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One of the requirements for recipients of ARF’s FoodShare program is that the animals must be spayed or neutered. For the guardian of a feral cat colony, however, the costs can add up quickly. ARF provides support for these responsible guardians through its clinic, hosting periodic Operation Fix days to spay and neuter feral cats to help reduce their future numbers.
 The morning of ARF’s latest Operation Fix started off much like any other: FoodShare recipients began dropping off feral cats, clinic staff and volunteers lined up cages in the lobby, and veterinarians prepped for surgery. When everything was ready, Dr. Heather Budgin and Dr. Beth Wilderman began the first of the 21 spays and 14 neuters that were scheduled for the day.
Then the lights went out—literally! Left in sudden darkness, staff moved quickly to bring flashlights which were held over the operating tables while the vets finished their surgeries. Fortunately the electricity only remained off for about 15 minutes, allowing the clinic to get back on track altering the remaining ferals.
Many thanks to the dedicated volunteers who helped with the check-in process, cleaned surgical packs and monitored cats through the procedure. In the end, everyone was fixed except for one cat that gave birth during the drive to the clinic—and she’ll be back later for sure!
 There are many ways you can help ARF: become a volunteer pet food distributor, provide an item from ARF's wish list, or donate – just $10 covers the cost of one cat neuter surgery. Please help ARF save lives today!
| October 2009 |
Cats |
Dogs |
Total |
| Intake |
64 |
102 |
166 |
| Adoptions |
71 |
93 |
164 |
| |
|
|
|
| Year to date |
|
|
|
| Intake |
592 |
972 |
1,564 |
| Adoptions |
578 |
932 |
1,510 |
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Join select vintners and restauranteurs at Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation for Wine & Whiskers on Saturday, November 14, 2009 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. for a spectacular evening of wine and food tasting. Eat, drink, and be meowy while supporting ARF’s lifesaving programs!
A limited number of tickets are still available at $75. Contact Kathleen Huls at 925.296.3118 to order yours today!
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ARF teams up with CL!X Portrait & Event Photography to offer Holiday Pet Photos on Saturday, November 21, from Noon to 5 p.m. in the Presentation Room at ARF's shelter.
Don't miss this opportunity for a professional portrait of your cherished pet! Packages start at $25; ARF receives 35% of all proceeds. Appointments are highly recommended.
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 Are you looking for a fun, educational experience to engage your children while you prepare for the holidays? Holiday Camp is just around the corner! This year ARF offers two additional weeks of holiday camp, including the first-ever Thanksgiving Camp. Third- through fifth-graders can register for Thanksgiving Camp, or either of our two sessions of Holiday Camp, and enjoy animal-themed games, crafts, lessons on
holiday-specific pet safety tips, and interaction with ARF therapy animals.
| ARF Holiday Camp Session Dates |
| Thanksgiving Camp:Â |
November 23-25 |
| Holiday Camp Session 1: |
December 21-23 |
| Holiday Camp Session 2: |
December 28-30 |
Register online today! For questions, please contact Susanne at camp@arf.net or 925.296.3152.
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Calling young performers! Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation is searching for talented young people to perform live at Prodigies for Pets and Stars to the Rescue in January. Submit your audition for the chance to take the stage with the Doobie Brothers’ Grammy award-winning saxophonist Marc Russo.
Bay Area residents between the ages of ten and eighteen are invited to audition via a taped performance. Performances may include singing, dancing, instrumental, or stand-up comedy—but all auditions must be received by December 1, 2009 at 5 p.m. Please read the  talent search rules for entry details and download the entry form. Performers under eighteen years of age must have their entry signed by a parent or guardian.
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Richie with his new family |
76 cats scored new families during ARF’s Raider Nation Cat Celebration, including 48 adult cats that went home fee-free thanks to the Oakland Raiders! Among the adoption highlights are Richie, a playful five-year-old black and white tuxedo cat, who was adopted by a Raider’s fan and many cats specially named for the promotion, including Super Bowl, Touchdown, Coach, Linebacker, and Quarterback.
Congratulations to our Sweepstakes winner, Beth Parker! Beth won a fabulous football gift package including tickets to see the Oakland Raiders play the Kansas City Chiefs, pre-game sideline passes, and an autographed football.
Heartfelt thanks to the Oakland Raiders organization for their generous support to help ARF save more lives.
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Deck the halls and spread the spirit of giving by turning your office evergreen, garland, cubicles, or doorways into an ARF Giving Tree. The Giving Tree helps provide toys, treats, and supplies for ARF’s shelter animals and vital programs. You supply the tree, and ARF will provide the ornaments! Each ornament features a much-needed item to support ARF’s lifesaving work—from dog toys and cat treats to dollars for children’s educational programs. Invite your clients and co-workers to select an ornament and fulfill the enclosed wish to assist animals and people in need.
If you aren’t decorating your office for the holidays, you can still participate by visiting ARF’s Walnut Creek headquarters and choosing an ornament from the Giving Tree in our lobby, starting November 14. For additional information or to request an ornament kit to create your own ARF Giving Tree, please contact Lynn Takahashi at ltakahashi@arf.net or call 925.296.3156.
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 When dogs and cats nestle snug in their beds to take a long winter’s nap, they are more likely to have visions of tennis balls and catnip pillows than sugarplums. Take a look at ARF’s Holiday Wish List to find out just what our furry friends are dreaming of!
These items are all needed to help our cats and dogs heal, socialize, and find homes, to teach children about responsible pet guardianship, or to bring the healing touch of animals to those in need. In addition, ARF uses much of the same equipment and supplies as the average business—your donation of goods enables ARF to focus our resources on the animals.
Add an item from the ARF Holiday Wish List to your shopping list and give “to all a good-night,” by making their dreams come true.
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 Check out the latest jewelry available at ARF’s Lou Russa Boutique from DogSpeak. Although the collection was originally created with the dog lover in mind, some of the pieces are purr-fect for the cat lover as well. These delightful earrings, necklaces, and bracelets offer a unique style and show off your passion for animals. All DogSpeak jewelry items are nickel free and priced from $14.95 - $23.95. The necklaces are made with strands of cotton cording and are adjustable in length between 18” and 20”. The earrings are made with surgical steel wire. Start your holiday shopping early! Some items are also available online.
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 With companies around the San Francisco Bay Area ramping up their United Way or Employee Giving Campaigns, fall is the perfect time to introduce your co-workers to ARF. Ask your company how you can choose ARF and designate your donation to support so many life-saving programs.
ARF can also send a representative to visit your company and speak about the wonderful work ARF does. We can even bring a special furry guest! If you’re up for a fun-filled field trip instead, invite the office to visit ARF for an informative tour. Please contact Jill Cooney at 925.296.3103 or jcooney@arf.net to arrange a visit.
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Last year ARF FoodShare volunteers distributed 150,479 pounds of pet food to 170 individuals to help more than 1,810 cats and dogs. That’s a lot of driving!
Our “Route 66” gasoline goal of $660 was announced in September to keep the rubber on the road during the next few months. ARF supporters have exceeded the request with $806 in gas gift cards already. Would you like to make an impact too?
Contact Gaye McDuff at gmcduff@arf.net or make your special FoodShare donation at ARF’s reception desk. Your name will appear on the “Route 66” chart in the volunteer room, plus your donation of cash or gift card is tax deductible!
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On October 23, some wonderful folks from AAA showed up at ARF to help out with a landscaping project. They reseeded the agility field and spread mulch in the community garden. Their help in completing this project not only saved money which can be used for ARF programs, but the mulching saves water, too. The AAA volunteers and their mascot, ARF dog Parsnip, completed this job in one morning—and declared they were ready to come back for spring planting!
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 Gerry Nickerson
Gerry came here to help ARF animals in 2005. Nowadays you can find her cleaning dog condos or taking shelter dogs for potty walks. She also “walks her talk” by assisting in the clinic and completing necessary everyday shelter tasks. By connecting her caring with her care-taking, Gerry makes a big impact at ARF.
Why did you start volunteering at ARF?
We had to put down our dog several years ago. While not ready to get another dog, I still missed the interaction of being with one. I didn't know anything about ARF so I attended an orientation meeting to find out. I liked what I heard and the enthusiasm of the people.
What do you like most about volunteering at ARF?
There are so many different volunteer possibilities that you don't get bored. Plus people are so friendly and willing to share information. But most of all it's the unconditional love you get from the dogs. In spite of everything they've been through, they are so forgiving.
What is your most memorable experience?
I always thought of myself as a big dog person. But a little black sickly dog named Torino changed all that. He had a very homely face, with big ears that didn't seem to fit the size of his head, and the sweetest disposition. I'd be ready to go and he would quietly climb back onto my lap. What could I do? I'd stay longer. Sadly the kennel cough turned out to be distemper instead and it was too much for his weak body to withstand. He touched a lot of us before he left us.
Thank YOU for making a difference for so many at ARF, Gerry!
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 NEW CLASS! Basic Manners 3: More Public Manners (Starting Saturday, November 21)
Expand your dog’s basic manners skills into manners in a busier atmosphere. The “final exam” is dining at a dog friendly mock cafe, where you stand in line, carry a tray, and have your dog wait politely at the table while you go back for your change.
Clicks n' Tricks (Starting Saturday, November 21)
This simple technique has been used to train everything from chickens to humans! Learn how to use a clicker to shape your dog into doing just about anything.
Register on-line, or call 925.296.3111 or email dogtraining@arf.net for more information.
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Windy |
Windy’s huge personality makes up for what she lacks in size. She is very loving; all she wants is your attention! This snuggly girl is looking for a family that has time to play, since she is young and on the go. Windy is only five months old. A Class Clown who is rated for kids of any age, Windy gets along great with other dogs. |
Modesty Blaise’s favorite activity is listening to people tell her how gorgeous she is! Slightly shy, once this princess gets to know you she’ll be your ever-loving companion. She is looking for a family that will provide a quiet home, with a nice window seat to watch the world go by. Modesty Blaise is a Secret Admirer who is six years young, tolerates other cats, and is rated for kids five and older due to her sensitive nature. |
Modesty Blaise |
Meet Windy and Modesty Blaise 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.
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Adopters, grab your pencils and start writing! Martha Stewart wants to hear how you met your pet. Whether it’s dramatic (It was a dark and furry dog…), funny (So a guy walks into the shelter…), or heartwarming (She had me at meow.), visit www.marthastewart.com/pet-photos to enter.
Share the story of your pet's adoption along with a photo and you could win a trip for two to New York City to attend a taping of The Martha Stewart Show, a year's supply of Purina ONE pet food, and the chance to choose ARF to receive a $10,000 donation from Purina ONE!
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Here at ARF we love hearing from you about life with your new cat or dog companion. We'd like to share a few updates from ARF adopters:
 Butterfinger (Now Bandit): We changed Butterfinger’s name to Bandit, because he is playful and very intelligent. He adapted fast to our family and to the house.
 When we leave, he stays in the family room with his toys, food, and water. Upon returning, we found him doing fine. He even used his potty training pad!
I would give ARF a “10”, because we are very happy with our adoption experience. I could tell the dogs are very well cared for, and we received good attention from your personnel. The adoption process was exciting and comfortable. ARF is a great place! We are really grateful for your help in getting set up to care for Bandit. We are enjoying him.
~ Aurelio N.
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Violina (Now Mina): It took a while for us to get to it, but here are some pictures of lovely Mina, who used to be Violina. She is a wonderful and loving little kitty. As you can see, she loves her big stepbrother Jimmy. Thanks for the opportunity to bring her into our home.
~ Eric G. |
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Looking for special holiday decorations, housewares, or gifts at low, low prices? You will find loads of Christmas decorations, yards of garland, and lights to make your winter night sparkle at the ARF Thrift Store beginning Monday, November 9. Shop early for the best selection of unique items for a festive and fun holiday!
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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Wine & Whiskers
