The Purr-fect Present

The Purr-fect Present Longtime animal advocate donates $15,000 in his will to help cats

+ click to enlarge News staff photo by Tara Vocino Ahimsa Haven Animal Rescue Executive Director Marjorie Twiraga Sargent feeds a treat to Bella, a cat that is up for adoption. + click to enlarge Shelter donor Arthur Rowe, formerly of Gardner, holds his beloved cat, Sparky, who died in March 2014. Courtesy photo Tara Vocino Reporter TEMPLETON  The late Arthur Rowe, of Gardner, donated $15,066 in his will to the Ahimsa Haven Animal Rescue, the largest donation the shelter has ever received. As a result of the cat lover’s generous donation, the shelter will expand its space. Executive Director Marjorie Twiraga Sargent, of Ashburn­ham, said the shelter is in the process of getting permission from the town to place a 500-square-foot modular building on the property, leased from the town. That amounts to double the square footage, enough to add space for 20 cats, Ms. Sargent said. The space will house cats that don’t have their shots yet or that aren’t ready to be adopted or brought to a foster home. “I cried when I saw the check,” Ms. Sargent said. “I said, ‘Wait a minute. Am I reading this right?’ I was so dumbfounded and speechless that I took a picture.” Mr. Rowe’s daughter, Jenine Vindice, of Wilmington, said the nine-year Gardner resident, who died on Feb. 3 at 69 years old, was a lifelong animal supporter and advocate. He had up to eight cats in his home at one point and often fed and adopted stray cats, she said. Ms. Vindice personally distributed the funds to the places he designated. He also donated to Care for Gardner Animals. “My dad left many bequests to charity organizations,” Ms. Vindice said. “He wanted to make a difference in the lives of animals, and he supported the work of those who are the voice for animals.” Ms. Vindice said his legacy will live on, and he made this world a better place through his donation. Mr. Rowe was also a donor at the shelter while he was alive. Similarly, Ms. Sargent said the space expansion will do his memory justice. “Using the donation to increase the number of cats that we can service is in line with what he would have wanted,” Ms. Sargent said. Ms. Vindice said she can’t say enough about her dad and appreciates the opportunity to speak on his behalf. “He was extremely humble, and he never wanted any recognition for his generosity,” Ms. Vindice said. “In fact, I think he would be very shy about this article being written about him.” Ms. Sargent said the donation was perfect timing. The small headquarters makes it tricky to keep new cats coming in, she added. “We always wanted to expand our space,” Ms. Sargent said. “As soon as the check came in, we had a chance to do that.” Ms. Vindice said Mr. Rowe had a reverence for all living beings and he believed all shelter animals deserve a loving home. She said he never turned away an animal at his doorstep, often feeding stray cats, birds, squirrels, raccoons and skunks. The no-kill shelter also takes in ferrets, guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, birds and dogs. To adopt or foster one of those animals, visit the shelter at 381R Baldwinville Road, go online at AhimsaHaven.org, or call 978-297-2673.