Photos - Volunteering with Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS), an Arm of United Animal Nations


In the Fall of 2007, the State of Maine seized the 240 dogs that were in an abusing puppy mill in Buxton, Maine. After providing the initial medical treatment to treat the diseases these dogs had, the State of Maine contracted with several nonprofit organizations, including EARS, an organization with which I trained, to establish an emergency shelter to care for the dogs while the case was being litigated.

I had the great fortune to spend 10 days as an EARS volunteer at the emergency shelter set up in Portland, Maine that housed about 140 of these dogs. I was one of 2 "cooks" and also chipped in on the other chores. We worked side-by-side with the wonderful staff and volunteers from local shelters and from the American Humane Association, another impressive organization.


 
 
Marcia shows off a gourmet meal while Gretchen looks on
 		   Gretchen & Marcia on kitchen duty

 
 
Gretchen & Marcia on Kitchen Duty

 		   The shelter in Portland, Maine. (Because the case was in litigation, photographs of the dogs were not permitted.)

 
EARS Volunteers at a daily end-of-day debriefing session back at the motel
 
EARS volunteers in the lobby of the shelter on the last day of EARS assignment in Maine
Friends were made.