Blackbird Animal Health

02/14/2024

11/10/2023

📣 Important Shelter Update: Fighting Panleukopenia and Caring for Our Cats 😺

As 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 draws to a close, we want to take a moment to update you on recent shelter events, and highlight our incredible, hardworking staff.

Over the past few weeks, we have been dealing with an outbreak of Feline Panleukopenia (FP). FP is a highly contagious disease caused by the Feline Parvovirus. There is no cure for FP, and while older cats are frequently able to recover, the virus is often fatal when found in young kittens. As always, our top priority is to ensure the well-being of every animal in our care.

Our dedicated staff has been working tirelessly, going above and beyond to provide the level of care these cats desperately need. The circumstances of helping so many cats that are so sick, many with poor prognoses, is heart wrenching, but 𝙬𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙤 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙛𝙛. Since there is no cure for FP, the treatment plan requires intensive care to support the cats' overall health so that their immune systems can fight off the virus. Our Feline Animal Care Technicians have been working for eight hours a day in quarantined areas while wearing full PPE, and are pouring every ounce of their heart and soul into caring for these animals. This photo shows a staff member trying desperately to get a sick kitten to eat.

We also want to be transparent about the financial strain this outbreak has put on our shelter. The cost of caring for a large number of sick cats, providing medical treatment, and ensuring their recovery is substantial. Additionally, in the last month, we have taken in over forty cats and kittens from two different hoarding situations, and both groups broke with FP. Both of our campuses have been impacted, and there are still more animals from those locations that need to be rescued.

If you're in a position to help, please consider making a donation to our shelter. Your generosity will directly impact the lives of these cats and support the dedication of our hardworking staff. You can donate through our website or visit us in person at 5 Industrial Parkway in Brunswick. Together, we can overcome this challenge and continue our mission of giving these cats a chance for a better life.

If, like us, you are encouraged and heartened by our team’s dedication, please consider sending a gift card their way. $5 gift cards from Dunkin', Starbucks, Target, Hannaford, or other local businesses would mean the world to our staff members, and will be distributed directly to Animal Care Technicians. Should you feel inspired, please send e-giftcards to [email protected].

Thank you for your ongoing support, understanding, and for being a part of our animal-loving community. 🙏❤️

08/01/2023

We're running low on the linens that help keep our animals comfy and cozy! Do you have any blankets, sheets or towels to spare? These items provide comfort, warmth and privacy to the animals in our care, are used in our clinic during surgeries and exams, and help us keep living spaces clean. If you have any extra linens you'd be willing to donate, please drop them off at our Brunswick or Edgecomb location. Thank you!

07/27/2023

Dr Cote has been fostering these 2 sweet kittens and they’re now ready for their forever homes. They have been spayed/neutered, microchipped and vaccinated and are available for adoption through Midcoast Humane. They are great with kids, dogs and other cats. They also super snuggly! Please let us know if you’d like to add them to your home!!

07/21/2023

07/06/2023

UPDATE: FANTASTIC NEWS!!! Dory is now home safe and sound! LOST CAT - DORY of Bodwell Street, Brunswick, Maine! Adult Short Hair Tortie Tiger Fixed Female Cat! Indoor Only & Likely Scared! Missing Since 06/29/2023! Has a Microchip! PLEASE DO NOT CHASE if Seen!

02/02/2023

Bangor Savings Bank's annual Community Matters More program launched today, and we are on the ballot this year! All you have to do to vote is visit bangor.com/cmm, click on 'Maine', then "Cumberland County" and check the box marked Midcoast Humane. If enough people vote for us, we will receive a $5,000 grant for the animals in our care!

11/18/2022

Blackbird Animal Health is looking for a part time customer service superstar. This position carries the privilege of working directly with our clients to schedule appointments, answer questions and help the rest of our tiny team provide the best care we can. The position starts at $20/hr and we’re looking for 15-20 hours a week. Job requirements: be an excellent human, have great communication skills, be able to work independently and cooperatively. Bonus: familiarity with the vet industry/medical terms, baking skills😉

Just a little background if you’re new here: we operate on the concept of Fear Free Cooperative Veterinary Care. We are an LBGTQ loving practice and we believe Black Lives Matter. We look forward to meeting you soon!!

09/22/2022

🐾 Paw it Forward Update:
In the last 8 days since Midcoast Humane's challenge to raise $50K in 50 days kicked off, we have raised $8020! Thank you to all who have contributed! ✨

❤ Help us reach $50K and show your support for animal welfare in your community by making a Paw it Forward donation today at: https://midcoasthumane.org/donate/paw-it-forward/ (Each dollar up to $50K will be matched by an anonymous generous donor)

💙 Want your pet featured during the Paw it Forward campaign? Share a photo of your pet striking their best 
"Paw it Forward" pose (like Gibbs pictured here). Either tag on social media or email your photo to [email protected].

Thank you! 💙❤️