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Making a Difference

By the Numbers

Raider Nation Cat Celebration

Wine & Whiskers

Hows and Whys of Pet Behavior

Five Minutes + Weekly Shopping = Second Chances

All Dogged Up

Earn Cash for Critters, Not Clunkers

Teen Volunteers Are All Stars at ARF Olympics

Week of Caring

Adoption Stars

New Beginnings

ARF Thrift Shop

 
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Making a Difference — The Birthday of a Lifetime

 

Scooter arrived at ARF on his first birthday with an amputated leg and heartworm disease. Scooter’s sweet disposition, however, had already earned him the best birthday gift ever: his life.

In the Central Valley’s August heat, an animal control officer had responded to reports of a dog who had been hit by a car, sustaining a serious leg injury. The little dog remained friendly and good-natured, despite his pain and fright. Unfortunately, the area’s shelter couldn’t offer in-depth medical treatment, and the ACO knew euthanasia was likely. Overcome by Scooter’s remarkable behavior, the ACO enlisted his personal veterinarian, convinced that this extraordinary dog was worth saving.

His foster mom Erika agrees. “BEST. DOG. EVER. Whoever gets this boy is very lucky! He rides well in the car, loves other dogs, likes people of all ages, really likes balls (and fetch), and he’s happy sleeping on the floor, though he loves sleeping on the bed.”

Scooter
Doggone tired after a swim.

 

He is also fearless. His foster family took Scooter with them to Clear Lake, where he charged right into the lake. It never occurred to him that he couldn’t dog paddle with only one front leg! Erika held him so he could “swim.” Scooter splashed happily, quickly wore himself out, and spent the rest of the day asleep on the dock.

Scooter is now happy, healthy, and ready for adoption. Recently he and his buddies Pickle and Suze participated in a photo shoot with pet photographer Mark Rogers to help them get adopted. Another wonderful gift—though maybe his secret birthday wish was to become America’s Next Dog Model?

Donate NowHelp ARF save more lives — please donate today or become an ARF foster home.

  


By the Numbers

September 2009
Cats
Dogs
Total
Intake
80
77
157
Adoptions
46
67
113
       
Year to date      
Intake
528
870
1,398
Adoptions
507
839
1,346

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Raider Nation Cat Celebration

RaidersThe Oakland Raiders have kicked off the football season with their wonderful support of ARF through a special Raider Nation Cat Celebration promotion. Beginning Thursday, September 24, all adult ARF cats (six months and older) are available free of adoption fees, thanks to the generosity of the Oakland Raiders! Take a field trip to ARF to see all the cats available for adoption - who knows, you might find a new member to add to your own home team. While standard adoption criteria still apply, this special Raider Nation Cat Celebration will run through Sunday, October 25.

Additionally, all fans visiting ARF’s shelter during this special promotion period are encouraged to enter a drawing with the winner receiving a fantastic football gift courtesy of the Silver and Black! And don’t forget to visit the ARF mobile at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 25, during the Oakland Raiders’ game against the New York Jets. Loads of fun to be had by all and thanks to the Oakland Raiders for their wonderful and life-saving support. Go Raiders!

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Wine & Whiskers
Saturday November 14, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Join us for a stellar evening of wine and food tasting at ARF’s beautiful facility. Wine & Whiskers is one of the premiere fall events in this area, featuring many wonderful wineries and restaurants. A limited number of tickets are available for this exclusive event. Order your tickets today!

Specialty Wines ~ Hors d'Oeuvres ~ Silent Auction

 

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Hows and Whys of Pet Behavior

Minimizing Barking
Sunday, October 11, 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Learn why dogs bark and what you can do to minimize your dog's excessive barking. Cost: $15. (Minimum enrollment of 6.)

RESCHEDULED! - Introducing Dogs and Cats
Thursday, October 22, 5 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
Learn how to successfully introduce your cat and dog while managing a safe dog/cat household. Cost: $15; $10 for current ARF U students.

Seminars are for people only, no dogs. Call 295.296.3111 or email dogtraining@arf.net to register.

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Five Minutes + Weekly Shopping = Second Chances

Got a few minutes? In that small amount of time you can register your credit and debit cards with eScrip, and effortlessly earn big bucks in extra donations for ARF. eScrip costs nothing, but each time you shop at a participating merchant, up to 10% of your purchase is donated to ARF in your name.

Add up pennies faster than the “take one, leave one” tray, at stores such as Big O Tires, Macy’s, Andronico’s, Lunardi’s, Safeway, Round Table Pizza, and Liberty Tax Services. For a complete list, or to register your cards, visit the eScrip website.

Just log onto www.eScrip.com and click on "Sign Up". Designate Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation as the recipient and register your grocery, store, and debit/credit cards. ARF's group ID # is 138214335.

For those who are currently registered with Safeway, remember to renew your registration card annually between August 1 and November 1 by logging on to www.eScrip.com and clicking on "Sign Up". Go to the "Existing Supporters" section and click on "The Section to Renew Your Commitment to Safeway Stores."

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All Dogged Up

Looking for a stylish new design for Fido’s harness? Maybe Fluffy prefers that trendy, unique collar - with matching leash, of course. Lou Russa’s Boutique at ARF can help fashion meet function. The boutique offers a full selection of Lupine® collars, harnesses and leads in a wide variety of patterns, styles and sizes. ARF’s friendly boutique staff will even help you size the perfect fit for your furry friend.

Style, quality and durability! These are the hallmarks of Lupine® products. Lupine® patterns are woven, never printed or sewn on, and they are fully guaranteed - even if chewed. Available for both dogs and cats, prices vary by size and style.

Lou Russa’s Boutique at ARF is open during regular adoption hours:
Thursday and Friday: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Noon – 4:30 p.m.

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Earn Cash for Critters, not Clunkers

Missed the deadline on the government’s recent rebate program?  Don’t go away with your tail between your legs!  You can still put that old vehicle to good use!  The money ARF makes from donated vehicles funds important programs, like our Rescue Patrol.  Rescue Patrol goes out into the community every week to rescue dogs and cats that have run out of time at public shelters.
Make your donation in the way that’s easiest for you:

  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

You’ll get a great tax write-off, free up space in the driveway by having that old car, truck, RV or boat towed for free, and all without having to clean it up, smog it, or place an expensive ad.  Plus you’ll have the satisfaction of giving homeless animals a second chance on life.

Get Adobe Reader* 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.

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Teen Volunteers Are All Stars at ARF Olympics

On Sunday, September 27, 2009 ARF’s agility field rang out with the delighted cries of pre-teen and teen volunteers as they competed in this year’s ARF Olympics. These hard-working students complete 20+ hours of volunteer training before starting their careers as ARF All Stars® volunteers. This year’s event celebrated the 6,130 hours of volunteer service achieved by ARF’s 230 active youth volunteers. And thank you to everyone for being a part of ARF’s winning team!

Each participant received a goodie bag stuffed to the brim with prizes. Many thanks to the Fireman’s Fund Insurance volunteer group for assembling the goodie bags during ARF’s recent Week of Caring.

ARF would also like to thank these wonderful donors, without whose help this fun-filled evening would not have been possible:

Rocco Biale of Rocco's Ristorante Pizzeria
Marty O'Brien of O’Brien Vending
Otis Spunkmeyer
Contra Costa County Fire Department
Kohl’s Cares for Kids®
Judy Bentley

The ARF All Stars® Volunteer Training program fosters responsibility, maturity, empathy, and community involvement for students in grades 6 - 12. Find out how your teen can get involved!

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Week of Caring

Each year, the Week of Caring connects corporate volunteers from Bay Area businesses to hundreds of projects organized by local nonprofits. The program is a great opportunity for dedicated groups of adult volunteers to roll up their sleeves and help out at ARF. This year more than 85 volunteers from Chevron, Wells Fargo, and Fireman’s Fund Insurance took on projects at the ARF facility and at the thrift store while making a difference in a very real way!

   

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Adoption Stars

Napper tandy
Suze

Available Dogs

Suze is a very busy dog who is always on the go! She will thrive in a home with routine and consistency, where plenty of physical and mental stimulation is available. Suze is a good student, too; she’s learned to sit, lie down, watch, shake, and high five thanks to some of our summer camp kids and volunteers. She's an expert at solving food puzzle toys! Suze is one year old, a Busy Bee, rated for homes with children five years and older, and gets along well with other dogs.
  Watch me YouTube

Available Cats

Goldie Hawn loves to be in the spotlight and have all the attention for herself. She may be a little round, but with the right family she will slim down. This lady enjoys playing with her cat charmer and snuggling close. She will make a great addition to any family, as she one fun cat that is looking for a family to love. Goldie Hawn is five years old, a Leader of the Band, rated for kids of any age, may be good with dogs, and gets along great with other cats. Adopt Goldie Hawn by October 25 and the Oakland Raiders will cover the adoption fee!

Goldie Hawn
Goldie Hawn

Meet Suze and Goldie Hawn 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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New Beginnings

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:

Zsa Zsa

Slinky (Now Stella Bella): I had been looking around, and looking online for the “perfect” puppy for a few months. I knew that the right puppy would pick me. Stella (aka Slinky) was not at all what I thought I wanted, in terms of looks. However, when she “chose” me, it was magic. Her attitude and temperament are a perfect fit. I feel very fortunate to be bonding with such a great little friend.

~ Sue


Emmet (now Buddy): I am a prior volunteer who adopted Emmet, now renamed Buddy, in July 2008. He was a little skinny when I got him, but he has filled out beautifully and is so handsome and healthy now that I just had to email you and share a couple of pictures.

He is a very happy boy, loves to run, and he jumps so high playing with his cat dancer or hunting a stray insect that it is unbelievable. When he sees anyone coming his way he immediately rolls over on his back and meows with his little scratchy voice for a tummy rub. His tuxedo markings are silky and shiny and I believe that he loves his new home. He is one of the family, and will be loved and cared for forever!!

I always liked to hear the stories of adopted animals when I was a volunteer, so here at his one year anniversary of being adopted, I wanted to share with you all.

~ Mary

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Thrift ShopARF Thrift Shop

Red-Hot Red Dot Sale at the ARF Thrift Shop
Summer may be over, but—just like the weather—ARF Thrift Shop specials are still HOT! Save 40% on the many red-dot items found throughout the store.

While you’re there, get a jump on the Fall holidays and check out our wide selection of Halloween and Thanksgiving items.

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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