Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland

08/07/2025

We love every dog that comes through our doors, but some of them just stick with us. That's why all month long August is DOGUST - and we're sharing some stories from our staff about the dogs we just can't wait to see find their new homes.

Duke is a big boy with a big heart, although he might not open it up at first. But once he does, he'll be by your side for good - and you won't want it any other way.

"Duke is the sweetest cuddly puppy ever!" says Sam, our Canine Care Technician. "Whenever we're having a rough day, we always go to Duke because he makes everything better with his snuggles."

Duke will need a quiet home away from the bustle of the city, with confident owners who can help him be the best dog he can be. He's already opened up so much to us at the shelter and we can't wait until he bonds with his own family.

Thanks to our friends at Town & Country Federal Credit Union Maine we'll be sharing our staff-favorite pups every week all Dogust long.

08/06/2025

If you stop by our feline and critters office, you'll notice one less white fluffy bunny in residence. Griffith came to us on New Years Eve as a stray and desperately in need of a little TLC. After months of being doted on with treats, warm bedding and loving praise from our staff, Griffith and his giant Lambchop have finally found a great new home.

"Even with all the space and new things he still loves cuddling/grooming/laying on crusty lamb which never ceases to be the cutest thing ever," his adopter told us. "The second day home he did an amazing binky, and through the last ten days he’s done some strings of binkies and bunny 500s, and flops often, which warms my heart to see him so happy and comfortable already. He loves booping and has the strongest boops of any bunny I’ve ever encountered."

We're so thankful for our small animal adopters and their dedication to all of our critters. Congrats to Griffith for finding the warm and loving home he deserves!

08/05/2025

We solemnly swear these kittens are up to no good. If you want to add a new magical friend to your house Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Fleur are ready to apparate right into your heart.

While they can't transfigure themselves into anything else, we think they're pretty cute as they are. Come visit them today and take home your own chosen one!

08/04/2025

Are you looking for a confident senior cat to adopt you? At 10 years old, Marcus knows what he likes and doesn't like, and has decided he has no time for the latter. You'll know when he's satisfied by the little chirps he makes!

As for when he does like, snacks and laps make the top of the list. Here's what his foster had to say about him:

"Marcus is a peaceful gentleman with a calm and mellow soul. He's a total lovebug and his favorite activity was curling up to sleep on my lap when I was reading or watching TV in the evening on my recliner.

Whenever I had guests he never hid and was unfazed by the extra people, often exploring the various laps trying to decide if he liked one better than mine. He always came back to me though."

Marcus is available at the shelter today, so come in and meet him or visit our website to learn more!

08/03/2025

Thank you to everyone who came out to support our WGME CBS 13 News, Portland Pet Food Drive on Friday. We're happy to share that we surpassed last year's total and collected 2,500lbs of food! We couldn't have done it without your generous donations.

Thanks to WGME for their support every year, and for sharing some behind the scenes stories from the shelter. Check out the one below about our Mutt Mentor program and how our volunteers work to enrich the lives of dogs during their stay with us.

Since this story was shot, Natalie has been adopted and we hope is keeping up with all her tricks in her new home!

The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland is calling for volunteers to join its "Mutt Mentor" program.

08/02/2025

UPDATE: Mack has been adopted!

Big Mack. Mack Truck. Mack and Cheese. No matter what you call him, he's happy to see you. We treated Mack to a field trip this week complete with a couple stops for ice cream. But that big smile comes from spending time with his best friends, even if he just met them. Mack is the perfect pal for anyone looking for an 86lb lapdog!

We always strive to treat our pets like the VIPs they are - our Very Important Pets! That's why we partner with VIP Tires & Service to give them the shelter experience they deserve. Come meet Mack today and take home your very own VIP!

08/01/2025

We are out here bright and early for the WGME CBS 13 News, Portland Pet Food Drive! We'll be collecting supplies, meeting dogs and talking shelter needs all morning and until 6:30pm this evening. Last year we collected nearly 2,000 pounds of food - you can help us beat that this year! Check out the Donate section of our website to see our biggest needs.

07/31/2025

Reggie is a larger-than-life man, but that just means there's more to love. And love him you will - this guy isn't shy about getting his head rubs. He's lived with another cat in the past and we think would do great with a cat-savvy family.

Overall Reggie needs a new family that doesn't show love in the form of food, and who will help him with his fitness so he can be the best guy he can be. His weight hasn't slowed down his curiosity however, and he's still quite the explorer.

Reggie is living in one of our colony rooms and welcomes you to come visit him today!

07/30/2025

Look who's back on four paws! We told you last month how Otis was recovering from TPLO surgery and had to be on strict bedrest - including getting rides around campus (last photo if you haven't seen how cute that was).

While he's still on some exercise restrictions as we ease him back to full strength, Otis is up and walking on his own and even doing well enough to take a field trip with one of our volunteers this weekend.

You'll learn more about Otis this Friday when WGME CBS 13 News, Portland comes for the annual Pet Food Drive! They got to meet Otis and learn about how our Carson Medical Fund supports dogs like him that need extra medical help, without passing that expense on to the adopter. We'll be here collecting pet food donations until 6:30pm Friday with live broadcasts throughout the day, so come by and support us!

07/29/2025

Do you feel like the best things in life are earned? That hard work makes the reward that much sweeter? That being showered with love and affection would just be too easy?

Ellie agrees, which is why she only opens up for those with the patience and dedication to earn her trust - and she will be very clear letting you know when you haven't. With a little time Ellie will go from rubbing against your legs to accepting pets and even crawling up into your lap.

She thrives on routine and will let you know when it's playtime or she's in need of a good cuddle. She likes listening to audiobooks in her room and when her favorite people join her for lunch.

Winning over Ellie takes time, and the best time to start is today!

07/28/2025

This Friday WGME CBS 13 News, Portland is back at the ARLGP for the annual Pet Food Drive supporting animal shelters across Maine! We'll be outside all day collecting donations as WGME broadcasts live sharing stories about our work and what your donations and support mean to us.

You'll hear from our Mutt Mentors, meet some of our shelter pets and see just how much it takes to feed all these hungry mouths.

Check out the Wish Lists & Donations page of our website to see what we're in need of, and tune in morning and night this Friday to follow along as the donations come in!

07/26/2025

As soon as Harley arrived to the ARLGP, we new she'd make a great adventure dog. The only thing she loves more than making new friends is keeping busy, whether that's by learning commands or exploring on a long walk. We're checking in with her in her new home for this month's Evergreen Credit Union Happy Tails!

Harley (now named Marley) is already attached to her new family. Whether it's a day on the boat or a nap at the campsite, she's happy to be along for the ride. "She absolutely loves being outside, going on car rides, and going on new adventures like swimming and hiking," her family told us. "She can also be very laid back, and loves to snuggle."