After months of planning, Kabul Small Animal Rescue (KSAR) organized the transfer of nearly 300 pets from Afghanistan to the United States, and 13 of those dogs are now settling in Maine foster homes while seeking new families.

A Kabul Small Animal Rescue staff worker shares a loving moment on June 1 with a golden retriever, who later flown to the U.S. and put up for adoption. Charlotte Maxwell-Jones photo

On June 3, 194 dogs and 100 cats left Kabul en route to Poland, then Washington D.C. After arriving in the nation’s capitol, the animals were unloaded from wooden crates, inspected and dispersed to 40 different rescue organizations, including Woolwich-based Passion for Pets.

Two days and four ground transports later, 13 canines arrived in Maine.

The $800,000 endeavor was spearheaded by American founder of KSAR, Charlotte Maxwell-Jones.

Maxwell-Jones first arrived in Afghanistan in 2010 to conduct fieldwork for her doctorate from the University of Michigan. She later returned in 2015 to found KSAR — one of the few animal welfare groups in the country.

Since 2019, the organization has grown to maintain 85 staff members, all of whom were instrumental in the June expedition, Maxwell-Jones said.

This was the first time Passion for Pets, a group of Midcoast animal rescue volunteers, teamed up with KSAR.

Passion for Pets Adoption Coordinator Leann Ryan handles adoption applications and intakes. She was tasked with the feat of sorting through all 300 photos to select 10 dogs to transfer to Woolwich.

“At first I told KSAR we’d only take 10 dogs,” Ryan said. “But as the transport grew closer, there were still 60 dogs without anywhere to go. [Maxwell-Jones] looped back around, asking each rescue to take another dog. That’s how we ended up with three more.”

Nearly 300 pets arrived at Dulles Airport in Washington DC from Kabul, Afghanistan, on June 3. They were unloaded from wooden crates, inspected by the CPC and sent to 40 different animal rescues. Charlotte Maxwell-Jones photo

When asked how she chose which dogs to take, Ryan said she had focused on the dogs’ facial expressions in the photos. She explained that large brindle dogs and black dogs are harder to place.

“I know what people tend to look for,” Ryan said. “Regardless, in my heart of hearts, I have a soft spot for dogs with special needs, so of course I chose one with three legs.”

Lois Kilby-Chesley was one of the volunteers who helped transport the dogs from Dulles International Airport to Woolwich. She signed up to foster Mish, a 5-year-old mixed breed.

Over the past decade, Kilby-Chesley has fostered dogs with Almost Home Rescue and Wynne Friends of Animals. In fact, the three dogs she currently has are a result of “foster failures,” in which the foster ends up adopting the animal outright.

“Some dogs I just can’t give up, so I adopt them,” Kilby-Chesley said. “Years ago, I was a flight buddy for Baku street dogs on a flight from Azerbaijan to NYC. Their stories stuck with me. So, when I saw that dogs from Kabul needed rescuing, I had to step up.”

So far, Mish has been adjusting well. Kilby-Chesley said she has already befriended her other dogs.

“Mish had two transport legs from D.C. to Sturbridge, Massachusetts, then to Durham,” she said. “Everything is a new experience for her — running water in the sink, the refrigerator humming, a grassy play yard and even a toilet that flushes. New sounds, smells and language are a lot to get used to. She spent her first few days catching up on sleep and exploring.”

Ryan emphasized that patience and compassion is crucial for those interested in adoption/fostering.

Mish plays outside at his foster home in Durham on June 7. Lois Kilby-Chesley photo

“A lot of people forget there’s a language barrier,” Ryan said. “It’s important to remember these dogs aren’t ignoring you. If you Google Translate words, they will listen and engage. And decompression is huge; they need to feel secure, so don’t expect too much too soon. If they start alligator rolling, just be patient — they aren’t used to collars. In time, they’ll become more cooperative for a walk.”

On average, Ryan said the adjustment phase takes 10 days. While forever-fostering isn’t an option for many, she acknowledged the price of nonengagement is often death.

“We’re called to see the bigger picture,” Ryan said. “Without fosters, we can’t save lives.”

For those interested, Passion for Pets still has eight animals up for adoption and two more looking for foster homes. To inquire, visit pprorg.com/available-pets for more information.

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CARIBOU, Maine – Ninety-six students received their diplomas as part of Caribou High School’s Class of 2024 graduation Sunday.

Graduates, school staff and family members packed into the gymnasium, cheering for the classmates as they walked across the stage and posed for photos. 

But before their big moments, the class sat together one last time and listened to the advice of a peer and those who know what it’s like to be in their shoes.

Valedictorian Claire Ouellette thanked her classmates, their teachers, administrators and family members for supporting the class throughout their four years. Along the way, she said, they have all learned important lessons beyond academics.

Ouellette recalled how her class won the school’s winter carnival tug-of-war competition three years in a row. That was one of many times, she said, when it seemed like they were just having fun, but were actually gaining valuable skills.

“Standing together on one side of a rope, we worked together to achieve a common goal. We learned how to work hard, collaborate and do everything with integrity,” Ouellette said. “I encourage you to make wherever you end up a better place.”

Caribou High Class of 1991 graduate and U.S. Attorney General for the State of Maine Darcie McElwee served as the ceremony’s keynote speaker.

McElwee has spent her entire career as a prosecutor, first, as an assistant district attorney in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties, then as an assistant U.S. district attorney in Portland. The U.S. Senate confirmed her as the U.S. District Attorney for Maine in 2021.

Coming home to Caribou High brought back many memories for McElwee. 

On the gym wall near the entrance hung the school anthem that she and classmates created. She brought a copy of her 1991 yearbook, in which the class voted Mel Gibson and Tom Cruise as their favorite actors, Julia Roberts as their top actress, “Saturday Night Live” their favorite TV show and “You Can’t Touch This” by M.C. Hammer their top song.

Popular culture and the world at large has changed since 1991 but what hasn’t changed are the “Viking values” that McElwee believes have shaped her and countless generations of Caribou graduates.

“My experiences here introduced me to the values of work ethic, character and the support of community,” McElwee said. 

When McElwee asked her children what advice she should give to the class, her son said, “Care less about the approval of others.” Her daughter said, “Be serious but don’t forget to have fun.”

McElwee also offered simple but important advice that she said any student can take with them.

“Work hard and be nice to people,” McElwee said.

RSU 39 Superintendent Jane McCall had a unique perspective to bring to this year’s graduation. 

Fourteen years ago, as principal of Hilltop Elementary School, she watched many of the graduates walk through the doors on their first day of preschool.

“On that day, your families struggled to let go of your hands,” McCall said. “Today, I see those families filled with pride and with equally mixed emotions.”

Only a decade later, that same class entered high school in 2020, as the pandemic enforced safety mandates that no other students had experienced. They often dealt with disruptions to school and technologies that made learning different.

But the classmates still gained friendships and wisdom that would better prepare them for life ahead, McCall said. 

“You continued to learn and adapt despite the obstacles and be prepared for turbulent times,” McCall said. “Some of you will stay down the same path until you retire, others will travel several paths. Whatever you choose, it will be the right path for you.”

The graduation ceremony featured the high school chorus, who sang “I Am Still Your Dreamer” by Pinkzebra, and the high school band, who performed the national anthem and “Amazing Grace.”

The Great Bangor Marathon & Half is coming Sunday, June 23rd. You can sign up now for this inaugural event that will give you a tour of Bangor on foot … and you’ll get a workout in.

You can sign up for the full 26.2 miles for $125 and be in the running (pun intended) to compete for the top 3 timed finishes to win a cash prize of $1000 for first, $500 for second, and $250 for third. You can also register for the half-marathon of 13.1 miles and pay $95 for a great calorie-burner and a huge feeling of accomplishment.

What Are the Routes for The Bangor, Maine Marathon and Half-Marathon?

Both races begin at 515 Main Street. There will be a full marathon through Bangor out Valley Avenue to Broadway with a turnaround in the town of Kenduskeag and back to the finish at Bangor Waterfront Park (Dutton St entrance) just south of Geaghan’s restaurant.

There is only a 170′ elevation difference on the course profile from start to finish (this is a good thing for us who hate stairs). The half marathon follows the same course with a turn around on outer Broadway shortly after Pushaw Road. There is a course profile below with more details.

It is being shared that there will be plenty of parking near the finish line for before and after the races. Medals will be made by the same company who provides them for the Boston Marathon. The race ends at The Great Bangor Marathon and Half’s beverage sponsor which is Geaghan’s. A garden will be open for post-race celebrations and beverages and for those “supporting” the racers (drinking while they run).

Other Details About The Great Bangor, Maine Marathon and Half

Aside from the opportunity of winning cash (if you place 1st through 3rd in the marathon) or enjoying the experience and accomplishment of a marathon or half, the most favorable detail of this race is that there is NO time limit. It is important to the organizers that every participant has the opportunity to finish their goal! Good luck!