In Memory of Beth Auger, founding member of Mainely Rat Rescue
By Kim Jackson, Director
April 3, 2017
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I want to take this time to tell you all a little bit more about Beth. I met her well before MRR was even an idea in my mind. Probably 13-15 years ago she started volunteering for me at our local animal shelter (where I work now) when I used to be the Small Animal Specialist (think critters). It’s been so long that I can’t remember everything that she did but I know she used to foster guinea pigs for me and would help counsel prospective adopters among other things. When Dori and I decided to create MRR, Beth was the first person I asked to be on our Board of Directors. She said yes and became our president! That was almost 10 years ago and Beth has been on our BOD the whole time.
Beth also helped found our local rabbit rescue, Friends of Willow, with 2 other women who I also used to work with at the shelter, Casey and Justine. I believe Beth was still on their BOD at the time of her death.
Dr. Auger, as her students called her, was a Biology Professor at St. Josephs college here in Maine. As is evident by her facebook page, she was loved and cherished by her students. She used to bring her foster rats and guinea pigs to school with her and all the students loved them!
Beth left behind 2 guinea pigs, Peanut and Rosie, who are now in MRR’s custody. Both were adopted from the shelter. I have Peanut with me and Cathy Bean is fostering and will be adopting Rosie, who happens to be the sister of one of Cathy’s pigs.
Beth was a brilliant woman who loved her work with young people and animals, guinea pigs were her passion. Beth also loved to knit and donated many homemade things to our auctions!
Rest in peace my friend. You have touched so many lives and we are all better for having known you. You will be missed beyond measure.