Ogunquit News
A pAWSitively OGUNQUIT! summer
By Jennifer L. Saunders
This lovely Labrador is named Chase and was created by York artist Julie Twombly as part of this year’s special benefit, pAWSitively OGUNQUIT!
Courtesy photo
Come visit the unique pets of pAWSitively OGUNQUIT! all around town in the weeks ahead. Pictured here, from left, are Pawsonne by Jeff Calvi; Catfish by Joanne Albano, and King Mutt by Tchioo.
Courtesy photo
Traveler, pictured here, was created by Susan Kemenyffy and is owned by Paul J. Gitnik. She will not go to auction at the end of pAWSitively OGUNQUIT! — but you can find her in town now.
Courtesy photo
OGUNQUIT - This "beautiful place by the sea" is the home to some very special visitors this summer, and they're catching quite a bit of attention.
Ogunquit may be known for its beautiful beaches, quaint shops and eateries and, of course, the Ogunquit Playhouse, but among the attractions this year are delightful decorated dogs and cats that are gracing local businesses all around town.
These 18 statues of creative canines and festive felines have, in fact, been adopted by local businesses and, in the words of the event's organizers, "groomed by local artists" in support of the Animal Welfare Society (AWS) and its efforts to provide loving homes to abandoned and stray pets and of the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce.
AWS has as its mission to "provide humane shelter and care to animals temporarily in need of housing, and to further the cause of responsible animal adoption and ownership through education and public awareness" while the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization focused on the advancement of the commercial, recreational, cultural and civic interests of the community.
The pAWSitively OGUNQUIT pets are on display all summer at their temporary homes and are just waiting for residents and visitors alike to stop by and check them out.
Organizers of this special event are urging everyone to pick up a touring map and get each location stamped on it as they visit the animals. Those who visit all 18 pets and return their passport section of the map to the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce will be eligible for special prizes.
"Our sponsors for pAWSitively OGUNQUIT are true animal lovers, great friends and savvy business owners," explained Frances Reed and Katie Lisnik in an announcement of the special summer of pets. "When you visit the animals, make sure you check out the wonderful stores, restaurants and lodging establishments that your travels take you to."
The pAWSitively OGUNQUIT "Pride of the Pack" sponsors include Spoiled Rotten, a specialty gift store right in the heart of Ogunquit; Paul J. Gitnik, a member of the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce, and Yardarm Village Inn Wine and Gift Shop on Shore Road. The "Pick of the Litter" sponsors are all located on Main Street and include Animal Instinct, a unique toy store; Gazebo Inn Ogunquit; Julie's Ristorante, and Perkins & Perkins gourmet food and gift shop. The "pAWSitively AWSome" sponsors are Harbor Candy Shop, Gorges Grant Hotel, The Milestone, Meadowmere Resort, Norseman Resorts, Juniper Hill Inn, Bintliff's Ogunquit and Bread & Roses Bakery.
And the summer fun doesn't end with Labor Day this year. Be a part of the pAWSitively OGUNQUIT Grand Auction on Oct. 21, where these artistic animals will be adopted into their permanent homes. Just imagine "Buster Bloom" gracing your garden or "Leopardo" watching over you from one of your windowsills.
Auction tickets are now available and are expected to sell out quickly. For more information, call 646-1279, e-mail paws@oqunquit.org or visit www.ogunquit.org/paws. And to meet just a few of the pets being helped by the AWS, see The Independent's "Pets of the Week".
