Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals

06/09/2026

There's a first time for everything, and today, it was time for sweet Yahtzee to get those little teeth done with Dr. Judd. Yahtzee came to the Society last November, an adorable little six month old donkey, tucked in next to his momma Olive. Now, he's nearly 14 months old, and growing up fast. On today's 'word from the herd,' we follow along with Dr. Judd as he gives him a bit of sedation before looking in his mouth, with MSSPA Barn Manager Madison Donahue assisting. Yahtzee was a champ ("No cavities, Mom!"). Having the ability to start our younger horses and donkeys off on the right foot is so important, and thanks to Dr. Judd's skill, Yahtzee's first 'trip to the dentist' was a great success.

06/08/2026

The MSSPA would love to give a shout out to Ms. Hart and her art students at Sebago Elementary School (Sebago Elementary PTO) for sharing these incredible portraits of our adoptable horses! This year, the school partnered with eight local animal shelters and rescues to raise awareness about adoptable animals through art. The students (and teachers!) tapped into their imaginations to add some creative touches to capture the horses' personalities. We LOVE these ... and plan to mount them on the horses' stall doors. Raising awareness about animal welfare in Maine is part of our mission -- we are grateful to have such talented ambassadors to help us in this effort.

06/08/2026

It was standing room only this morning during the convening of the annual Turkey Vulture convention, here at the farm. Early arrivals got the best seats (on the fence) while late-comers had to settle for the cheap seats up the hill on the hay cart. (Clearly, no one cleared the use of the space with Daisy, Liberty and Brooklyn who stood as far away from the gathering as they could.) The vultures were quite efficient and have already wrapped things up and headed out for coffee and danish.

06/05/2026

Thank you to The Windham Eagle for this terrific coverage of our ribbon-cutting!

MSSPA dedicates new intake barn in Windham
https://frontpage.thewindhameagle.com/2026/06/msspa-dedicates-new-intake-barn-in.html
Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals

06/04/2026

If you've followed the MSSPA for a while, you may remember the legend of Tony the Pony. That's an amazing story for another day. Suffice it to say, Tony arrived on the scene in 2021 full of s***k and personality. Some things never change. Five years ago, MSSPA Staffer Tina Cormier adopted this little rascal, and named him Poco. Once in a while, Tina brings Poco to the farm. He never ceases to dazzle us with his charm and mischievousness. We think Poco might be a candidate for the MSSPA beach volleyball team.

06/03/2026

Last Fall, artist Susan L. Johnson audited a Chris Lombard clinic here at the farm, with an eye towards sketching and taking photos of some of the horses. No surprise, the Friesians caught her eye! Her visit to the farm was the inspiration for some beautiful work, and Susan will be exhibiting her work (which is for sale) in a solo exhibition at the Newbury Court Retirement Community (100 Newbury Court, Concord, MA) from now through the end of August. The exhibit will be on view seven days a week in their gorgeous South Building lobby and gathering area. The opening reception is this Friday afternoon, June 5th, from 3:30 pm until 5:30 pm. This gorgeous watercolor, “Two Friesian Fillies at the MSSPA” (image size: 24 1/4”H x 21”W, framed size: 32 1/2”H x 29”W, watercolor on paper, framed in hardwood cherry with archival materials and Tru Vue Conservation Clear® glass, selling for $3900) will be available as part of the show. If purchased, 10% of the retail price of this painting will be donated to the MSSPA. The horses move us in so many creative ways! The Society is so grateful to Susan for both her talent and her generosity. You can learn more about the artist through her website, http://www.susanljohnsonart.com.

06/03/2026

The Society is so very proud of this partnership with Safe Voices and eager to support survivors and their horses.

On Sunday, we got to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the new McCulloch Family Barn with our friends at the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals. Why was Safe Voices there? Well, MSSPA and Safe Voices have created a very special partnership to help survivors who need to flee abuse and who have horses that need to be cared for while they leave that abusive relationship, reestablish a home of their own, and set up a barn or boarding arrangement for their horse. This can take time, and often, time is at a premium when making safety plans. With MSSPA, Safe Voices can now work with survivors to place their horse in temporary foster care. Then, Safe Voices and the survivor can focus on safety planning and leaving, all while knowing the MSSPA is providing the very best care until the survivor is ready to bring the animal to their new home. This is a truly transformative partnership, and we are so happy to celebrate the milestone of this new barn with them!

06/02/2026

EQUUS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 2002, is the only national animal welfare charity and accrediting body in the United States 100% dedicated to the dual mission of protecting America's horses from peril and strengthening the bond between people and horses.

The core of its mission is safeguarding the comfort and dignity of America's horses throughout their lives and sharing their ability to empower, teach and heal with as
many people as possible. The EQUUS Foundation is committed to ensuring that horses involved in any role and in any capacity - as athletes, companions,
teachers and healers - are safe, protected, and treated with dignity as partners.

The MSSPA is proud to have been awarded Mentor Status by EQUUS for 2026. The Mentor Accreditation is awarded annually to organizations that meets the EQUUS Foundation's highest standards for business and equine welfare practices. The Society is thrilled and grateful to have received this rigorous accreditation, and indebted to the EQUUS Foundation for the incredible work it does on behalf of all equines.

06/02/2026

Brooklyn, Liberty, and Dancing Daisy are three Standardbred mares that joined us in the very first days of the 2026. You might recall their case out of New York State; four stallions confined to stalls in a barn, standing atop stalls overflowing with their own manure, and four mares and a foal outside in a paddock. These ladies quietly arrived in Maine and have made terrific strides in their rehabilitation. Recently, staff turned them out in the newly re-fenced pastures. They are spending these quiet Spring afternoons munching lazily on the grass. You can almost hear them say..."Is this Heaven? No, it's Maine." The Society is so grateful to be a safe place to land for horses who need just that.