Here's an idea, let's fly across the world to donate a dog.

I'm sorry for the animals in Kuwait but as an animal rescuer in Maine, I feel we should take care of what's in our own state and country before we bring animals from other countries. Also, can someone tell me how long these animals are in quarentine before they are shipped here? What about some unknown sickness that could be brought to our animals? What about some local animal that has to be put to sleep because there's no room for it because of Kuwait animals?

Evedently we don't have enough homeless dogs in Maine!

Wow...big hearts here in Maine. cough. I just moved up here from CT and this story made me so happy and feel good about people in this world that is so full of horrible things. Then I scroll down to the comments and see three that are not supportive of this rescue. If you can turn away any animal in need then you are stronger than I am. Some people feel responsible for the welfare of all creatures, great and small. They do not judge them because they are from away. I am from away too. But I am happy as heck to be here in amazing Maine. I bet those pups appreciate the second chance more than we will ever know. I am glad there are people in this great state who love animals enough to just do the right things despite what some might think. I don't think these dogs will cause any other dog not to find a home or get the care it needs. It doesn't sound like the people who rescued them would let that happen. Peace.

I can't believe how ANGRY this article just made me!!! Recently I had to find a home for my Jack Russell. With our work and school schedules we could not give him the proper attention that he deserved. It broke my heart and still does. I called the Bangor Humaine Society (against every fiber of my being) and they told me that they cannot take dogs right now due to a page and a half list of people waiting to bring in dogs. WHAT!!?? Here's an idea, LEAVE THE DOGS OVER THERE and help out the people RIGHT HERE!!! A PAGE AND ONE HALF WAITING LIST!!! AND THIS IS WHY??!!! I will never donate ONE single PENNY from this moment on....

i like how people make up personal stories so they can complain about an article in the paper.

I know some people might say these comments are heartless, but I don't think they understand. The humane societies will attest to the fact that our state is very much out of room for homeless cats and dogs. I feel sorry for the animals overseas in these bad areas, but there is no way that our state can support shipping animals from other countries to find homes. Seriously, I have a friend that lives in a trailer park and people just leave their pets there because they think that someone will take them in. Well, my friend already has two cats, and they cant have dogs, so pretty much at least once a month she has to call the animal control officer or find someone who will take a kitten or dog. It is not smart to be bringing over animals from these places when these people could just as easily adopted a dog from a shelter that is already here to reduce the amount that we have in a shelter. I'm not sure where people got the idea for adding to the overcrowded shelters by bringing out of country dogs into the mix. Not that they aren't well behaved and whatnot, it's just a pretty ignorant thing to do when we have a problem with overcrowding as it is. Please keep advertising the animals that are currently in our shelters so that they might find homes.

What kind of stories are those ChristopherMaine? That is a pretty nasty thing to write :( Especially when you don't know.

Everyone is complaining about how over crowded our Humane Societies in Maine are but doesn't every animal deserve a chance at a happy life, these 4 dogs that were sent here at Kuwaits expense are not the ones that are taking up all the space in the shelters it is all the people that live in our great state that are either to lazy or just don't want to spay or neuter thier animals they just let them wander around outside to reproduce over and over again thinking that someone will take a kitten or puppy everytime their animal has a litter. I have a cat that was rescued as a kitten that someone threw in a dumpster to be thrown away like garbage, he was very scared and unfriendly as a kitten he is coming out of his shell but I don't blame him for being nervous around people. If more people were as forgiving as animals the world would be a wonderful place. There is a program in Maine to help cover the cost of paying/neutering your pet call the Humane Society more information.

I set up an account with BDN just to post a comment about this story. I am currently living in Kuwait City, Salwa area for anyone who is familar with the country. I have been here seven months and the things I have seen expecially towards animals much less people is just ummm have no words. Not good not good at all. I am happy that the dogs found a good home. Do I wish some that are there in our great state already would get adopted too before they had to get euthanized yes. But look at it like this atleast they are humanly euthanized and not just abused and tortured until they die a slow painful death... I am not going to go into detail about how 80% of the animals in kuwait are treated and abused its just sick and most people with any heart at all coudn't stand to hear them.  But for those of you whom would like to read a little more about it check out paws of kuwait and animal friends league of kuwait, they have a few stories on there websites. Things just are not done in anyway any american is used too over there or could really take for that matter and I am thankful I am an american and have the freedoms I have.....  My neighbor saved a dog that was lite on fire just for the amusement of some teenagers and a huge crowd was watching doing nothing but clapping, in a McDonalds parking lot no less.  Do you think that would happen in america NO!!! We have laws against abuse and most people would report anything not even remotely close to that. In kuwait most people with the exception of those of expats whom are not afraid to get envoled just turn the other way or watch the abuse and torture that happens to people and animals. Unless you have seen it you could never understand. And as far as any disiease the animals may have, Ameirca has many more I don't even think they have rabies there.  Kuwait is technically a third world country, even though it is one of the richest in the world, so as far as importing anything expecially animals and things like that. quaranteen is a precationary measure.

ExpatK8: I can only speak for myself of course... I am sure that I came off a bit harsh, ok A LOT harsh. Please understand that I do not disregaurd the fact that these dogs/cats need homes, not at all. The problem comes when people, local people, need to make the decision to take a pet to a shelter (which is the worst feeling that I have had in a long time) and they are told that they have no room. Then a few days later to find out that they are accepting dogs from other countries... it is very frustrating.

You people really are something. I'm sure none of you were OK with all of the Hurricane Katrina pets that were rescued through people and programs in Maine. Sure, they're dying of starvation, thirst, poisoning, abandonment, or neglect, but we have an unwanted pet problem here in Maine, so, sorry, we won't take any. Send them to the other states, right? No, of course not, generous folks in Maine, and all over the nation helped rescue many of the Katrina pets and find them new homes. An act that was celebrated and touted as heroism. None of you would have dared speak out about that then, huh? So what's the difference? Must be cause these are Arab dogs... Think people, think. Any act of kindness taken on by so many caring volunteers should be celebrated, not chastised.

that is not true... no one is upset because they are "arab dogs".

Perhaps some of this has to do with what country, or society, we belong to?

I still suffer small pangs of guilt over the 20 plus dogs Co B, 5th Trans, 101st ABN DIV dumped on an island in Vietnam when we went home in 1972; all pets of soldiers who had gone home. Recently, an MSNBC article documented the cannibalism among similarly abandoned dogs on an island in India or Indonesia.

I'm pretty sure that our soldier's pets (not our military dogs, but personal pets) in Iraq and Afgan are similarly treated. When a soldier goes home, or a family loses their home in a hurricane, the dogs and cats suffer.

A correspondent in Iraq reported on about 100 loose cats in the area of the Green Zone they lived in (central Bagdad), and how they fed them and played with them to find solace amid the rockets and mortars, until the correspondents were sent home from their news assignments. Who took care of the cats when they left?

On MSNBC.com, you can find video and news articles about how Chinese raise dogs like we raise cattle, for meat production. And, this last year, on the same MSN news channel, you can see video of the Bagdad authorities poisoning and shooting up to 100,000 abandoned dogs in that city.

This year, I found a tiny, 6 week old kitten, abandoned along a lumber road in Danforth, many miles from any residence. It's litter mates had most likely been eaten by foxes or birds. I took it to a shelter in Houlton, where a volunteer hand fed it, but it died two days later.

Just as during the days of Jesus, there is not enough room at the inn.

PS A change in the Maine State Law, making people pay a license fee for their cats would provide twice as much money for local shelters to take care of abandoned animals. People in Maine feel they pay too many taxes already, and cats are officially designated as, "wild animals," as far as state law is concerned, and they are not required to be registered, given rabies shots, or even kept indoors (which drive the bird lovers nuts).

PS What's really sad, ExpatK8, is that after restoring the imperial ruler of Kuwait, who refused to move back in to his palace, with his harem of many wives, in 1991, until the air conditioning was repaired, is that this oil rich country is still a, "third world", country; the words you used.

You can install a ruler, king, or shah in a country, but you can't change the culture. I'm sure nothing we say or do could stop Chinese people from eating dogs. And not much a Hindu from India could say would stop us from eating cow meat.

RE: hennypenny.......Any time a comment begins with the words "you people" I have to respond......"we people" support, donate to, volunteer at and run animal shelters all over the state of Maine. "we people" do care about animals and most of us do our bit to keep our shelters up and running. We are not insenitive to the needs of Kuwait dogs, but during these difficult economic times finding loving homes for the animals we already have in our shelters is a priority. Many families have had to, or will need to, give up beloved pets because of financial hardship and a few have expressed their frustration here today.. Hennypenny, you seem to be chastising us for having no sympathy, when you yourself have little to give these posters. You compared this situation with that of the Katrina Rescue...but that happened before the economy tanked and I'm sure many who volunteered and freely donated then are now needing help themselves. And finally, for you to suggest our comments are because of where the dogs come are from is downright insulting.

Oh, by the way, hennypenny....these aren't Arab dogs...their Kuwaiti dogs....not all mid-eastern people and things are "Arab", only those from Saudi Arabia.

If anyone has walked through the Bangor Humane Society in the past few weeks, you will know that, until very recently, they had many empty kennels in the dog areas. I would expect arrangements for transports are made in advance, most likely at a time when there is room for them. The humane society can't expect to know that two weeks later everyone is going to surrender an animal or have many more strays come in. If there is space and they can save more lives, good! In my opinion, taking dogs from Kuwait, especially if expenses are paid, is actually better. With no mosquitos or ticks, there's no chance of lyme diease and heartworm, which dogs from southern states are very likely to have. Plus, it sounds like the Animal Friends League of Kuwait is reputable - often animals coming from the south are transported in trucks in large number, most probably not even having seen the vet or received vaccinations by people in it to make a buck. There are people in the south who claim to be "rescuing" dogs but that actually drive them up here, playing on the hearts of well-intentioned individuals who think they are "rescuing" a dog and are willing to pay hundreds of dollars for a pup that's actually from a puppy mill. While there are shelters or rescuers from the southern states that follow protocol, they often ask the receiving shelter to pay a portion of the costs of caring and transporting the animals. With everyone in such financial turmoil, this is next to impossible for most shelters so with the opportunity to take other dogs and find them good, forever homes without extra costs I would say its a no brainer.

The Bangor Humane Society works hard to provide a place for animals that are no longer wanted or cannot be cared for by their owners. They do not euthanize for time or space, which is probably why there was a waiting list. Four dogs from another country did not take up so much space that they were preventing others from coming in. The sad fact of the matter is that it sounds like people were bringing their dogs, along with strays found wandering, in while, at the same time, no one was adopting. If it had been 4 dogs from another shelter in Maine, would the response be the same? New England has had a shortage of dogs in their shelters and I don't believe Bangor to be an exception. We have done a good job spaying and neutering our animals, and while we have a lot of work left to do, why not start helping others while we can? It's an animal, which means it needs our help, no matter where it comes from.

Please think long and hard before buying a dog from a breeder or pet store. Breeders should be reputable, allow you to visit the property and meet the parents of pups. Their puppies should look healthly, be up to date on vaccinations and be at least 8 weeks old (this is the legal age to seperate a pup from its mother). Never buy from a pet store - you may feel like you are rescuing the animal, but really you are fueling the puppy mill fire. Walk away, as hard as it is, and report any appaling conditions to the Maine Animal Welfare Program. It's better to shut them down then build them up. Adoption is the answer.

I am completely shocked at the comments that I am seeing in response to this article. how heartless you people are. These animals are being abused and tortured and deserve a chance at a new home. Berquis, I'm sorry that you were unable to place your dog at the shelter, but frankly, what irritates me is when people adopt animals without thinking about the cost and time associated with caring for an animal. The reason that the Humane society can't take animals is partially because of space and partially becuase of funds, because people expect to drop their animals off for little or no money to then be cared for until they can find a new home. It seems to me that these dogs aren't costing the humane society what a local dog would cost, because the funding is being picked up elsewhere.

Hey berquis, just a quick question. You stated that you couldn't keep your dog because of work/school schedule, right? Did you have the same schedule when you took him in the first place? Maybe if you had thought it through before you got him he could've already been to a different home by now. So, maybe it's not the Humane Society's fault that people try to do the right thing by taking animals home and then finding out the newness wears off and you (anybody) didn't have the time to care properly for them in the first place. Then have the gall to blame someone else who can't fix it for you. And now you have the attitude that you don't care about all the other animals in the same boat as yours, because if you stop your donations your hurting the animals not the people at the Humane Society, right?

Apparently I need to justify myself??? I knew that when I wrote that I had to make the choice to put my dog in a shelter that I would get flack for it. It may "irritate you" anonymouE that people adopt "without thinking" but this was NOT the case for me. And probably taurus ought to read on as well with what I am about to write as due to not wanting to write a book I left out some important facts, then maybe just maybe I won't seem like such a bad guy. I will try to make this as short as possible.

When my beloved dog was offered to me it had already been to 2 homes in a year. All that we were told was that the people who had him worked 15 hours a day and couldn't take care of him and that he "occasionally" got into the trash. Within the first week my dog wasn't only getting into the trash but being a Jack was able to jump onto my counters, tore through countless groceries, canisters etc. We tried to deal with it and were able to eventually slow this to the 'occassional' mess. The dog was very very non-tolerant of my 6 year old and though he never bit him he did growl at him all the time. He would go to the bathroom all over the house, we tried using a kennell--didn't work because he chewed through it. When we were home with him he was a great dog (as long as my son was not around). I came to love him very very much despite his behavior. I ended up with more time at work, as did my husband. This put our dog by himself for more than 10 hours a day. I wanted to do what I thought was best. I don't know if this satisfied your curiousity or not but it did make me relive it all over again.

Hope that helped you, it didn't me. Thanks.

I didn't add that after being gone for 10 hours a day, we were starting to get more messes again and then he was growling at us when we would try to correct him. He shouldn't have had to live like that, and I shouldn't have to be afraid that someone would get bit because he was never with anyone.

Importing strays from other countries or states to fill some shelters that would otherwise have to close is a thriving business. Animal rights folks seem to think, like PETA's Ingrid Newkirk, that unless a dog is a "refuge of the streets" people should not have it. The big difficulty with foreign shelter dog imports is disease issues. A huge issue is RABIES which is a fatal disease. A street dog imported from Puerto Rico to a shelter in Mass. had rabies. A number of the dogs soldiers have made pets of from Iraq have had rabies. The middle east does not have the massive rabies vaccination programs we have. What are people thinking about? Beside rabies there is leishmaniasis which is endemic in the middle east. Please check it out http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/leishmania/factsht_leishmania.htm#what

It is also important to know that the middle East and Africa have a different strain of rabies than we have here in the U.S. We have raccoon rabies. They have canine strain rabies. Now, will out current rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats work if the canine strain breaks out coming in with foreign shelter dogs? I don't know. Rabies kills tens of thousands of people every year especially in places where street dogs, amain carrier, abound. When problems exist in an area, they need solutions in that area. We do not need to have new diseases shipped to us via stray dogs. Who would like to go to a shleter for a pet and come home with a dog incubating rabies? It certainly could happen.

First let me say I think it's great that these dogs were rescued. Little acts of kindness like this make the world a better place for all of us.

Second, to Berquis, I feel your pain. I had a rescue dog that didn't work out either, much the same way yours didn't. There are lots of people who are crazy about Jack Russells and would love to adopt one, even one with behaviour problems. If it isn't already too late, you could try a Jack Russell rescue organization. Here's one I just found on the Google, I don't know if they're a good one or not:

http://www.mooserun.org/rescue/whattoknow.html

berquis: heres an idea- take care of the dog yourself, i hope you never own another. and im sure you have never donated a penny there before. and dogs dont have 10 hour bladders, can you hold it that long? and when you cant how would you feel if you were "corrected" no doubt by slamming his face in it or spanking the poor dog.

The work the humane society does is difficult and time consuming, if you have never done it before go and volunteer, it will change your perspective incredibly. People shouldn't be mad at the humane society for not being able to take in THEIR dogs, they are doing the best they can.

Uneffinreal: Now we're importing homeless dogs from other countries? To those involved in this sick process, what the hell are you thinking? Isn't the problem in this country big enough? And BDN, your flair for the dramatic never ceases to amaze.

and just to clarify for everyone in general:

Dropping an animal off at the Humane Society IS NOT - NOT, in an way shape or form DONATING. It's abandoning because you are an irresponsible pet owner. Trust me You're NOT doing the Humane Society any favor by bringing an animal there.

acadiabonita: I agree with what you wrote. I am from away too (well, have lived here in Maine now for 28 yrs, but still "from away") and am proud of the people here that have been involved in the rescue of these dogs. I hope they all get good , loving homes ......and that the other animals at the Humane Society are adopted into loving homes too. There are way too many cats, dogs and other animals that need homes. Please spay and neuter your animals....it is heartless and irresponsible not to. I cannot have dogs where I live but have 2 cats who I got from the Bangor Humane Society. They are great cats.

Once in a while, as in the case of berquis, people are not given enough information about the animal when they adopt it and it doesn't work out for various reasons. This is going to happen now and then. Taking the pet back to the shelter if you cannot find someone else to take the animal is the right thing to do as they will do all they can at the shelter to find the animal a home. Some people get animals impulsively or selfishly but am sure that was not the case with berquis. I am sure berquis was aware of the responsibility beforehand.

I hope people can find a little extra to donate to the Bangor Humane Society and other shelters......the work they do is difficult, but so essential!

A being in need is a being in need....animal, HUMAN, the grass, whatever. It's such a shame there are so many things that cloud that. Those dogs from away were fortunate enough to be brought to our great state of Maine. Whomever they choose (the dogs), those people will hopefully see the animal in need and fulfill that need.

mom2one: I could not agree more!

Do they come with prayer rugs?

I am sorry, Berquis, that you had to bring your dog to the shelter. It is a very painful thing to do. I had to find a home for my dog a few years ago and it about killed me. If these dogs are being tortured/killed in Kuwait, I say to bring them here. There will be a home for them...

I have adopted two cats and two dogs from pounds. They are the most loving pets you could ask for. If you have the time, space and means to adopt a pet please do. The love you show them will be returned over and over to you. If we get out pets fixed we could cut down on the over population.

For all of your info I HAVE donated regularly to the animal shelters in my area, we have done volunteer work, donated food and toys etc.. Also no I never ever ever would rub a dogs nose in pee or spank him for not being able to hold it. He was however made to go outside and you are DAMN right I would tell him it was WRONG to get on the counters and chew up everything in the house. Which is WHY I COULD NOT KEEP him, hence the "He shouldn't have to live that way"I really could care less what any of you think but it is really unfair to judge a situation you don't know,.

Thank you chersully and others, i think many of these people took things OTHER PEOPLE wrote and put their own spin on it about ME. If people need someone to blame as far as all not being thrilled with this article, I guess I am IT. I knew the chance I took of being judged when I wrote my own story. Life goes on, Have a great day.

Thanks for trying to save this dog, Berquis. At least you gave it a good try. Hope you find a home for it. I have adopted a few homeless dogs, and have kept them until death do we part. A few other dogs I couldn't keep, I found good homes for them. Some of my adopted dogs have had several homes before coming to me. It is not uncommon for a dog to have several owners. The dogs are appreciative of anyone who aids them, and no matter what you do in life, people will criticize you. Human nature is to be critical of others. :) Stay well, and enjoy your love of animals. Rog

gls427 - keep your damn comments to yourself. how the heck would you know if berquis donated there or not?? HAVE YOU??? It's not abandoning an animal when you take it to the shelter. berquis has a LITTLE BOY that she/he needs to worry about. She said that their work schedules changed which was another reason why they had to get rid of him.. what would you have done with the animal, kill it?? why don't you read burquis' comments in full before you put your friggin 2 cents in. no one cares what you have to say!

berquis - I had to do the same thing with my puppy because he didn't respond well to my 2 year old. hope all goes well for you! I guess I was abandoning it too, right gls427??

Thank you guys!!! I usually don't get so animated or upset when posting on BDN but this was so fresh of a 'wound' that I went off a bit. I expected people to not completely agree but did not expect some to be so cruel. I truly appreciate your understanding :)

RogerNamVet: Great comments....and so true. Animals are so non-judgmental......more people should try and emulate that (including some who post here.)

berquis: I know you did what you could.....things work out ........sorry you were so dumped on here. I have been for other reasons on the BDN letter site. Some just here just seem to do nothing but criticize, judge, and be extremely negative. One begins to wonder what is really eating them up!!

To everyone who was supportive and is supportive of any and all animal welfare and rescues...please do not forget to support the Ark. An amazing no kill shelter in Maine that has gifted me two of the most wonderful and well adjusted cats ever! They also have wonderful and happy dogs. I do not personally own a dog as I am not home enough to be there for a dog. I instead have two cats, two rats and five birds. Another great animal welfare organization to support is the Kisma Preserve, formerly the Acadia Zoo. They take in and give homes and peaceful lives to wild animals in need of refuge from non animal friendly people. Wild animals are NOT PETS! But the ones unfortunate enough to be treated as such and then abandoned, abused or neglected, find a good life at Kisma. Kismapreserve.org. Come for a visit and please donate to a worthy cause. Peace.

I understand that the Kuwait shelter is footing the cost here, but it still rankles that our elderly are going without food and fuel and yet these dogs are being flown across the world to find homes here??

acadiabonita: Thanks for that information on the Ark......I have heard of the good work they do and feel more people should be aware of that.