Life has not always been good to Gary.

Raised in a loving, Catholic home, his mother died when he was 17, and Gary hit the streets running. He never returned to school, became involved with drugs and alcohol, and was a frequent guest of the county jail. In later years he traveled the country, living in his van and working at whatever odd jobs came his way. Despite his nomadic lifestyle, Gary was never without a dog or three or eight. Particularly fond of Shepherds, he rescued them wherever he went. From his dogs he received the kind of love he had not experienced since childhood.

In 2005, while camped out in North Carolina with his beloved dogs, Brutus, Mack, Terra and Midnight, he was attacked and severely beaten. Since Gary had suffered brain damage as well as multiple broken bones, and was in a deep coma not expected to live, his dogs were taken to a local animal shelter, and were eventually adopted out.

Despite all odds, Gary awoke from the coma after two months His first words were, “Where are my dogs?” Despite almost superhuman effort on the part of the press and the local Humane Society, the whereabouts of Midnight, Brutus, Mack and Terra were never determined.

Following a stay at a rehab/nursing home in North Carolina, Gary returned to his home town of Waterville, Maine where he soon adopted Chance, a beautiful 10-year-old Shepherd, from the Waterville Area Humane Society. He later adopted Angel ,a shy, but gorgeous, white Shepherd , from the same agency.

Several weeks ago Chance succumbed to cancer. Gary scraped together every penny he had and sold many personal possessions to assure Chance was buried with a casket, a headstone and proper ceremony in a local pet cemetery. After the loss of Chance, Gary rescued King, another handsome Shepherd, from a local no kill shelter. Shelter personnel warned that King was unpredictable and possibly dangerous. In a few short weeks under Gary’s care King has proved to be a lovable pussy cat of a dog who licks strangers’ faces and noses in their pockets for possible treats.

Through the generosity of strangers Gary has acquired a small one-family home, which he maintains immaculately. Unable to work due to brain injury, Gary receives a mere $710 a month in disability funds. After paying rent and utilities, he is left with $150 for each month’s living expenses.

Buying food for his two large dogs, and his cat, Missy (whom Gary states, “adds a lot of joy to my life“), left him with little to provide for his own needs.

Several months ago Gary happened upon a flier describing the Fairfield, Maine, Pet Food Pantry and called for more information. Since that time he has received monthly distributions dog food which have kept his pets happy and healthy.

On a recent visit Gary stated, “Thank God this pantry is available for troubled people. I’m so grateful that I don’t have to worry about buying pet food.”

While Gary would NEVER give up his pets, without the services of Pet Food Pantry he likely would not buy food or necessities for himself. As he says, “My pets are definitely my family. I love them as much as people love their children. They are the love of my life.”

It is because of Gary, and the many others like him, that Pet Food Pantry volunteers struggle each month to obtain the necessary funding to purchase food for companion pets of all kinds. In these times of economic uncertainty our pets can sometimes be all we have to provide love and comfort.

How You Can Help

The Pet Food Pantry is operated by a group of dedicated volunteers.  Distributions to families in need are the fourth Friday of every month at the Victor Grange in Fairfield Center.

You can drop off donated food and other needed items at set locations in Winslow, Fairfield and Oakland.  To see a list of what's needed and how to donate, click here.

If you would like to volunteer, contact petfoodpantry@gmail.com

Photos courtesy of Sabrina Williamson