Norway Savings Donates $1,500 to “Life-Saving” Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland

WESTBROOK— Animals arrive at the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland (ARLGP) from around Maine and across the country, but regardless of where they started, each finds medical assistance, safe shelter, and kindness upon their arrival thanks to a staff and volunteers driven by a staunch commitment to care.

“It’s an incredible thing to see. ARLGP is so much more than a resource matching people with pets. They build and celebrate healthy relationships and are guided by the belief in the importance of offering each animal love, compassion, and dignity so they can enjoy the highest quality of life. It’s quite moving and meaningful,” said Dan Walsh, President and CEO of Norway Savings Bank. 

Located on Landing Road in Westbrook, ARLGP was launched with funding donated by former Maine Governor Percival Baxter in 1911. In the decades since, it has provided temporary care and shelter for stray, abandoned, and relinquished animals while placing as many as possible into responsible and caring homes.

In 2023 alone, with the help of a dedicated staff, over 400 volunteers, and 240 foster families, the organization:

• completed 3,012 adoptions
• provided clinical care, pet food, and reunification services to 954 pets and families
• offered education to over 2,100 children
• trained 549 dogs in training classes

The benevolence has inspired consistent donations from Norway Savings Bank for decades, including a $1,500 contribution to support the organization’s annual Shelter Sleep-In on Friday, November 15.

“Every gift assures that we give the best care possible to thousands of animals every year seeking shelter, safety, and kindness,” said Patsy Murphy, Executive Director of ARLGP. “We’re so grateful to Norway Savings who continually works alongside us in our mission to serve animals in need.”

“The strong passion is at the heart of what makes this life-saving organization special,” said Walsh. “Each and every person there is working to improve lives, and each and every day, they make a monumental difference for homeless and displaced pets.”

There are many ways to help the ARLGP as they raise awareness and offer support. To make a donation, visit www.arlgp.org/make-a-gift/donate. To explore volunteering opportunities, head to www.arlgp.org/volunteer/volunteer-at-arlgp. To consider adopting a pet, visit www.arlgp.org/adopt/adopt-a-pet.