Homeless. Stray. Pathetic. Sad. Helpless. Unwanted. Unfortunate.

These are just some of the words I’ve heard used to describe the animals at the nation’s animal shelters. Every day, people flock to these organizations to save an animal’s life by adopting a new pet into their homes.

And everyone benefits. The pet gets a home instead of an injection. The family gets a new pal, the shelter continues its mission, and the community has one less homeless, often litter-producing, animal on the street.

The concept of “saving lives” is powerful. Animal shelter staff members across the country know that there are not enough homes for the millions of animals that are surrendered or found and go unclaimed each year.

Euthanasia becomes an unfortunate reality for some of the animals, but we have a “saving lives” complex, too. We know that many more animals are returned to their own homes or have good new homes because of our existence.

We know we have the power and responsibility to save animals’ lives by helping them change behavior or by treating them for minor illness or injuries when possible. The people who adopt also have the ability to save an animal’s life by the simple act of choosing adoption.

But we are not the only ones with the power. Animals save lives, too – our lives.

In the aftermath of the tragedy of Sept. 11, we have been able to witness the skill and courage the rescuers have needed to find victims’ bodies.

Many of these rescuers are trained canines, ready to assist and just as eager to find survivors as their human counterparts. And we know that stories of animals saving humans are not limited to those trained specifically for rescue missions.

A boy from Lamoine was saved this past year when his Labrador retriever dived into a stream and pulled him out by the britches.

Last year, the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross recognized a pooch that alerted her family when she found an elderly woman who had fallen down in her front yard and was unable to help herself. Every day, guide dogs offer their masters freedom as well as lifesaving functions as they move about their day.

Pets daily give love and affection to those of us lucky enough to be a part of their pack. From a soft purr comforting the child who was teased at school earlier that day, to the kisses and snuggling of a dog next to its owner that just lost a job or partner, our animals see us through rough times.

They comfort us when we are sad, and they celebrate with us when there is joy in our hearts. They lower our blood pressure and extend our lives.

We hear many happy endings each week at the Bangor Humane Society. We observe big, burly men crying as they tell stories of current and past pets bringing them through their tough times or just plain sharing their lives.

And we are more than willing to share some of these with you. This column will highlight some of the happy endings we hear. Take a peek here next month to witness some of the joy that animals can bring to their humans.

In the meantime, consider adopting a pet of your own. Experience the power of saving an animal’s life. And brace yourself for the amazing miracles that doing so might create for you.

Bev Ulenhake is executive director of the Bangor Humane Society. For information, contact the society at 693 Mount Hope Ave., Bangor; 942-8902; or check www.bangorhumanesociety.com.