is excellent.
I have both adopted animals from AWS and have volunteered there. Now I am employed at the shelter part-time. It is the cleanest, most cared-for shelter with the most caring staff I have ever encountered in comparison to other shelters and rescue organizations I have known. Every animal is treated with respect and loving care. I can't say enough about all that they do for animals in their shelter and in the community at large. I highly recommend that people visit and get to know the staff and see their animals. They have a great selection of dogs, cats, bunnies and birds!
AWS helps all. I have seen so many animals with serious medical problems be given the care they deserve and a good home found for all. The staff are caring, compassionate people who go above and beyond for every animal. AWS has many programs for educating the young, promoting spay/neutering, obedience classes for owners, and many more. As a volunteer, foster home, and adopter, I have seen it grow from a one room shelter to the facility it is today with many rooms for cats, dogs, and small animals (and of course birds too) with many outdoor yards for play time. The facility is clean and the animals well cared for. I am homored to be part of this organization. Our community is fortunate to have them. Thank you AWS for all that you do.
It just doesn't get any better than this. Thank goodness the AWS exists to ensure the thousands of cats, dogs and small animals are rescued, many from unspeakable abuse and some even death. I have volunteered there for over 3 years and continued to be impressed by their dedication, determination and professionalism. Thank you AWS. I am grateful for the two dogs I got from the shelter as they have brought nothing but joy to my life.
I first became aware of their great work when adopting my lab/pit bull mix Winnie nearly six years ago. I became a volunteer after my experience because I Saw an opportunity to be a part of something great. I have never met a group of more impassioned employees and volunteers working together seamlessly for the same collective goals: save as many animals as possible, while educating the public and working to increase spay and neuters.
I volunteer at the shelter and have became a board member. I have always been impressed with the way they handle the animals and the prospective adoptees. The outreach programs for the surrounding communities have been innovative and outstanding in their reach and scope including not only the spay and neuter programs but the feral cat and prison adoptees program. The facility is always clean and fresh with much credit to be had by their staff and volunteer personnel as they are the backbone to any animal shelter. I am proud to have this facility nearby and recommend it to anyone seeking the love of an animal.
Gary
I am so happy that we have an organization like the AWS. They have brought so much happiness to so many people and so many animals also. The workers and the volunteers are great.
I have recommended the AWS to alot of people especially for their dog obedience class where our two Goldens were trained.
Thank you AWS.
Bernie T.
I have been volunteering at AWS for over 24 years. I have seen this organization grow and develop through the years to become a state of the art shelter with progressive humane programs, become a leader within the community and continue to improve and enhance procedures all to the benefit of the thousands of animals it takes in every year and finds new homes for.
AWS is a terrific, well run, clean animal shelter for dogs and cats. The people who work here really do a great job with the animals and take extra care in matching up the right pet with the right person. The dog we adopted has found her forever home. The application process only takes a minute and once that's done your dog may be out for a walk as mine was, or playing outside or with a staff member! Just tell them what you are looking for and they will do everything to help. Very positive people who love placing animals in good homes. Our dog has been a blessing.