Saving lives

Fur to Feathers fundraiser in Waterville to support animals in need

Jane Perry does everything she possibly can to help animals in need.

The Berwick resident founded Fur to Feathers three years ago in an effort to collect money to provide animals that would otherwise go without food and medical care.

“We do it for the animals and nothing more,” said Perry.

The aptly named Fur to Feathers helps all animals. Perry has a photo album full of pictures of critters - dogs, cats, horses, pigs, skunks, birds, raccoons, calves and rabbits –that Fur to Feathers has helped in some way.

“I give it to where I think it is Fur to Feathers founder Jane Perry keeps a photo album full of pictures of animals the group has helped since its inception in 2013.

needed at the time,” said Perry.

Fur to Feathers has helped animals requiring vet care following sudden injuries, assisted feral cat colonies and also started a low-cost spay and neuter program supported by a clinic in Berwick.

“We help where we can,” said Perry, who noted that they often support or team up with fellow rescue groups dedicated to saving animals.

“You have to work together with other organizations or it doesn’t work.”

Fur to Feathers is not a registered non-profit, but it operates in a not-for-profit manner. All of the donations collected are used to support animals in need, Perry stressed.

She hopes a ticket auction Fur to Feathers is hosting at the Waterville fire hall on Oct. 2 will prove to be a major fundraiser.

“It’s one of a kind… basically all gift certificates,” she said, noting that the prizes will appeal to people with a variety of interests with everything from golf passes to home improvement items up for grabs.

While Perry is pleased with the work undertaken by several local animal rescue organizations, she believes more people have to start taking pet care seriously.

There are a number of things to consider before getting a new pet, she said.

“It is a life commitment and it’s expensive,” she said, adding that children should be taught how to respect animals from day one.

“A pet is not a toy for young children.”

She hopes to eventually see politicians from the municipal to national levels joining forces to push for stricter laws around animal abuse.

“I don’t see why there cannot be laws to prevent all of this cruelty, which is an epidemic,” said Perry, a former investigator with the SPCA. “It’s out of control.”