Paws Press

ARF is taking on new levels of commitment to address pet overpopulation and develop opportunities to improve the status and future well-being of helpless dogs and cats. ARF embraces the power of collaboration to maximize resources, so together we can end the killing of healthy abandoned and neglected animals on “death row” in public shelters. As the old African proverb says, “It takes a village” to do it well. ARF’s “village” encompasses a wide range of support which includes animal welfare partners, veterinarians, volunteers, fosters, donors, corporate support and YOU!

Recently, ARF participated with Northern California humane organizations to offer free spay and neuter surgeries for pit bulls and pit bull mixes to help curb the problem of pit bull over-population. By reducing pet overpopulation from the ‘supply side,’ we can limit the need for euthanasia as a means of population control.

In March, ARF hosted a two day conference offering workshops to share inspiration, information and promote community awareness with guest speakers from UC Davis, Maddie’s Fund and other strong partnerships. More than 140 people from 55 organizations came from California, Nevada and even Missouri to attend the 4th Annual Business of Saving Lives Conference sponsored by Purina. The idea being, although we may come from different areas and different backgrounds, we have the same hope.

Collaborations solve problems and seize opportunities such as the East Bay SPCA bringing dogs to ARF’s shelter for adoption and ARF’s relationship with the ASPCA as a training facility. These are exciting new plans designed to send more dogs and cats to their forever homes.

Thousands of animals and people reach out for help and together we can make a difference. Won’t you be part of the village? ARF is counting on your collaboration and support this spring.

As many of you know, ARF has the most amazing foster volunteers. ARF foster families have saved and enriched the lives of thousands of dogs and cats throughout the years. In just the past six months, ARF’s wonderful foster families have stepped up and saved 25 percent more dogs compared to the same time last year!

Since foster volunteers are opening their homes to rescued dogs in greater numbers, ARF needs more dog crates. A dog crate helps a foster familiy provide a dog with a safe, cozy place to stay while making housetraining easier and keeping destructive chewing at a minimum.

If you have a used or new large or extra-large dog crate, please consider donating it to ARF or make a special monetary gift so ARF may purchase needed crates. Crate donations may be dropped off at ARF’s headquarters in Walnut Creek or you can make a monetary gift online today!

Long-Term Love / Short-Term Relationship
Curious about fostering? Get the scoop on the joys of caring for dogs or cats, kittens or puppies in your home. Hear about the realities and rewards of short-term fostering from experienced foster parents and ARF's foster coordinator. Bring your concerns and questions to this FREE no-obligation presentation at ARF's shelter.

Date: Saturday, April 12
Time: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

RSVP to volrsvp@arf.net or (925) 296-3118 by April 4 to reserve a seat.

Students at five Contra Costa county elementary schools were thrilled to have members of ARF’s Pet Hug Pack join them to celebrate Read Across America Day this year. Normally observed on March 2, the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss, Read Across America Day has expanded in many school systems to include an entire week of reading presentations by guest speakers.

During the first week of March, 13 Pet Hug teams visited over 500 students to promote and celebrate the benefits of children reading out loud to pets. Animals are the perfect reading partner because they are attentive, non-judgmental and comforting. Be it a cat, dog, hamster, guinea pig, rabbit, or other companion pet, animals relax even the most timid readers and allow them to practice their reading in a safe atmosphere.

During presentations, ARF volunteers encouraged students to create a special time to read with their pets at home, a practice which helps build the bond between children and their pets while growing personal confidence and skill. Presentations also included reading time with an ARF therapy pet and a complimentary classroom copy of the All Ears Reading™ book, Banjo Gets a B-A-T-H. Students and teachers alike were delighted to have these four legged ambassadors visit their classrooms.

"FUN"DRAISING WALK

Sunday, May 18, 2008
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek

Ready…set…WALK! ARF’s Paws on Parade fundraising walk is only a month away! Can anyone challenge top online fundraisers Fiona Macintosh, Barbara Brandt, Danielle Szuch, Cindy McCune and Valentina Bloomfield? YOU CAN!

Get started today by visiting www.firstgiving.com/tlrarf to create your own FREE fundraising page or join a “Pack” with the likes of the Art Patrol, Pet Hug Pack, Red Cross Club, Little Paris Noel, or the East Bay Dachshund Group! By registering your friends, family, scout troops, class students, clubs or companies as a “Pack” or registering as an individual, you can walk to save the lives of abandoned dogs and cats. Your participation will make Paws on Parade a success!

There is still time to register online and create your own FREE fundraising web page to help ARF raise much needed funds for its life-saving programs. Register today and kick off your fundraising efforts! As a reward for your good fundraising behavior, you will receive a bounty of great goodies along with a heartfelt thanks from our furry friends.

Questions? Contact pawsonparade@arf.net or (925) 296-3156.

Check out Paws Press next month for updates on our Top Fundraisers and Teams!

• Have an old car, truck, RV or boat using up valuable space on your driveway?
• Looking for a quick and easy way to help homeless animals?
• Need a great tax write-off?
• Want to avoid the work of cleaning up your vehicle, getting it smog certified and placing an ad to sell your vehicle?

If you said yes to any of these questions, ARF's Vehicle Donation Program is the answer for you. ARF's animals want your car! Don't worry, they won't be driving it, but the money ARF makes from donated vehicles can immediately begin working to rescue dogs and cats that have run out of time at public shelters.

Free Towing! Tax write off! ARF does the paperwork!

Everyone wins, including the animals! Some restrictions may apply. Choose one of three ways to make your donation:

1. Call toll free 1-888-6TO-GIVE (686-4483) or (925) 229-5444
2. Complete our easy online form
3. Download and complete the Vehicle Donation Form* and fax to (925) 229-5446 or mail to ARF Vehicle Donation, PO Box 5444, Walnut Creek, CA, 94596

* If you don't have a copy of Adobe Acrobat, you can click the Get Acrobat icon to download a free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader. A version of Acrobat is necessary to view the Vehicle Donation form.

Craig and Rosey

When Craig Frieders landed at ARF in 2004 he was hoping to work with animals. He found the hands-on job he was looking for as a “feed, water and scoop” volunteer caring for the rescued cats at ARF and after four years he still enjoys it!

Why would an entrepreneur from the world of wealth management enjoy the care and feeding of cats and kittens? Craig loves the simplicity of the task because it includes a quiet atmosphere and methodical, repetitive tasks. This is quite a contrast to Craig’s business at Crofton Capital Management where he is on the phone, computer, or meeting with clients in person regarding financial matters all day long. In both situations he is appreciated, but his clients at ARF simply require a bowl of cat food and always respond with an approving purr.

Craig’s financial background and interpersonal skills make him a natural for his other volunteer role as an ARF Ambassador working with the development department staff. He enjoys gathering donations for silent auctions, welcoming ARF supporters at events and soliciting support for ARF amongst his social circles and travels. His devotion for ARF’s mission has had a direct impact on the programs and fundraising at ARF which is so important to a private non-profit.

While helping thousands of animals through his work as ARF Ambassador or as an animal care volunteer Craig still appreciates this close relationship with a one special cat. Waiting for him at home is his foster turned feline family member, Rosey. She started out as a temporary foster cat and Craig ended up a “foster failure” with a happy ending in August 2006.

What do you like the most about volunteering at ARF?
Interaction with the animals and feeling appreciated.

What is your most rewarding experience?
Every week I enjoy the break from reality while completing the simple task of feeding the cats. It is my quiet time just for me. It is similar to meditation or a good work-out at the gym when I can simply focus on the task at hand.

What would you say is your motto?
“Discover what you are passionate about and act on it!”

Craig has given ARF the gift of his time and talents which is worth more than gold to ARF!

For a complete listing of current volunteer needs, please visit ARF's volunteer opportunities page.

Spring Cleaning Day at the ARF Thrift Store
Help support the ARF Thrift Store and the Emergency Medical Fund.
What: A project day to spruce up the ARF Thrift Store. Tasks include organizing and sorting, sweeping and mopping, window washing, merchandising and price tag creation.
When: Sunday, April 27, 9 a.m. – Noon or Noon – 3 p.m.
Where: ARF Thrift Store in Concord. 1950 market St, Suite H (near Fry’s Electronics).
Attire: Comfortable shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
Prerequisite: Must be at least 18. Completion of ARF’s volunteer orientation required.
Contact: Gaye McDuff at gmcduff@arf.net.

Spring Landscaping Project Days
Help keep the gardens and landscaping at the ARF facility looking beautiful.
What: Join other volunteers for a day or two of gardening. Tasks include digging out existing plants, planting new plants, weeding, moving bark and other landscaping duties.
When: Friday, May 9, 8 a.m. – Noon or Saturday, May 10, 8 a.m. – Noon.
Where: ARF facility at 2890 Mitchell Drive in Walnut Creek.
Attire: Comfortable shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
Supplies needed: Bring gloves, round point and square shovels, wheelbarrows.
Prerequisite: Must be at least 18. Completion of ARF’s volunteer orientation required.
Contact: Kathleen Huls at khuls@arf.net.

Please note, all volunteers must attend a volunteer orientation prior to joining any training classes. If you would like more information on becoming a volunteer, please visit Volunteering at ARF.

Current volunteers, please use the volunteer central website if you would like to sign up for any of the listed classes. If you do not have access to volunteer central, please call (925) 296-3118 or email volrsvp@arf.net. Be sure to leave your name and number along with the class you wish to attend.

Zola	Zola is a 5-year-old Plott Hound Mix who is mild and gentle. She's a big girl who needs some weight management and exercise. She would be happy with a walk around the block then coming back to a calm home with plenty of love and attention. She is available to families with children of any age.
Taffy is a very sweet and sensitive girl who is looking for a warm sunny spot in a quiet and calm household. At five years old, this beautiful brown tabby knows that she doesn't want to share you with any other kitties… she wants to be the center of attention. You'll be rewarded with lots of snuggle time, purrs and kitty kisses.		Taffy

Meet Zola and Taffy at Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive at Oak Grove Road in Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Noon - 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Find out more about how ARF's adoption program works.

Dear ARF,

I adopted Alfalfa from ARF over a year ago. Alfalfa has been a treasure in our family. My American Pit Bull Terrier Barqs grew up with Alfalfa and to this day are best of friends. Alfalfa has been the main trainer to the dogs in our household (besides Barqs, a new female puppy I rescued from the local SPCA has joined our family, a pit-bull/boxer mix who is 11 weeks old) and the dogs respect him for it.

Alfalfa has also taught the rest of his four-legged siblings to respect the matriarch animal in the house, our old cockatiel named Babe. No one messes with Babe even when I leave all of them alone for hours in the house when I have to go to work. Its amazing how all of these animals have gotten along so peacefully!

I have to share with your organization that before adopting Alfalfa, I would drive by your facility daily and tell myself, I have to visit ARF to see what it looks like. However, I was afraid to go in because I was still grieving over the death of my cat Panther and did not want to feel more depressed seeing animals caged and abandoned. But one day, after just leaving Kaiser to see my doctor, and feeling still depressed, I decided to walk in and visit. I fell in love with your facility...and the first animal I saw when I walked in was Alfalfa in his suite, being a good "sales cat" telling me...PLEASE ADOPT ME...in his cute way. I left ARF that day with Alfalfa and have been very happy ever since.

I am attaching pictures of Alfalfa when he first arrived in my home in Concord and his interactions with Barqs, his best pit-bull friend.

Warmest Regards,
Rosario and Alfalfa

APRIL SPECIALS

Sweaters - $1 - Hundreds of sweaters, styles and sizes for everyone. Perfect for those cool spring evenings. Racks and racks of sweatshirts, too. Same low price.
 
Bicycle Supplies - Brand new merchandise, great selection of accessories. Here's your chance to get all tuned up for those great spring rides.

Spring Cleaning - Tough job, but much easier with a great vacuum cleaner. See our large inventory including Oreck and other dependable brands - at dirt-cheap prices.

A Special Treat - Our counters are brimming with luscious spring jewelry and new treasures coming in every day. Terrific buys and a nice treat for yourself - or for whoever's doing that spring cleaning for you.

Shop ARF's Thrift Store and Save Lives ...
Proceeds benefit ARF Emergency Medical Fund®!

Thrift Shop location:
1950H Market Street, Concord
Hours: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Saturday
Donations gratefully accepted: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

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