P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center Names Amie Hutchison Executive Director.

After an extensive search, P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center has hired Amie Hutchison of Thomaston as its new Executive Director. Amie comes to the adoption center after spending six years at Youthlinks in Rockland as their Program Director, where she was responsible for all aspects of the operation of the non-

profit organization. Amie handled strategic planning, grant writing, working with her board and volunteers on fundraising activities, creating annual budgets, and developing and maintaining relationships with supporters and volunteers and community partners. Prior to working at Youthlinks, Amie spent three years as the shelter manager at the Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County where she was responsible for the care and welfare of the animals at the Society, outreach programs and coordinating volunteers.

 “My passionfor animal welfare did not subside when I left the Humane Society. Youthlinks gave me the opportunity to explore the power of the humane animal bond through our programming for teens. I am grateful for the many years at Youthlinks and the non profit management experience I received there. I am absolutely thrilled at the opportunity to bring my experience to P.A.W.S. I am looking forward to getting to know the incredible community of supporters that surround P.A.W.S. and working together to protect and rehome our canine and feline companions,” Amie explained. 

Amie grew up in Rockport, went to Camden-Rockport High School. She attended the University of Maine at Orono where she majored in English and Philosophy and Hunter College in New York where her double major was film and religion. Amie also attended Apex Technical College in New York where she studied welding.

A founding member of the Rock Coast Rollers Roller Derby Team, Amie recently retired her roller skates in favor of picking up heavy things at Stone Coast Crossfit. She is the incoming president of the Rockland Rotary and is passionate about Rotary’s service work on both the local and international level. Amie plans on continuing volunteering with Youthlinks including taking care of Youthlinks’ pet rats , Warner and Hertzog, on the weekends.

P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center's mission is to provide a safe, caring environment for homeless and abandoned dogs and cats until they can be placed with loving families, and to promote humane values in our communities. In addition to caring for the animals, the adoption center also provides community outreach and humane education programs.

P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center currently have contracts with the towns of Camden, Rockport, Lincolnville, Belfast, Northport, Searsmont, Liberty and Islesboro. Their full staff is ready to help you in finding the perfect pet for you and your family. They also invite you to visit or volunteer. You just may find that walking a dog, petting cats or cleaning a room will give you a sense of satisfaction and peace. The animals would love to see you.

P.A.W.S Animal Adoption Center is located at 146 Camden St. in Rockport, and is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. For more information call (207) 236-8702, or visit www.pawsadoption.org .