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Galadriel is one heck of a mom. She has needed all the might of her name, and some help from the ARF clinic, to overcome the odds and give her kittens a fabulous start in life.

Baby Arwen cuddling with Mom |
Galadriel and her tiny babies were abandoned in a local public shelter. They all had a particularly nasty form of Upper Respiratory Infection with very runny eyes, noses and lots of sneezing. Their symptoms were so bad that they could only breathe through their mouths. ARF’s rescue team brought them to our clinic to begin breathing treatments, and with their new foster mother continued to monitor them closely for a month to combat their persistent illness.
Despite her weakened condition, and the demands on her own system, Galadriel dutifully protected her kittens from the prying sniffs of resident kitty noses under the door. She always remained very patient and calm with her babies, all of whom display very different dispositions, from people-centered and affectionate like her, to toy and wrestling mad imps. Though they are weaned, Mom still lies down, calls them to her and they all line up for a little extra grooming and attention.

Legolas, Arwen, Goldberry with mother Galadriel |
These fortunate kittens have tripled their weight in the last few weeks. Their foster mom affectionately says “they eat like pigs” and loves to see lively kittens after they were ill for so long. Thanks to lots of TLC, this family is finally fit and ready for a long and happy future in new loving homes of their own.
Help ARF save more lives — please donate today or become an ARF foster home.
| August 2009 |
Cats |
Dogs |
Total |
| Intake |
42 |
103 |
145 |
| Adoptions |
66 |
97 |
163 |
| |
|
|
|
| Year to date |
|
|
|
| Intake |
448 |
793 |
1,241 |
| Adoptions |
461 |
772 |
1,233 |
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This year, ARF’s one‑of‑a‑kind calendar starts off with hometown hero and and ARF foster Chesley Sullenberger. Famous faces such as Actress Jenna Fischer, Celebrity Dog Trainer Victoria Stilwell, Iron Chef Cat Cora, Filmmaker Steven Soderbergh and TV personality, model and Vegas star Holly Madison appear in this page‑turning calendar line‑up. Along with these entertainers, Philanthropist and Businessman Warren Buffett, Chairman of Starbucks Coffee Howard Schultz and FOX News Anchor Greta Van Susteren are featured. Representing the St. Louis Rams is Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo and we could not forget to include Country Music Artist Dierks Bentley and Comedian Paul Rodriguez.

These wonderful 12 1/2" x 9 1/2" calendars are generously sponsored by Purina ONE brand pet food. Celebrities appear in the calendar at the request of Tony La Russa to promote healthy relationships between people and animals.
Sorry, but due to the exorbitant cost of shipping outside of the
United States, ARF is unable to fulfill calendar orders from other countries.
All proceeds from calendar sales support ARF’s life-saving programs.
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Have you made plans for your furry family members if you are no longer able to care for them? People often worry about what will happen to their cherished pets when they pass away. ARF’s Guardian Program offers peace of mind that beloved companion animals will be well cared for when the need arises.
When a guardian passes away, dogs and cats enrolled in the Guardian Program will be taken in to the ARF Adoption Program. They will receive excellent care while staff works to place them in the best possible home.
Participation in this program requires that guardians specify in their will or trust documents that their pet companions are to be entrusted to ARF at the time of their death, have completed pet biographies on file, and make annual donations to ARF (of any amount) to help defray expenses. The program is available for dogs and cats, with a limit of two (2) pets per person. For more information, please call Lynn Takahashi at 925.296.3156.
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A New Look for an Old Favorite
Cat and dog lovers alike will be happy to see the return of a favorite ARFwear item.
Cats Rule and Adopt a Dog tees are back in a colorful way! Ladies styles come in Candy and Sky Blue, while Unisex styles are available in Sky Blue, Sand and Sport Grey.
Coming or going, you are sure to put smiles on the faces of everyone in your path.
Priced at $15, you’ll want more than one.
They’re Creepy and They’re Crawly
Don’t let those fleas and ticks bother your pet. Pick up a supply of Frontline Plus® at the boutique to prevent your pet suffering from these problem pests. On special this month at 20% off normal price.
It’s back to school time at ARF. Humane education is an important step for children to develop into caring, responsible adults. Let ARF help teach your child empathy and compassion.
ARF’s Kind Kids Club teaches students in grades 1-5 about animal companionship, pet care and behavior through hands-on activities, crafts and games.
- Community Service is an easy and fun way for your middle or high school student to meet community service hour requirements for school and enrich the lives of animals at the same time. It is offered the third Saturday of each month for five hours.
- If your middle or high school student is eager to volunteer for ARF, consider signing up for the ARF All Stars® Volunteer Training Program. This 15 week course teaches the basics of cat and dog body language, correct socialization techniques and introduces students to the wide variety of tasks they will perform as volunteers.
For more information and to sign up for fall classes at ARF, please visit our webpage. Classes are filling up quickly. Send in your application today!
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Introducing Cats and Dogs
Saturday, September 5, 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Cats and dogs live in harmony? Of course! Learn how to successfully introduce your cat and dog while managing a safe dog/cat household.
Dogs at Play:
Monday, September 14, 5:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.
This popular seminar is back! Prevent a romp in the dog park from turning into a riot. Learn how to differentiate between positive dog play and poor dog-dog interaction. Dog park safety discussed.
The cost for each seminar is $15. Seminars for people only, no dogs. Email to register: dogtraining@arf.net
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Join ARF and watch us embrace the new social media. Get the inside scoop on adoptions as they happen at twitter.com/ARFadoptions, receive up to the minute observations and get your animal fix on twitter.com/ARFtweets, watch the critters’ endearing antics on www.youtube.com/tlrarf. Friend ARF and share your pet experiences on www.arf.net/facebook. You will be part of ARF’s team and always be in the know when ARF is featured in local media or events.
Avid Blog Follower?
The Intake and Behavior Department has also launched a must-read blog arfscritterchronicles that will chronicle adoption follow up stories, share reviews of books or critter related products they like, and information about topics like: clicker training and T-touch for shelter dogs and cats, how to make food puzzle toys for dogs, training tips, ideas for keeping animals mentally and physically stimulated, things to think about when choosing a pet and an insight into their world.
Jennifer Jenks
ARF volunteer Jennifer Jenks has chosen to focus her energies on the ARF Emergency Medical Fund® (EMF). She works alongside the EMF co-founders as they sew or sell items, contributing to the continued success of this life-saving program. Jennifer may be the newest member of the EMF team, but her creativity and commitment have earned everyone’s respect.
Why did you start volunteering at ARF?
When we moved to the Bay Area seven years ago, I was searching for a way to connect with my new community and fulfill a need to provide a service to that community. That desire, combined with my love for animals, made ARF a perfect match.
What do you like most about volunteering at ARF?
I volunteer at the ARF Thrift Store in Concord two days a week. The profits from the store go to the ARF Emergency Medical Fund®. I like knowing that I’m helping animals get the veterinary care they need even if their guardians can’t afford it. It’s especially important now in these difficult economic times.
What is your most memorable experience?
Sewing and working with the EMF ladies. We’ve made scrubs and surgical drapes for the vet clinic, cat hammocks, knit catnip snakes, dog scarves, cat toys and many other things - as long as it will support EMF. We have a lot of fun and often laugh as we work. The EMF ladies have taught me a lot about life. I respect, admire and adore them all.
What is your motto?
To keep learning and help when and where I can.
Thank you, Jennifer. You are living your motto at ARF.
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Alice |

Alice is a darling 3-year-old Chihuahua mix who wants nothing more than a family to snuggle and kiss. Once she gets to know you, she is becomes silly and bouncy. This petite girl will become your instant shadow as all she wants to do is please you. Alice is rated for kids 10 and up and gets along with most other dogs |

Telluride is a handsome boy with a very charming personality. This 3 year old loves to be near you and enjoys getting lots of chin scratches. If you are looking for a playful guy that doesn’t mind cuddling, look no further Telluride is your man. Telluride is a Personal Assistant, rated for kids 5 and up, and may be best as an only kitty because he doesn’t like sharing the spot light. |
Telluride |
Meet Alice and Telluride 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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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 (now Cally): Her lady-like manners, wanting affection and sitting next to me on the couch are my favorite things about Cally. Her curiosity is so fun to watch! She watches the rabbits but never bothers them.
Cally and I are a good pair. She is at the door when I come home and wants to be petted. She still doesn't want to be picked up for a long time, but purrs when I hold her. She sits on the back of the couch, touches my hair (if I haven't pet her for awhile) then goes back to sleep. From day one she comes when I call her. I'm lucky to have her. She has a quiet life and can just be herself.
Our transition was so smooth that it would be hard to explain what I expected and what happened. We bonded immediately. She comes up for attention and then finds a place to lay down so she can see where I am. I think that's cute.
We belong together.
~ Ginny |
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Hollis Brown (now Shiloh): It is hard to pick one favorite thing about this wonderful little guy. He has such a charming, warm, sweet personality and has totally been captivating us! We have been using the crate training and it has been going well. Shiloh has brought a lot of happiness into our home and has filled a void left when our dog of 16 years died in December. I am attaching a photo of him with my daughters after they gave him his first bath.
Thanks again.
Nolan Family
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We are wagging our tails about our red hot, red dot September specials! Find the red dots and save 40% off of the regular marked price. Save on items throughout the store including clothing, cookware, appliances and furniture. Shop early for the best selection. Sale runs September 1 - 30, 2009.
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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