It’s challenging telling new adopters, that the dog they’re about to fall in love with is a “stray”. There is no such thing as stray dogs in Maine, which means they were left behind and abandoned. This is how Edgar ended up in our care. We got a call from Animal Control, they had just picked up a lost dog. His face and body were covered in old scars and new scratches. Although Edgar was alone and confused, shortly after he seemed very calm. Who knows how long he has been out in the world, or what he has been through? All that matters now, is that he has a warm place to sleep, food to eat, and someone to give him love and attention.

Here are some things we have learned about Edgar, our newest addition to the shelter. Edgar is very food-motivated, he will show you the three tricks that he’s been working on. Sit, paw, and down. He is smart and patient. We’re learning that the more comfortable he gets, the more silly his personality becomes. Edgar will be ready very soon to find his final forever home, he needs his second chance.

Responsible Pet Care of Oxford Hills is a no-kill, non-profit shelter and adoption center for cats and dogs, and the holding area for stray dogs for 12 towns in Oxford County. The shelter is located at 9 Swallow Road in Paris. Those interested in adopting a pet from RPC can visit the shelter as follows: closed on Monday and Tuesday; Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 4 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.; Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Most of the adoptable pets and the adoption application can be found online on the shelter’s website at www.responsiblepetcare.org.

Responsible Pet Care operates a thrift shop called Pawsibilities. It is located at 132 Waterford Road in Norway and is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations of clean, usable household items are accepted during shop hours. All the money raised at Pawsibilities supports RPC. For answers to questions about adopting or fostering a pet, or to inquire about a lost animal, call RPC after noon at 743-8679.